This play is upsetting because you just cannot help but feel sorry for Macbeth. He was a man that just wanted to achieve greatness and become an admired and respected figure, but with the presence of negativity and ill-intentions he was steered in a completely wrong direction to lead him to that path.
Macbeth crossed the Rubicon and was way passed the point of no return and it is just unfortunate that a man with so much promise had to succumb to such pressures and misleading. With the right people Macbeth could have attained so much and became the man he had always imagined himself being.
Macbeth just demonstrated that no one is immune to making mistakes, regardless of the status they may have. Temptation and greed are silent killers and do not care what social group a person may fall into, but will strike no matter the circumstances.
Macbeth had no idea that his future would be so dire, even with the warnings from the three witches, which parallels people that disregard signs that forewarn them of the people that they have the possibility of becoming. In life, "battles are lost and won" and "fair is foul" but if you are unwilling to recognize the bad and evil that exists you could fall victim to such disasters.
It is important to be aware of those around you and claim to have your best interests and mind. This just shows that everything has a price and challenges how far you are willing to go to achieve your goals. What is important is to keep your integrity and sanity and to not fall to the pressures of life. There is always a snake waiting in the grass ready to bite an unsuspecting victim, however, through experience and time hopefully that snake will never get that opportunity to take that advantage.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Macbeth-A Tragedy
This story epitomizes a tragedy because since the beginning of the play, Macbeth doubted killing Duncan and believed he was going against the natural order of nature. His wife instills within his mind that the only way he will be capable of reaching the thrown is if he kills the king, and by going along with his wife, he is going against his own nature.
Tragedies are so troubling because the main character is the type of person the audience grows to admire and like. Macbeth was a good man, that had good and noble intentions; but because of the influence of stronger and more evil powers, he succumbed to the pressure of it all. Ambition was Macbeth's downfall; he is a tragic character because he rose so high to drop so far down into the perils of success. Ambition tested how far Macbeth was willing to go to attain the power his wife was seeking for him.
Macbeth was brave, had an honorable name, was courageous in battle, and adored by his peers. He was on the rise to greatness, and due to the temptation of success and power, he lost sight of all that was important. Everything was instructing him that this plan created by Lady Macbeth was horrible and not worth going through with; he had been receiving good fortune without having to murder.
However, through the manipulation of Lady Macbeth, Macbeth fell victim to his own ambition was an ideal person to mold after for a tragic character.
Tragedies show that despite how high someone may rise, one fatal mistake can cause them to fall crashing down; and it does not always mean that this tragic character was always a bad and immoral person, but instead weak in regards to the power of suggestion and persuasion.
Tragedies are so troubling because the main character is the type of person the audience grows to admire and like. Macbeth was a good man, that had good and noble intentions; but because of the influence of stronger and more evil powers, he succumbed to the pressure of it all. Ambition was Macbeth's downfall; he is a tragic character because he rose so high to drop so far down into the perils of success. Ambition tested how far Macbeth was willing to go to attain the power his wife was seeking for him.
Macbeth was brave, had an honorable name, was courageous in battle, and adored by his peers. He was on the rise to greatness, and due to the temptation of success and power, he lost sight of all that was important. Everything was instructing him that this plan created by Lady Macbeth was horrible and not worth going through with; he had been receiving good fortune without having to murder.
However, through the manipulation of Lady Macbeth, Macbeth fell victim to his own ambition was an ideal person to mold after for a tragic character.
Tragedies show that despite how high someone may rise, one fatal mistake can cause them to fall crashing down; and it does not always mean that this tragic character was always a bad and immoral person, but instead weak in regards to the power of suggestion and persuasion.
Macbeth-Passage Analysis
In the first Act in scene five, there is an important passage that displayed the importance of gender roles and the reversal of them. Lady Macbeth initiates the switch and she sets the tone that will occur between the relationship with her and her husband.
Lady Macbeth is worried and aprehensive of whether or not Macbeth will be capable of killing Duncan to attain his ambition to the throne. She takes on the role of being the dominant and authoritative figure while her husband possesses the traits of the woman, feeling fear, guilt and second thoughts on carrying out the plan. Macbeth withholds the actual compassion out of the two, a quality associated with women. Lady Macbeth has no remorse for her plans or actions, she believes that the means justify the ends; whereas Macbeth cannot hide his emotions and empathy for others.
In the line "unsex me here" it blatently states that Lady Macbeth wants the brutal instincts and capabilities of a man so she can execute the "direst cruelty." She wants her husband to "look like the innocent flower" to deceit Duncan and wants Macbeth to "leave all rest to me." Lady Macbeth is taking ultimate control of the situation, showing her inner dominance and ridding herself of feminine weakness.
