Category: Macbeth

Introduction

The play ‘Macbeth’ was written by one of the world’s greatest writer’s ‘William Shakespeare’. It is recognised as one of the most tragic stories that has ever been written. He uses numerous characters to develop the downfall of Macbeth. Characters such as Lady Macbeth is one of the most significant protagonists in the play as she manipulated Macbeth to find his quest in becoming the king. Lady Macbeth portrays herself as a hubris character who believed that nothing could stop her as she expressed the spirits to “unsex” her femininity to be released from her body (Act 1, Scene 5, Line 44). Thus, although it is surmised that Lady Macbeth had poor judgements and only desired the best for her husband, she was ultimately ambitious, scheming and cruel which indicates that she is a woman who does not earn the audience’s pity and deserved her fate. Various elements analysed in this study are determined and understood through Lady Macbeth’s ambition to be queen, her behaviour towards Macbeth and the blood on her hands that proved her guilt.

Body

An essential element in act one, scene five showed the audience when Lady Macbeth realised that a prophecy was told by the three witches to Macbeth, saying that he will become the king of Scotland. Factors reveal that she then began portraying her ambition, scheme and cruelty by explaining to herself that “what thou are promised” from the prophecy will allow Macbeth to be the king. Yet, she feared that “thy nature… is too full o’th’ milk of human kindness” as he was an honourable and loyal soldier and not a murderer or traitor to the “nearest way” of becoming the almighty king (Act 1, Scene 5, Line 13-16). Hence, she had faith that the country would be ruled by Macbeth; however, she forced him acquire the crown as cruel as possible by killing the Duncan. From this it can be deduced and provided with an immediate implication that although Lady Macbeth had poor judgements and that she desired the best for her husband, her desire for him to become king by forcing him to kill Duncan was ultimately ambitious, scheming and cruel which shows that she is a woman who does not earn the audience’s pity and that she deserved her fate.

Throughout the end of the same act, killing King Duncan were both in Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s eyes in order to allow them to rule Scotland and for Lady Macbeth to control the nation like no woman ever had in such a male-dominated society. However, her behaviour of forcing Macbeth to kill Duncan was profoundly initiated in her hands as she considers the ideas on completing the plan. An insight into this issue can be gained as she says to Macbeth, “when you durst to do it, then you were a man” in which verbally abused and peer-pressured him to kill Duncan. (Act 1, Scene 7, Line 54). Shakespeare portrays a character who had the confidence to peer pressure such an honourable man as during, the 11th century of Scotland, gender proceedings did not have equality as it was a society of men taking a complete authority towards their wives. Lady Macbeth is an essential character used by Shakespeare to present a powerful woman that can cause such wicked acts and use Macbeth to acquire the scheming “solely sovereign sway and masterdom” that will change her life and nature from a categorised traditional woman to the Queen of Scotland with legitimate power (Act 1, Scene 5, Line 77). On an interpretation of the evidence, it can be therefore represented that Lady Macbeth was ambitious, scheme and cruel in which is an act that the audience does not need to pity and that she deserved her guilt and fate although she only desired the best for her husband by increasing their power willingly.

All of Lady Macbeth’s ambitious, scheming and cruel desires are all demonstrated in the rising tension, for example, Duncan’s blood on her hands and the sleepwalking in which caused her with peripeteia and symbolic guilt. Her visions expressed her anxieties and insaneness. This particular element suggests that Lady Macbeth articulates the cruel acts she caused as she was not able to wash the “damned” blood that was draining through her hands in which then she screamed “out, I say! One- Two” (Act 5, Scene 1, Line 30). She refers “’tis time to do it” to recollect back to Duncan’s murder and clarify that she understands her sins would bring her to the “murky” hell (Act 5, Scene 1, Line 31). Moreover, although she senses the guilt, she believes that Macbeth and her power cannot be “account” and that they were both unstoppable (Act 5, Scene 1, Line 33). However, she senses the effects that caused her mental health as Shakespeare illustrates that Lady Macbeth continued feeling the dripping of “so much blood” that was from Duncan’s body and attached to her hands (Act 5, Scene 1, Line 34). The accumulated evidence, therefore, determines that although she only desired the best for her husband by increasing their power to the nation, her ambition, scheme and cruelty are all established in this interpretation as her complete guilt proves that she does not need the audience’s pity and that she deserved her fate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an application of this interpretation justifies her ambitions from her desire for Macbeth to be king, her behaviour which coercive him to kill Duncan and the effects of guilt from Duncan’s blood that was attached to her hands. This proves this interpretation and that she deserved her fate. Therefore, Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth as an ambitious, scheming and cruel woman who does not deserve the audience’s pity because overall, she proves her malicious desires as she asked the spirits to “unsex” her to express that she is unstoppable (Act 1, Scene 5, Line 44). Thus, although Lady Macbeth caused a fatal flaw, she is entirely malevolent as she was able to commit such evil and impossible tasks that allowed her to attain her dreams.

