...Towards the end of the play Macbeth has fully transformed into a bloodthirsty tyrant. However, he realizes that he has transformed from a hero to a tyrant due to negative manipulation of Lady Macbeth. This is evident when blood is used to symbolise guilt as Macbeth states “am in blood stepp’d in so far, that, should I wade no more returning were as tedious as go o’er” This displays how he has acknowledged his actions and desire to travel back in time when he hasn’t committed murder, but he “stepped in so far” that there is no way of escaping from guilt. This symbolism help us comprehend how Macbeth is not a vile man but he is allured by evil as he once used to be a man that was idolised. Despite his realization of consequences of his actions, there is no way of returning as he must continue killing inorder to reserve what he has earned....
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...Symbolism, Chaos and Disorder Symbolism is the use of symbols to indicate or represent a concept or idea. Symbols are used in literature to give things a meaning beyond their literal one, and as a way for readers to see further than what is stated in text. This allows them to come to their own conclusions and it contributes to the theme and mood of the text to make it more effective. In Macbeth, nature symbolism is used to reflect the events in society through the weather atmosphere, and animals. Light and darkness imagery is used in correlation with chaos as well; night and darkness being used to cloak evil, and light and dark used to suggest the occurrence of evil events . Sleeplessness, another symbol, is also used to show how the chaos causes the characters in Macbeth to fall apart, from how they caused sleeplessness for themselves to how it drives them to self destruct. In William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, symbols are constantly used to illustrate growing chaos, evil and destruction which suggests that Scotland is on a path to its downfall. First of all, the motif of nature and disruption in the natural world is used to suggest that something unsettling has or will happen. For one, animals are used to illustrate the chaos occurring after Duncan's death. In the scene...
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...Being Macbeth ENG 125 Instructor: Sahag Gureghian 03/11/2014 Being MacBeth Talk about a difficult read! Macbeth is definitely a difficult read, but it is also a very good read. There is something about the way it is written that has you raising your eyebrow and widening your eyes, as well as, questioning what was just read. Shakespeare used many elements when writing Macbeth. He was able to express each and every idea vividly using the elements. The three elements that I chose to discuss in this essay are foreshadowing, symbolism, and language. The first element that I would like to discuss is foreshadowing. A lot of foreshadowing took place in Macbeth. Clugston defines foreshadowing as “a technique a writer uses to hint or suggest what the outcome of an important conflict or situation in a narrative will be” (2010). Sometimes when foreshadowing is used in Macbeth it is very unclear of what the outcome will be. When you read a certain part and think one thing, Shakespeare uses foreshadowing and the reader is left asking questions and wondering what will happen, and why. In Act 1 Scene 1, the three witches are talking about Macbeth. They are discussing Macbeth’s future during thunder and lightning. I believe that not only does the witches conversation lead the reader to believe that something will happen, but the thunder and lightning also play an important role in what is to come for Macbeth. In scene 3, the witches appear again. This time they are not alone....
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...The play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare and is about Macbeth, a general In the Scottish army. After Macbeth bravely defeats all of his enemies three witches come to him and predict that he is to be Thane of Cawdor and the king of Scotland. Propelled by greed and his wife's ambitions, he kills King Duncan and seizes the throne. Because of their deeds Macbeth and lady Macbeth become dominated in guilt and paranoia. To protect himself, he commits more murders and becomes an oppressive tyrant. In the end Macbeth is defeated in a gruesome battle full of surprises. William Shakespeare uses symbolism and foreshadowing to convey how greed and ambition can lead to the downfall of your morals and even your life. Symbolism is a powerful tool used by most writers as it brings the more depth and profoundness. Shakespeare uses symbolism many times throughout the play Macbeth, one example of this is when he writes “ Come out, damned spot! Out, I command you! One, two. OK, it’s time to do it now (5.1.2).” This is when lady Macbeth has gone insane under the weight of the guilt and knowledge of the crimes she has been apart of. in this line she is trying to get out a spot on her hand. The spot on her...