Comparing her husband to an "innocent flower" shows how much she disregards his presence and significance in the relationship. She whole heartedly believes that she is the prominant person in the marriage and that without her, nothing would get accomplished because Macbeth does not possess the qualities of a true leader.
Lady Macbeth wants the responsiblity of managing everything; she thrives on having power over others and determing the fate of those around her. She believes in herself and is does not possess insecurity despite the fact that she is a woman, when woman held little power. Macbeth is overpowered by Lady Macbeth's qualities and because of that he begins to fade and all that he once stood for is cast aside for fear of his wife's wrath and not living up to the standard of society as being the head of the household.
Lady Macbeth is worried and aprehensive of whether or not Macbeth will be capable of killing Duncan to attain his ambition to the throne. She takes on the role of being the dominant and authoritative figure while her husband possesses the traits of the woman, feeling fear, guilt and second thoughts on carrying out the plan. Macbeth withholds the actual compassion out of the two, a quality associated with women. Lady Macbeth has no remorse for her plans or actions, she believes that the means justify the ends; whereas Macbeth cannot hide his emotions and empathy for others.
In the line "unsex me here" it blatently states that Lady Macbeth wants the brutal instincts and capabilities of a man so she can execute the "direst cruelty." She wants her husband to "look like the innocent flower" to deceit Duncan and wants Macbeth to "leave all rest to me." Lady Macbeth is taking ultimate control of the situation, showing her inner dominance and ridding herself of feminine weakness.
Comparing her husband to an "innocent flower" shows how much she disregards his presence and significance in the relationship. She whole heartedly believes that she is the prominant person in the marriage and that without her, nothing would get accomplished because Macbeth does not possess the qualities of a true leader.
Lady Macbeth wants the responsiblity of managing everything; she thrives on having power over others and determing the fate of those around her. She believes in herself and is does not possess insecurity despite the fact that she is a woman, when woman held little power. Macbeth is overpowered by Lady Macbeth's qualities and because of that he begins to fade and all that he once stood for is cast aside for fear of his wife's wrath and not living up to the standard of society as being the head of the household.
Taming of the Shrew-Reflection
I think it is pretty amazing that Shakespeare's plays are still being used in today's society. It is refreshing to know that brilliant writing will not go unnoticed or under appreciated by any generation; his works are being adapted to fit with the times (10 Things I Hate About You one of the funniest movies).
Even though the play's themes were disturbing because of its degrading reference to women, it can also be viewed as a good thing, because it finally shed light on the troubling matter.
However, sometimes the writing was downright confusing because there were so many characters involved and they were disguised and lying about their backgrounds that it forced its readers to pay close attention to the details. This was the type of play that definitely needed to be seen and not read because there were so many characters and stories occurring that you could get lost in the mix of it all, but if it were laid out in front of you, clearly outlining which character was which, it would be easier to comprehend.
Personally, I like the revamped version of 10 Things I Hate About You because although Heath Ledger's character, Patrick, wanted to tame Kat, he did not deliberately try and force her to become someone different. He wanted her to become just a better person overall. He wanted her to see the good in others and the good in life instead of always looking for the negative. However, in The Taming of the Shrew Petruchio wanted to change her because she was not the ideal woman; whereas in the movie, Patrick did not want her to change to be a better woman, but a better person. Once he saw the beauty in her, he did not want to change those imperfections because that made her, her.
It is pretty amazing how Shakespeare's writing can transcend into modern times and mold into what is now deemed as acceptable or inappropriate.
Even though the play's themes were disturbing because of its degrading reference to women, it can also be viewed as a good thing, because it finally shed light on the troubling matter.
However, sometimes the writing was downright confusing because there were so many characters involved and they were disguised and lying about their backgrounds that it forced its readers to pay close attention to the details. This was the type of play that definitely needed to be seen and not read because there were so many characters and stories occurring that you could get lost in the mix of it all, but if it were laid out in front of you, clearly outlining which character was which, it would be easier to comprehend.
Personally, I like the revamped version of 10 Things I Hate About You because although Heath Ledger's character, Patrick, wanted to tame Kat, he did not deliberately try and force her to become someone different. He wanted her to become just a better person overall. He wanted her to see the good in others and the good in life instead of always looking for the negative. However, in The Taming of the Shrew Petruchio wanted to change her because she was not the ideal woman; whereas in the movie, Patrick did not want her to change to be a better woman, but a better person. Once he saw the beauty in her, he did not want to change those imperfections because that made her, her.
It is pretty amazing how Shakespeare's writing can transcend into modern times and mold into what is now deemed as acceptable or inappropriate.
