...“[I] Shall Sleep No More”: How Self Respect Affects One’s Response to Justice in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” William Shakespeare’s psychological drama “The Tragedy of Macbeth” follows a highly respected soldier caught between his morality and his passion for power. As a result of Macbeth’s overconfidence and fatuitous expectations, he goes down a tragic path ultimately isolating himself from others and leading to his downfall. It is obvious that Macbeth’s mind starts degenerating after murdering King Duncan for his selfish interests. When Macbeth overtakes the throne he uses the crown as an impenetrable shield which eradicates all justice that blocks his path. As Macbeth gets comfortable on his blood covered throne, he does not realize...
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...“It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.” (Aung San Suu Kyi) In the tragedy Macbeth by William Shakespeare, a man named Macbeth is approached by three witches who tell him his future. Macbeth tells his wife Lady Macbeth and they plan and follow-though with killing the king for power. Macbeth gets in over his head with the desire for absolute power and fears that his friend’s son will kill him for power as the witches predicted so he sends hit men to kill his friend and his son. William Shakespeare uses personification, diction, and characterization in Macbeth to reveal the theme of power corrupting innocent people. Shakespeare...
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...From the beginning of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is viewed as very controlling, strong, and certain; saying that Macbeth ‘Shalt be what thou art promised’. This illustrates Lady Macbeth’s position in the relationship, she is ordering Macbeth to become what the witches have foreseen. We see just how powerful Lady Macbeth is, if she can command her husband to murder the king of Scotland. Her power is also shown in the way she taunts Macbeth, saying he is ‘too full of the milk of human kindness’. This shows how cold Lady Macbeth is, as milk is the food of new born children, she is implying Macbeth is too much like a kind child to murder anyone, which is another method used to spur Macbeth on into killing Duncan. Her coldness and control is again shown when she begins to plot Duncan’s murder with Macbeth, she says he should ‘look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it’, more advice for the killing of his king, and ‘leave the rest to me’ shows her cool control over the matter. Lady Macbeth also shows a more helpful side, offering help. ‘I may pour my spirits in thine ear’, which although apparently providing a contrast to her cold hearted plotting earlier, is in fact another way in which she is convincing Macbeth to kill Duncan. Her words propose sweetness, but are in fact rooted in evil, and this perhaps shows an ‘innocent flower’ side to Lady Macbeth. Macbeth, however, is on the other end of the scale in their relationship, and this is seen once he plucks...
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...Whether the feeling is a tinge or consuming, the effects of it may be deadly, to say the least. In the tragic play Macbeth, written by the infamous William Shakespeare in the 1600s, the sense of fear within Macbeth was one that had been engraved onto his mind; not shying away from demolishing all bits of sanity. The anxiety of losing all power, in which he gains through colourful acts, is what provokes Macbeth to dive into the pit of insanity. The relationships an individual has in their life can often set the path to a battle with their own power, which then shapes the critical events...
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...Ashley 1 Ryan Ashley Mr Grabham Eng4U 11, 11, 11 Division of Power between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, power is shared between the two main characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Even though during the time that the play takes place it is not correct for a woman to have equal, and even in some cases more power than a man, Lady Macbeth is pictured as having such. Her husband allows for equality in their relationship from the beginning scenes. This equality however becomes unbalanced due to different situations and actions than unfold within the play. The change of power is caused by both the power and follies of Macbeth and his wife. These follies and strengths include Lady Macbeth’s intelligence and planning, and her emotions, and for Macbeth, include his determination, and dependence on others. During the play, the balance of power constantly shifts back and forth between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are considered to be equals in the relationship in the beginning scenes. This is shown in how Macbeth addresses her in his letter saying “This have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou might’st not lose the dues of rejoicing,.” (I, V,). He calls her his dearest partner in greatness, which completely goes against what is normal at the time because it is showing equal status, rather than Lady Macbeth as being subservient to her husband. This has a great effect...
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...In different periods of time, the lives of humans and nature were thought to have a connection, and this is emphasized in William Shakespeare's play MacBeth. In this play, unnatural events in nature foreshadow bad or unnatural occurrences in the lives of humans. Through out the play, Shakespeare continuously proves this point. When Ross said "As sparrows eagles or the hare the lion" (I.ii.35), it proves this theory. Common knowledge says that sparrows do not classify as eagles does a hare classify as a lion. They may have similarities, such as they are both birds or mammals, but they are opposites. After the quote is spoken, Ross reveals that the Thane of Cawdor has betrayed his country and Macbeth shall take his place. Macbeth becoming the Thane of Cawdor was an unusual event and not expected. When Macbeth finds the dagger in front of him, it alludes to this point even more. The foreshadowing of Macbeth's choice becomes evident when he says, "Nature seems dead" (II.i.50) For nature to seem dead would be the complete opposite of living because nature is thought to be continuously growing and changing, not dying. This is an unnatural event, that again foreshadows something bad, which is Duncan's death. Other unnatural occurrences happened prior to Duncan's death but were not explained until afterwards. When the old man says "'Tis unnatural / Even like the deed that's done. On Tuesday last A falcon tow'ring in her pride of place, was by a mousing hawk killed"...