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...Shakespeare’s Macbeth uses three main literary elements throughout the play. In this paper I will discuss the symbolism, irony, and metaphors portrayed thought this play. I will use the play from our required text from the Ashford University online book, “Journey into Literature “by R.W Clugston, Ch.14.3 (2010). The parts leading up to, during, and after the murder of the character Duncan shows these three literary elements to their fullest. The use of symbolism, irony, and metaphors has captured my attention, and I find it interesting on how they all tie in together. Symbolism is defined as “One thing stands for another.” (Wikipedia). In the play Macbeth, I believe that Shakespeare uses symbolism to capture the reader’s attention and keep it thought the entire piece. For an example when Lady Macbeth helped commit the murder of Duncan, she could not escape her feelings and emotions of compassion and the guilt became overwhelming which drove her insane. Lady Macbeth dreaming of a blood on her hands is how Shakespeare portrays her guilt. “Out, damned spot! Out, I say! (Clugston, 2010, Shakespeare Act V scene 1). The blood is symbolic of Lady Macbeth’s guilt of the murder. According to our book, irony is “created when a discrepancy or contradiction occurs between what is expected to happen and what actually happens in a situation (situation irony) or in an expressed statement (verbal irony). (Clugston, 2010). Shakespeare uses irony to connect the murder of Duncan and Lady Macbeth going...
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...In the play, The Tragedy of Macbeth, William Shakespeare develops the theme of hunger for power through the use of irony, foreshadowing, and symbolism. Shakespeare ultimately proves that hunger for power can mislead a person from situations and turn good intentions, to bad intentions all because of there blind lust. Power, as grand as it may be, can always be misleading. William Shakespeare, often called the English national poet, is widely considered the greatest dramatist of all time. Known throughout the world, the works of William Shakespeare have been performed, taught, and studied for more than 400 years. William Shakespeare was born in 1564 to a successful middle-class glove maker in Stratford Upon-Avon, and created the play “Macbeth” in 1606. In 1582 William at the age of 18, married an older woman named Anne Hathaway. They had three children, Susanna, Hamnet and Juliet. Their only son Hamnet died aged just 11. By the early Seventeenth Century, Shakespeare had begun to write plays in the genre of tragedy. These plays, such as Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth and King Lear, often hinge on some fatal flaw in the lead character, and provide intriguing insights into the darker aspects of human nature. You can now see where this comes into play in other situations Macbeth is a play of contradiction and ambition. Macbeth, a well-known war general driven to become King, killed not only King Duncan to receive his kingship, but also all the heirs to the thrown which happened...
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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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...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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...conscious. This essay will analyse how the titular character in the text, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare struggles to find a way to deal with guilt and how it leads him to dwell on negative thoughts than on positive. As a consequence, his mind becomes entirely obsessed with murder, hatred and depression which affects his judgement and reflects on his actions throughout the novel. In general this text comprehensively uses symbolism of blood, supernatural forces...
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...Lady Macbeth utilized figurative language in the genesis of her soliloquy, and begins her account with symbolism. Lady Macbeth speaks of a raven that she has been hearing outside, which symbolizes a bearer of misfortune. First of all, ravens are traditionally black, which is a color associated with death. Ravens are also considered to be omens in many cultures, as they usually flock around dead animals. This is the first piece of foreshadowing the death of King Duncan. In conjunction with the symbolism, she foretells of King Duncan’s death with an euphemism. Lady Macbeth informs of a raven who “croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan,” which is a euphemism for death. The key word that hints at the usage of the euphemism is the word croaks, most commonly used when describing death without employing the use of the actual word itself. Not only is the raven foreshadowing the King’s death, but it is hoarse from doing so; the descriptive qualities assert the inevitable death of the King. Additionally, the usage of “fatal” with the euphemism further instills the forthcoming of the King’s death. Lady Macbeth contributes to the audience’s understanding of the upcoming situation by figuratively mentioning the death of the King....
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...denotes that because every human being has a brain, they also possess the ability to think and act in a malicious and inhumane manner. Considering this, William Golding, the author of Lord of the Flies, illustrates that uncivil behaviour will prevail on the adult-free island. In a like manner, Macbeth by Shakespeare gives insight to the lengths people will go to so that one can achieve personal profits at a rapid pace. Through similar fashions, both novels depict the true nature of human beings. Similarities between the characters of Jack from the Lord of the Flies and Macbeth from Macbeth reveal that power and greed is the root of all evil. In addition, the use of knives and representation of blood in both novels plays large roles in the quests for power. Also, similarities in plot structure help to further establish the sinful nature of humans. One can conclude that both Macbeth and Lord of the Flies give insight to the fact that human nature is predominantly evil through the characterization of Jack and Macbeth, symbolism of knives and blood and similarities within plot structure. Initially, the predominantly evil aspects of human nature show through the characterization of Jack and Macbeth. In the Lord of the Flies, the society the boys live in begins to crumble as Jack becomes less and less civil while the others follow. Jack quickly turns from an innocent young boy to an uncivil animal, “He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself but at an awesome stranger… the mask was...