Guilt is a profound emotion that is uniquely characterized by the complex human nature of individuals and their perspectives. William Shakespeare’s eponymous text Macbeth, written in 1606 embodies prominent values as it demonstrates the uprise of his status and his eventual downfall. The thematic concern of guilt molds life in the text and depicts a significant aspect of Macbeth’s life to increase the understanding of life during the Elizabethan Era.

Shakespeare demonstrated that out of all the virtues and excellence a man can acquire, bravery universally defeats the seemingly impossible adversity. This is precisely portrayed when Macbeth fought the arduous battle depicting his ruthlessness and supreme virtue. “Which smoked with bloody execution, till he unseamed him from the nave to the chops, and fixed his head upon our battlements.” Clearly indicating how Macbeth is a mighty warrior as he leads the Scottish troops to victory over an invading force. The persona’s human nature is undoubtedly the particular defining aspect that evidently surpasses all greatness as he violently kills the enemy displaying no remorse. Shakespeare utilized literary techniques to fabricate the text, and he deliberately used a metaphor when saying “which smoked with bloody execution” to convey the literal meaning of a sword by mentioning the smoke. The utilization of a metaphor was distinctly portrayed as the sword seemed to erupt smoke due to the merciless killing of the enemy. Macbeth’s bravery is depicted as he shows no emotion and does not procrastinate about the consequences as he faces situations upfront. Hence, once the sword came into contact with the enemy, Macbeth split his body open from his navel down to his jaw and placed his head on the sword as a sign of victory. The historical context during the 1600s was a time where men possessed all power and Shakespeare highlighted this issue through all his plays and actors. Macbeth does not only explore his bravery and lack of remorse but also his vulnerable state of being.

Shakespeare illustrates vulnerability through the eyes of the persona denoting the emotional state of Macbeth. This is accurately presented when Macbeth hallucinates the dagger before committing the ultimate sin of regicide. “And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, Which was not so before.” Incorporating a confused tone of voice, Macbeth showcases his psychological nature as he is unable to think clearly. Reinforcing the importance of the character’s state of mind to strengthen the overall atmosphere of the play. Shakespeare applied symbolism to clearly annotate meaning in the text. The blood is symbolized as a constant reminder of guilt even before the crime has been committed and the outcomes of his power. It also serves as an image that provokes Macbeth to reflect in his deeds. Imagery is essentially created to stimulate the reader’s imagination and Shakespeare purposely used this to illustrate Macbeth’s state of delusion as he hallucinates the dagger. Macbeth’s vulnerability is demonstrated as signs and indications of guilt through the persona’s hallucination. Macbeth becomes emotional at the thought of murdering an individual who trusts and values him. The persona does not only experience a vulnerable state of mind but also encounters the consequence of guilt.

Due to unlawful and shameful deeds, Shakespeare exemplifies how a guilty conscience plagues the mind of Macbeth. This is accurately illustrated when Macbeth is distressed about murdering a righteous man while being in a peaceful state. For sleep in Shakespeare is the privilege of the good and the innocent. The voice kept crying. “Sleep no more. Macbeth has murdered sleep, and therefore will sleep no more.” Integrating an emphatic tone of voice, this showcases how Macbeth will never be at peace with his mind. Duncan is not even alive for his presence to be felt however Macbeth’s conscience is eating away his sanity. The persona crumbles as he suffers the guilt and this plays heavily upon his character until his personality is completely destroyed. This statement also succeeds in demonstrating the internal conflict and paranoia that torments Macbeth for the rest of the play. Shakespeare has effectively assimilated the utilization of foreshadowing as this allows the audience to predict and anticipate the character’s next action as they are knowledgeable of Macbeth’s fears and intentions. This literally foreshadows the persona’s suffering of insomnia and insanity that plagues Macbeth as he hallucinates a voice crying out to him. This quote reflects the fact that Macbeth murdered Duncan in his sleep and therefore will not be able to rest easy any longer. The world is accompanied by decisions and in regards to Macbeth, due to his poor decision making the consequences carved a dent in his life.