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...William Shakespeare's Macbeth, is a tragic story that centers around a brave Scottish general named Macbeth; whose motives and actions were driven by the need and/or want of power. This was greatly shown when Macbeth's life changed when he was given his prophecy from the three witches, his sociopathic tendencies throughout the play, and how he takes extreme measures to protect his crown. In the beginning of the play, they describe Macbeth as a brave and worthy soldier, whom King Duncan thanks for his heroic service in the battle. As it states in Act 1, Scene 2: Duncan. "O valiant cousin! Worthy Gentleman!" Proving at one point, Macbeth was an intelligent, and dignified man who deserved everyone's respect. However, when both generals Macbeth...
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...Macbeth Analysis Brian Williams English 125 Melissa Edison April 22, 2013 Macbeth Analysis The poem that I have selected is Macbeth written by William Shakespeare. I will identify three elements in this poem that I found very engaging/interesting. I will give insight on how these elements affected my personal opinion on this poem. Analyzing how these elements affected my response in its entirety will be the vocal point of my paper. Macbeth is a tragedy and is considered one of Shakespeare’s most powerful poems. Shakespeare introduces Macbeth as a strong, power wanting, and noble fighter. Macbeth talks to the witches in the start of Act 1 scene 3 by commanding them to speak to him and for them to tell him what they are. “Speak if you can. What are you” (Clugston, 2010)? Indicating that Macbeth talks with authority, that he has power over the witches, as he does not politely ask the witches. The way that Macbeth is speaking here is using imperative verbs. Shakespeare here uses language to show us what Macbeth character is like. He also tells us by using language that Macbeth is respected by others at the start of the play. In Act 1 scene 2 it states “O valiant cousin, worthy gentlemen” (Portman, 1995). Duncan expresses this about Macbeth. This reveals that people do respect Macbeth and his bravery proves he has a quite high status. Symbolism plays a prominent role to emphasize the theme of corruption of power. Throughout the play there are several main symbols repeatedly...
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...People die every day, all over the world, but we must question how many of those deaths are the fault of others more powerful than them. In the stories Lord of the Flies, Macbeth and The Rocking Horse Winner, all three authors suggest that people who have power are often overcome with its lustful nature, through Jack, and The Twins, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, Paul and Mother. In The Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses Jack and the Twins to demonstrate the effect of lust overcoming an individual. Jack was given the position of head hunter by Ralph, but soon after receiving this position he became obsessed with the thought of more power. Furthermore, Jack became so obsessed with power that he took the lives of those who stood in his way...
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...“Greed in money, wealth, power, and everything earthly is the cause of all evil in this world.” Shakespeare perfectly illustrates this verse in the tragedy Macbeth. First performed in 1606, Macbeth magnifies the effects both mentally and physically of one who seeks power for there own sake. Macbeth, with assistance from his wife, Lady Macbeth, kills the beloved King Duncan after finding out from the Weird Sisters that he would be king. After the murder, Macbeth starts slowly losing his mind leading to him seeing apparitions and hearing voices. These occurrences lead him to become paranoid causing him to kill off his closest friend Banquo and Macduff’s family. Feeling helpless and alone, not even trusting his own...
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...The Tragedy of Macbeth is riddled with plenty of themes and motifs that can be pointed out throughout the play. One of the most prominent themes is power. It is especially seen in Macbeth’s character, with him being very power hungry. Once he gains the power he desires, he will do anything he must to keep himself from losing it. Other characters have some need for power, whether it be good or evil. The good and evil can be seen as the light and dark aspects of the power. In the play, it is quite obvious that Macbeth possesses dark, evil powers that are full of greed and selfishness, since he is extremely protective over his throne when others try to take it from him. In the opening act, Macbeth is announced Thane of Glamis and then later Thane of Cawdor. He says to himself, “Glamis and Thane of Cawdor! \ The greatest is behind” (1.3.116-17). This was Macbeth’s first taste of power, which helped his thirst for more grow. His wife, Lady Macbeth, also showed a dark sense of power. Once she discovers her husband’s naming to the Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, she goes off into a speech describing how he shall become king next. “. . . Come, thick night, \ And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, \ That my keen knife see not the wound it...