Taming of the Shrew- a Comedy
Comedies, on the surface, seem as though they are only about making the audience laugh and enjoy themselves for that brief time of entertainment; however, they are also about bringing to light some of society's issues or tendencies. However, comedies are capable of focusing on a message in a roundabout way so that the audience is still laughing and pleased, yet they are questioning their own lifestyles and motives once the play is finished.
Shakespeare's comedies like The Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night's Dream revolve around confusion and misunderstanding, resulting in countless laughs because the only people that are aware of all the mishaps and misfortunes is the audience. The characters in the play are oblivious to everything that is going awry; however, the audience members see the train wreck unfold scene by scene. Shakespeare's comedies have premises that could be tragedies, but the way in which he tells the story it is hilarious and in good fun. He focuses on dreamlike states of the mind, finding comedy in any situation, and the beauty in resolving problems in the simplest ways.
These plays are meant to be seen, not only read, because Shakespeare's plays are about subtlety. His humor focuses on facial expressions, delivery and physical comedy. His brilliance is in not only being capable of making his audience laugh, but forcing his audience to think, reflect and question their own patterns of living and viewing the world and others surrounding them.
The Taming of the Shrew concentrated on societal norms, as well as, gender roles. Shakespeare was able to take two very serious topics and create a story that was not too overbearing or abrasive, but instead, light, witty and charming. Even though his topic may be questionable, it was brilliantly written and was wonderfully executed to meet its criteria for its genre. Comedies are difficult because everyone has a different style of humor, but Shakespeare did not let boundaries of any kind obstruct his path and his stories and messages were able to reach a broader audience because of it.
Shakespeare's comedies like The Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night's Dream revolve around confusion and misunderstanding, resulting in countless laughs because the only people that are aware of all the mishaps and misfortunes is the audience. The characters in the play are oblivious to everything that is going awry; however, the audience members see the train wreck unfold scene by scene. Shakespeare's comedies have premises that could be tragedies, but the way in which he tells the story it is hilarious and in good fun. He focuses on dreamlike states of the mind, finding comedy in any situation, and the beauty in resolving problems in the simplest ways.
These plays are meant to be seen, not only read, because Shakespeare's plays are about subtlety. His humor focuses on facial expressions, delivery and physical comedy. His brilliance is in not only being capable of making his audience laugh, but forcing his audience to think, reflect and question their own patterns of living and viewing the world and others surrounding them.
The Taming of the Shrew concentrated on societal norms, as well as, gender roles. Shakespeare was able to take two very serious topics and create a story that was not too overbearing or abrasive, but instead, light, witty and charming. Even though his topic may be questionable, it was brilliantly written and was wonderfully executed to meet its criteria for its genre. Comedies are difficult because everyone has a different style of humor, but Shakespeare did not let boundaries of any kind obstruct his path and his stories and messages were able to reach a broader audience because of it.
Taming of the Shrew-Passage Analysis
Petruchio is desperately trying to break Kate and have her conform to society's standards of what a woman and wife should be; and, the scene where Katherine and Petruchio are riding into town and he is trying to convince her the bright sun they see is actually the moon is humorous but also alarming.
At first, Katherine argues with Petruchio; making her claim that the reason it is difficult to see into the horizon is because of the brilliant sun, but then Petruchio counters with the moon being the cause for their blindness. Petruchio is unrelenting with his claim, and does not withdraw his statements even when she attempts at making an argument. He belittles her, is condescending, and does not allow her to finish her thoughts because of his reiteration of the moon being present.
Petruchio's stubbornness is comical because he is mirroring the way in which Kate would act; she had the tendency to take the opposite stance regarding issues just to be difficult with her peers, especially men. Petruchio follows Kate's lead and eventually Kate surrenders and calls the sun the moon, which causes Petruchio to recant his original statement and he decides that the moon is actually the sun and Katherine is a liar.
Katherine is being broken by Petruchio and although the scene is quite funny with the way in which Shakespeare writes it-it's witty and quick-its message is anything but endearing. This man's only goal is to suppress this woman's wild and free spirit so she becomes an obeying and obedient housewife. He is not interested in the well-being of her, he is motivated by the idea of conquering her and being the one man that was capable of changing her.
Petruchio never physically abuses Katherine, but mentally she is affected by his methods. During Shakespeare's era it was acceptable for men to abuse their wives, it was the man's responsibility to keep his woman in line, so Petruchio's actions are not deemed inappropriate because he is fulfilling his role in society.
A person trying to change someone to make them better in the long run is respectable, but trying to change someone so they can meet the criteria for conforming within society is discouraging. I'm not saying all of Kate's traits were of the highest standards, or that Petruchio was the root of all evil, but the idea that a woman has to change because she does not fit the mold of what is acceptable is ridiculous.