To conclude, William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a prominent text set during the 1600s during the Elizabethan Era. The eponymous text explored the element of guilt through the eyes of Macbeth as it succeeds in displaying the uprise of his social status and his eventual downfall. The text depicts a momentous aspect as our understanding of life during the 1600s were enhanced as we got exposed to Macbeth’s decisions as he faced the consequences of his illicit actions.

Using the characters, ambition is used strongly throughout both Macbeth and The Tell Tale Heart. Macbeth, through his ambition, goes from being a dedicated and honourable soldier to being a murderer and traitor. The first performance of Macbeth was in 1623 and it was written in 1606. The Tell Tale Heart was released in 1843. There are several quotes explaining the ambitions of the characters. You can also discover ambition by looking in quotations for symbolism, foreshadowing, repetition, metaphors, allusion and personification. Including ideas, language characteristic, stylistic features and conventions, there are many similarities between the two.

Macbeth was written by Shakespeare and it is about a powerful man called Macbeth. He received a wish from three witches that one day he would become king of Scotland. Macbeth was lead by ambition and his wife told him to behave. Macbeth murdered king Duncan and that made him the king. After doing this, he had so much guilt and anxiety. The Tell Tale Heart was written by an author named Edgar Allan Poe. This short story is about an unnamed character who murders an elderly guy with a ‘vulture eye’. This murder was accurately calculated as he managed to kill him and then cut him into chunks and proceeded to hid the remains under the floorboards. Macbeth was produced for a high-class audience while The Tell Tale Heart was directed more at mature adults. Shakespeare actually produced Macbeth as a tribute for King James who was Englands New Monarch. Shakespeare included lots of aspects whilst writing the play that would appeal to the king. Some of these include witchcraft and ancestry. There was many themes written about that nobody would ever speak about. Edgar Allan Poe wrote The Tell Tale Heart as a way to tell people about a dark side of the human brain. William Shakespeare was an English poet who was also an actor and playwright. He was named the greatest writer in the English language. Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer who was also an editor and literacy critic. Poe was best know for his short stories, poetry and particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre.

“Two truths are told as happy prologues to the swelling act of h’imperial theme.” Macbeth was the character that spoke these lines. They were spoken as Macbeth realised that the wish the witches made, came true. The wish was that he would be Thane of Cawdor. Another wish that the witches had made was that Macbeth would become king and he immediately wonders if tis would be true soon too. The determination with which he turns to this concept indicates that he finds the option appealing, although he understands that in order to accomplish the place he would have to commit a dreadful and violent act. These particular lines reveal Macbeths ambition and it foreshadows his behaviour earlier. “To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus.” This is also a line showing ambition by Macbeth. This was spoken after he became king. This quote implies that he has been left more anxious than before and has not be brought to peace. This is giving into his ambition about murdering Duncan.

Both of the main characters in The Tell Tale Heart and Macbeth are very similar. Both characters are written with some of the same characteristics which then lead forward onto their ambitions. Ambition is used in most of the scenes throughout the entire play. Macbeths guilt over murdering king Duncan lead him to having hallucinations. His wife also gets hallucinations which drives her to insanity and then finally, suicide. Lady Macbeth says “What’s done/cannot be undone.” This was said in act five scene one as her suit continues tormenting her. Lady Macbeth is his wife who is the one encouraging Macbeth to overcome his sense of guilt and to take action on the prohencies. “The prince of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down , or else overlap, for in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.” This quotation is so powerful as it is talking about Macbeth describing his ambition as being ‘black and deep desires’ which makes it not quite sound right. This quote was spoken in act one scene 4. “To prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which overlaps itself and falls on the other.” This quote was spoken because Macbeth was trying to think about whether or not there was an actual good reason to be killing Duncan. This one was spoken in act two seen four which implies that ambition is used in almost every single act. This shows what an important and strong character Macbeth really was. “For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye! He had the eye of a vulture-a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon on me, my blood ran cold; and so by degrees-very gradually i made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus myself of the eye forever.” In The Tell Tale Heart this is the most powerful quote because the unnamed character is explains about what the man looks like before immediately saying that he was going to take the life of the old man.