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...Discuss the extent to which Macbeth and Shylock are victims and villains The protagonists of each play, Macbeth and Shylock, both fall victim and succumb to villainous natures, however a difference is apparent between the two in representing these traits. Macbeth more so displays villainous behaviours, whereas Shylock is subjected to ordeals which victimise him. That is not to say that Macbeth does not become victimised, and that Shylock does not contain the capability to carry out acts of a villainous essence, such as going against his faith for power, and losing sense of morality and rationality. Different factors such as race and prejudice are integral to the contextual themes of The Merchant of Venice as anti-Semitic views towards Jews are upheld by the Christians in Venice, placing Shylock in a position of submission and awakening his inner villain, which is the ultimate point of differentiation between the two in terms of being either a villain or a victim. Early in Macbeth it becomes apparent that the witches have corrupted Macbeth, thus falling victim to the supernatural. This causes him to conjure questions, "Why do I yield to that suggestion?", which catalyses a rising action. The word 'suggestion' connotes the idea is being fed to him via a supernatural force, and that it is uncontrollable as he 'yields' to it. "My thought, whose murder is fantastical, shakes my state", emphasises how much Macbeth is against the idea of murder, shining light on how these thoughts are a...
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...Title: Macbeth Analysis Instructor: Erin Schwartz English 125 Introduction to literature Amanda Manley 11/25/2013 Macbeth Analysis The poem that I have selected is Macbeth written by William Shakespeare. I will identify three elements in this poem that I found very engaging/interesting. I will give insight on how these elements affected my personal opinion on this poem. Analyzing how these elements affected my response in its entirety will be the vocal point of my paper. Macbeth is a tragedy and is considered one of Shakespeare’s most powerful poems. Shakespeare introduces Macbeth as a strong, power wanting, and noble fighter. Macbeth talks to the witches in the start of Act 1 scene 3 by commanding them to speak to him and for them to tell him what they are. “Speak if you can. What are you” (Clugston, 2010)? Indicating that Macbeth talks with authority, that he has power over the witches, as he does not politely ask the witches. The way that Macbeth is speaking here is using imperative verbs. Shakespeare here uses language to show us what Macbeth character is like. He also tells us by using language that Macbeth is respected by others at the start of the play. In Act 1 scene 2 it states “O valiant cousin, worthy gentlemen” (Portman, 1995). Duncan expresses this about Macbeth. This reveals that people do respect Macbeth and his bravery proves he has a quite high status. Symbolism plays a prominent role to emphasize the theme of corruption of power. Throughout the...
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...The Fall of Lady Macbeth Lady Macbeth is seen as a calculating factor in Macbeth’s life. She is able to manipulate his action, which in turn affects the events in the drama. However, midway through the play, she loses control of Macbeth. Lady Macbeth played as the leader throughout the play. Lady Macbeth was the catalyst that lead Macbeth to do things he couldn’t of done on his own. Macbeth was highly ambitious, but Lady Macbeth was even more so. Without Lady Macbeth, the tragic downfall of Macbeth wouldn’t of happened. To begin, Lady Macbeth uses Macbeth as the stepping stool to the throne. Lady Macbeth wants the power, and she knows Macbeth would do anything for her because he loves her. Lady Macbeth makes it clear that she is the...
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...not to behave in a violent way. They may have mean thoughts but choose to act with kindness. This suggests that how we choose to act defines character. Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a dramatic demonstration that proves it is not one's secret thoughts that determine character; it is one's behaviour. If a person submits to their thoughts then they can be destroyed. A person’s actions can have a negative impact ultimately leading to their demise. Macbeth is a character who validates this statement: he has a shallow persona and he is ambitious. However, he has few redeeming qualities to back him up: at the beginning he is portrayed as a heroic man which makes his decline so tragic. Macbeth is also easily manipulated. Macbeth’s character is defined by his negative behaviour which eventually results in his downfall; he acts on his insecurities and his ambition in a violent and ruthless way and chooses to abandon his morals. Many people in life do not have the ability to look beneath the surface of a situation: they have a shallow mindset which affects their ability to see the bigger picture. The character Macbeth is one of these people; he rarely considers the “bigger picture” when dealing with a complicated situation. When the witches reveal, “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none” (I, i, 70), Macbeth is threatened by the prospect of Banquo’s bloodline gaining power: When first they [witches] put the name of king upon me And bade them speak to him. Then, prophet-like, ...
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