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...Macbeth vs. Macbeth Retold Most people believe that books are absolutely better than movies because movies have a tendency to be incomplete, either from lack of important details or from different interpretations and setting, but Macbeth retold has proven that it is one to watch, not only does it have great actors and a stupendous storyline, it has also stayed fateful to the context of tragedy that makes Macbeth a true literary work. The British Broadcasting Company’s Macbeth Retold, directed by Mark Brozel, is truly an amazing film because of it stunning cinematography and plot, with actors like James McAvoy (Joe Macbeth), Keeley Hawes (Ella Macbeth), Joseph Millson (Billy or Banquo), Vincent Regan (Duncan), Richard Armitage (Peter Macduff) and Toby Keebel (Malcolm). Together with its faithfulness to Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the tragedy that is shown, Macbeth Retold is truly a great adaptation of its original book. Although the original book, Macbeth, and its modern adaptation, Macbeth Retold, have some similarities, their differences are still quite evident, such as the language that is used, the setting and the characters. Macbeth and Macbeth Retold both exhibit how greed and a hunger for power can destroy a person’s kindness and righteousness. Macbeth Retold is a truly tragic story set in modern Scotland. Joe Macbeth is the head chef of a famous restaurant known for its delicious and mouthwatering food, along side his wife, Ella Macbeth, who is the manager and...
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...Acton once said, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Macbeth by William Shakespeare is the tragic story about the kind of destruction ambition and the struggle for power can cause. Even the noblest of people are corrupted by the idea of power and will do anything to achieve it. Symbolism, irony, foil, theme, and imagery are some of the literary elements and techniques Shakespeare uses to portray Macbeth, the protagonist, as a greedy tyrant willing to sacrifice all others to accomplish his goals. Shakespeare not only represents Macbeth as the protagonist, but also as an antagonist to himself and others in the play. The author characterizes Macbeth at first as an honorable man willing to fight for the freedom of his kingdom. Shakespeare foreshadows to the reader a developing change within Macbeth’s character after his encounter with the Weird Sisters. His convene with the witches arouses in Macbeth the idea of becoming king. The motivation for Macbeth to become king spurs from the prophecies told by the witches in the beginning acts of the play, which were evidently coming true as he gained the title “Thane of Cawdor” as the prophecy stated. Below the surface Macbeth is a melting pot of emotions, which engaged his character in the idea of becoming a supreme ruler undoubtedly causing him to commit shameless acts. The character of Macbeth is usually described as being flawed by ambition, but this interpretation is not...
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...Sandra Shibu IB English 11- Macbeth- Reflective Statement Mr. Rader 7 January 2015 Word Count: 308 My understanding of the contextual and cultural considerations is developed through the interactive oral. In William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, there are many significant concepts, discussed among the group members. The setting of this play is during the 17th century in Scotland, and it is written in the Elizabethan era. Time and place plays a great role in the play, since many factors such as supernatural belief comes into attention. During the Elizabethan era, people believed in sorcery and magic when they were in troubles and in time of their needs. Throughout the play, the reader could easily understand Macbeth’s intention in killing Duncan, as well as several other character. The reader might however find it difficult to understand the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, since Shakespeare didn't give an in-depth on the situation. When connecting the play to my experience, and my group members, women are portrayed as a weaker role in society, no matter how powerful they would become. During the Elizabethan era, woman were not noticed, and they were considered below the masculine power. Today, even though the women’s power seems to increase over time, the men are still holistically considered superior. Out of the many literary elements are used in this play, some are considered essential. Foreshadowing is significant since it is used in the play to decipher the clues...
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...In the play of Macbeth, it displays multiple forms of symbolism, one most used symbol is blood. In Macbeth, blood symbolizes mainly murder and guilt but it is used in different ways and interpret different meanings. The blood characterizes Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. During the play, Macbeth murdered a number of people. Macdonwald was the Thane of Cawdor and Macbeth decided to kill him because he wanted to be awarded the title of being the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth had a hunger for being superior to everyone, it was something he strived for. King Duncan made his son Malcolm successor which boiled up Macbeth’s anger and resulted to him killing Duncan. The three witches told him that he would most likely become king for doing so but he believed...
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