Overall, both texts show ambition but sometimes it can be in a different way from the other. It is shown by the use of the characters intentions. There are many literacy techniques that it is shown in. One of the most used one is repetition. In both texts, repetition is shown a large amount and thats including it being related to the characters ambition and also not related.

The literary archetypal theme of paranoia is used precisely and is strongly featured in “The tragedy of Macbeth”, written in 1606 by William Shakespeare. Such parallel themes are established in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “Tell-Tale Heart”, written in 1843; corresponding to ‘Macbeth’ by incorporating similar ideas. In both instances, the psychological consequences of paranoia take over the protagonist with the inevitable drive to murder, which then goes on to fuel their paranoia after committing the murders. Within these themes and ideas are numerous aspects that will be analysed; including context, intended audiences and the use of literary techniques such as conventions and other stylistic features to explore intertextual connections.

Macbeth was initially intended for people during the 1600s, however, is still studied wildly for educational purposes in the modern era. Macbeth was originally written as a cautionary tale, inspired by the assassination of King James in 1605. The audience is a wide variety of individuals capable of understanding the Shakespearean language and are entertained by his complex works, primarily people in the Elizabethan era. Likewise, ‘Tell-Tale heart’ was written prominently for an older audience, though is read by many age groups. It is unsuitable for children due to the sensitivity of the topic and gruesome themes. Comparatively, both texts share an audience of individuals interested in English and literature.

Comparing two texts stylistically, it is important to understand the varying conventions within both texts. Macbeth was initially written as a play as opposed to a narrative as the audience serves the essential role of developing every aspect of theatrical performance. In contrast, Poe did not write a narrative to intrigue another, but to convey his feelings and thoughts. The point of view that Tell-tale heart is written in, is first person, as mentioned by the protagonist through the dialogue “-and I grew furious as I gazed upon it”. This allows the audience to maintain a bond with the narrator as well as feeling vulnerable to put themselves into the situation. Both texts use poetic conventions to influence the reader and persuade them to see the impacts of paranoia on oneself. Contradictorily, Macbeth was written in third person objective as the audience were the outside viewers of the story. In addition, both texts incorporated the use of dialogue engage the audience within conversations between characters. Dialogue present in both texts demonstrates how the driving force of guilt enhances paranoia, which is portrayed by both protagonists.

Shakespeare and Poe both use stylistic features to lure in the attention of the audience as well as explore the aspect of paranoia, however, symbolism was predominantly used. Comparatively, paranoia is depicted in both texts as protagonists experienced hallucinations which were a crucial part of the plot, signifying the impact of paranoia. This allowed the audience to sympathise with the characters which also potentially turned into repetition. Evident in both texts, the protagonists discovered their actions led to a state of turmoil, further leading to experiencing substantial amounts of paranoia. This was evident due to the protagonists’ mental states rapidly disintegrating, driving them to insanity. In Macbeth, symbolism was portrayed in the dagger sequence as Macbeth experienced paranoia from the moment he committed his first murder and started to visualise hallucinations.

An example of this was the dagger that Macbeth sees just before he commits ‘the deed’ and murders King Duncan. This was, as described in the play, “-a dagger of the mind, a false creation…proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain”. This signifies that the floating dagger an example of symbolism implemented by Shakespeare to allow his audience to empathise with his feelings of paranoia.

Contrastingly, the symbols present in Tell-tale Heart was the allusion of the antagonist’s eye that drove his motive; as the narrator suggested in the second stanza, “I think it was his eye! Yes, it was this!”. The beating heart also symbolised the narrator’s drive for murder as it was something he heard in his own mind after completing ‘the deed’; the murder of the old man. He increasingly became paranoid, adding to his madness. These two mental paranoias shared amongst both texts symbolise how the protagonists struggle to move on from their wrongdoing due to the impacts of paranoia.

