Macbeth ::: Project ETERNITY

Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, based loosely on the historical King Macbeth of Scotland. Scholars think it an archetypal Jacobean play with plenty of references to the reign of James I, and place its composition around 1608.

There is considerable evidence that the text of the play as we have it incorporates later revisions by Thomas Middleton, which insert popular passages (notably extra scenes involving the witches, for such scenes proved highly popular with audiences) from his own play The Witch (1615).

Actors often consider this play to be 'unlucky', and usually refer to it as 'the Scottish play' rather than by name. To say the name of the play inside a theatre is considered to doom the production to failure.

On the stage, Lady Macbeth is seen by many as one of the most challenging roles in Western theater for women. She is driven mad for her part in the king's crimes and dies off stage in the final act.

The play is one of Shakespeare's most popular works—as well as his shortest tragedy—and is frequently performed at professional and community theatres around the world. It is seen as an archetypal tale of dangers of the lust for power and betrayal of friends.

Recurring motifs

Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that help develop and relate to major themes. One of the motifs in Macbeth are the visions Macbeth sees. Macbeth sees an imaginary bloody knife in the air pointing to King Duncan’s resting chamber “Is this not a dagger which I see before me, the hand toward my hand” (Act II Scene I). Macbeth knows what he is doing will change his life. Committing regicide is a sin that can’t be forgiven. Macbeth also may have seen this vision through the supernatural powers of the three witches or maybe just a hallucination from drinking too much wine. Lady Macbeth believes there is blood on her hands that won’t come off “Out damned spot! Out I say!” (Act 5 Scene 1). Lady Macbeth here is sleepwalking and spot is being referred to as blood stained hands. Lady Macbeth can’t cleanse herself of the guilt of plotting King Duncan’s murder.

Blood and the shedding of it are recurring symbols that run from the beginning of the play to its end. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth’s army has just defeated Norwegian invaders in a gruesome battle. A captain in mortally wounded and the king remarks on it, “What bloody man is that? He can report, as seemeth by his plight” (Act I Scene II). The shedding of blood continues throughout the play until the very end when Macbeth is slain by Macduff “Hail King! For so thou art: behold, where stands Th’ usurpers cursed head”. Macduff then shows Malcom, the new king, Macbeth’s head dripping with blood. Blood can also be shown as representing guilt. When Macbeth kills King Duncan blood on his hand symbolizes guilt. Later in the play, Lady Macbeth will remark of the blood on her hands.

Macbeth is filled with literary devices more so than the three aforementioned. There are also different possibilities and other for the themes, motifs, and symbolism. All of the literary devices help the readers see deeper into subtle meanings. For example, the theme that ambition can be a morally corrupting agent is never out right stated; instead, it is only implied.

Shakespeare's sources

Film versions

Opera versions

Adaptations

External links

Category: English Renaissance plays

Category:Operas

Category:Shakespearean tragedies

Category:Theatre characters

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