- Macbeth is an interestingly contradictory character
- apparently peerless warrior, but is submissive to his overbearing wife
- has ambitions for the throne, but still has morality (or he at least lacks the disregard for human life of Lady Macbeth)
- Why does he want the throne? Political? Egotistical?
- Described as being fearless, but recoils at the witches
- Either Macbeth is not what he appears, or the witches are really just that horrendous
- could be both, obviously
- The witches are certainly not a pretty sight, but are they actively malicious?
- there's allusions to their wicked deeds, but what do they gain from the telling of Macbeth's future?
- Maybe not, could just be a convenient method of both foreshadowing and establishing a context for morality
- Banquo is less disturbed by the witches
- indicates that he is more used to their evil?
- What does Banquo think of Macbeth?
- friendly, rival, etc.
- Lady Macbeth is arguably more evil than the witches
- does Macbeth realize how easily he is goaded and manipulated?
Friday, April 12, 2013
Macbeth Act I: Thoughts and Notes -- Barely Awake Edition
I'm tired right now, so apologies if this post falls short. And no, this late night (early morning?) post is not because of procrastination for once. Well, not mostly.
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I really like how your notes are your thoughts as you read rather than just a summary. What do you think motivated Macbeth? And why do you view him as "peerless"? Could you comment to my notes as well?
ReplyDeleteAn interesting line of thought is that Macbeth may be tired of hearing from his wife how inadequate he is. Maybe he thinks that by taking the throne he will prove himself?
DeleteI should clarify: I don't personally think Macbeth is peerless. Shakespeare actually seems to point out some of Macbeth's flaws early on (namely that he seems insecure). I was just pointing out that in the realm of warfare he seems to be incredibly dominant (if his steaming-bloody-sword intro is to be trusted) while off the battlefield he is quite the opposite.
Thanks for the comment, I'll make sure to comment on yours as well!
As to be expected from a next-gen machine like yourself. Nice in depth thoughts notes and not summarized. Interesting questions as well.
ReplyDeleteI think the witches are technically more evil than Lady Macbeth because there true nature is to be evil and it's to be expected. I think Lady Macbeth however gives off a more evil feeling because her actions and thoughts are not expected from a mother. Whether or not which one is technically more evil is almost irrelevant because Lady Macbeth is presented in a way that makes out to be a worse villain than witches. What do you think?
Very good point. I suppose nowadays we're a bit more conditioned to friendly witches and wizards, but in Shakespeare's time the mere existence of the supernatural is the embodiment of evil. Very interesting look at how a society's expectations can affect something as seemingly black and white as good and evil. Thanks for the comment!
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