At first, Katherine argues with Petruchio; making her claim that the reason it is difficult to see into the horizon is because of the brilliant sun, but then Petruchio counters with the moon being the cause for their blindness. Petruchio is unrelenting with his claim, and does not withdraw his statements even when she attempts at making an argument. He belittles her, is condescending, and does not allow her to finish her thoughts because of his reiteration of the moon being present.
Petruchio's stubbornness is comical because he is mirroring the way in which Kate would act; she had the tendency to take the opposite stance regarding issues just to be difficult with her peers, especially men. Petruchio follows Kate's lead and eventually Kate surrenders and calls the sun the moon, which causes Petruchio to recant his original statement and he decides that the moon is actually the sun and Katherine is a liar.
Katherine is being broken by Petruchio and although the scene is quite funny with the way in which Shakespeare writes it-it's witty and quick-its message is anything but endearing. This man's only goal is to suppress this woman's wild and free spirit so she becomes an obeying and obedient housewife. He is not interested in the well-being of her, he is motivated by the idea of conquering her and being the one man that was capable of changing her.
Petruchio never physically abuses Katherine, but mentally she is affected by his methods. During Shakespeare's era it was acceptable for men to abuse their wives, it was the man's responsibility to keep his woman in line, so Petruchio's actions are not deemed inappropriate because he is fulfilling his role in society.
A person trying to change someone to make them better in the long run is respectable, but trying to change someone so they can meet the criteria for conforming within society is discouraging. I'm not saying all of Kate's traits were of the highest standards, or that Petruchio was the root of all evil, but the idea that a woman has to change because she does not fit the mold of what is acceptable is ridiculous.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Richard the III - a history
Shakespeare was capable of writing for the masses, and he was able to take history and create a play for average and elite people alike to relate to and understand. I personally, love learning about history and the story behind great and powerful figures. Richard the III focused on Richard the man, as well as, Richard the ruler.
This play could not just be a fabrication to appeal to the audience because Shakespeare had to be conscious of his genre, and he did not want to mislead his viewers regarding historical content. Although Shakespeare did have literary license to adjust his story to make it as entertaining as possible, he was well aware that he was not just creating a dramatic play of his own, but instead, retelling the tale of the horrible reign of King Richard III.
The writing reflected Shakespeare's attempts to keep the play as accurate as possible; giving speeches to the public, and having conversations and writing from the common people portrayed the relationship between the ruler and state. It was important to represent the feelings and emotions of the regular citizens that Richard was affecting because his role as leader was detrimental to their well-being. There had to be a direct link from Richard's actions to his governed people.
Shakespeare was also making the statement, although, these civilians may be uneducated and under-valued, they are absorbent and aware of ill-behavior. The common townspeople were able to identify Richard's ill-intentions before the revered noblemen were capable of recognizing his evil agenda. Shakespeare was demonstrating that the elite can be easily fooled and although they look down on these meager people, they are not as easily persuaded by powerful names and enticizing status.
This genre of writing is interesting because it must pay attention to the overall affect a ruler has to its people, and as entertaining as the play may be, it is an important story that needs to be told so such actions can be recognized in the future and dramatic events do not have to be suffered. Shakespeare was capable of reaching countless lives, and through his ingenious work, he was able to educate those while entertaining them in the process.
This play could not just be a fabrication to appeal to the audience because Shakespeare had to be conscious of his genre, and he did not want to mislead his viewers regarding historical content. Although Shakespeare did have literary license to adjust his story to make it as entertaining as possible, he was well aware that he was not just creating a dramatic play of his own, but instead, retelling the tale of the horrible reign of King Richard III.
The writing reflected Shakespeare's attempts to keep the play as accurate as possible; giving speeches to the public, and having conversations and writing from the common people portrayed the relationship between the ruler and state. It was important to represent the feelings and emotions of the regular citizens that Richard was affecting because his role as leader was detrimental to their well-being. There had to be a direct link from Richard's actions to his governed people.
Shakespeare was also making the statement, although, these civilians may be uneducated and under-valued, they are absorbent and aware of ill-behavior. The common townspeople were able to identify Richard's ill-intentions before the revered noblemen were capable of recognizing his evil agenda. Shakespeare was demonstrating that the elite can be easily fooled and although they look down on these meager people, they are not as easily persuaded by powerful names and enticizing status.
This genre of writing is interesting because it must pay attention to the overall affect a ruler has to its people, and as entertaining as the play may be, it is an important story that needs to be told so such actions can be recognized in the future and dramatic events do not have to be suffered. Shakespeare was capable of reaching countless lives, and through his ingenious work, he was able to educate those while entertaining them in the process.
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