Both texts utilise a multitude of stylistic features, including foreshadowing, adding dramatic tension and building anticipation. Foreshadowing was evident in both texts to allow the audience to put themselves into the perspective and make them feel prepared for the upcoming events. In Macbeth this was incorporated when saying the dialogue “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep – the innocent sleep”. This dialogue foreshadows the guilt and paranoia which is experienced for the remainder of the play and alternatively the characters’ insomnia as symptoms of their conscience, further captivating the audience and creating suspense. Furthermore, the dialogue “Mad men know nothing… but you should have seen me”, in Tell-Tale Heart foreshadowed the protagonist’s eventual mental breakdown. The narrator’s unstable mental condition could therefore be examined by the audience.

To conclude, the language techniques and stylistic features in alignment with corresponding conventions successfully portray aspects of paranoia between both texts. Although the writing style that both authors held common, there were a number of similarities and differences amongst both texts. As Macbeth was written as a play, it was difficult for the him to be overly descriptive through the dialogues spoken by the character. Poe used his mode of storytelling creatively with use of literary techniques such as symbolism and foreshadowing to portray his message to the audience and to be thought enticing. Although, both protagonists had different reasons for committing murders, they both manifested guilt due human characteristics. The impacts of paranoia were explored amongst both texts; however, it was increasingly shown in Macbeth to progressively worsen. In Tell-tale heart, it was more towards the ending of the narrative. Conclusively, Macbeth utilised stylistic features and literary techniques to demonstrate the impacts of paranoia in more depth in comparison to Tell-tale Heart.

Macbeth, a play written by William Shakespeare follows the journey to kingship by Macbeth, a scottish nobleman and knight turned Thane of Cowdor. Macbeth himself is loyal and a great companion however, his foreshadowed downfall and impending doom is influenced by the corruption of power, the relationship between cruelty and masculinity as well the heavy impact of an overall violent and unstable world,all of which they proclaim Macbeth as a future king.

The idea of a violent and unstable world is portrayed heavily through the character of Lady Macbeth. Depicted to be stronger, more ruthless, and more ambitious than her husband, she seems fully aware of this and knows that she will have to push Macbeth into committing murder. Violence plays a big role with gender roles. Men in this play are brutish and violent, the act of killing someone without remorse is considered masculine. The men suppress their emotions of weakness; sympathy and guilt while the women are ‘ladylike’; remorseful, emotional and weak for expressing their sympathy. Lady Macbeth challenges this ‘traditional’ preconception. Her constant preaching of violence, going as far as to assure and guarantee her promises to bash out the brains of her baby, “ have pluckd my nipple from his boneless gums and dashd the brains out” contributes to the overall idea that Macbeth is a play focused on instability. Lady Macbeth manipulates her husband with remarkable effectiveness.Her violent objections heavily overshadow Macbeth’s hesitiations and guilt in commiting murder. However determination and remarkable strength of will in persistance through the murder of the king is followed by understanding and acceptance within Macbeth in acknowledging the power that comes with such violence and the possibilites yet to come from it. However, although once seeking bloodshed and power through violence, she begins a slow slide into madness with her ambition affects her more strongly than Macbeth before the crime. Guilt plagues her more strongly afterward. She becomes reduced to sleepwalking through the castle, desperately trying to wash away an invisible bloodstain. Her sensitivity slowly becoming her weakness, gradually becoming unable to cope. Significantly, the cause of her death, apparent suicide, is portrayed ot be due to her total inability to deal with the legacy of their crimes. Highlighting the true rise and fall of the effects of violence within such an unstable world.

Bloodshed is rampant and acts of violence dominate the play’s storyline. Although Macbeth’s initial perception and acts of violence are led with no ill intention and heavily influenced by his values and loyalty to King Duncan, he knows his position is to protect the king and not to hold the knife to the king himself. Therefore, he could be seen as a less violent character however, primarily after the defeat of the rebel Macdonwald’s army by Macbeth and the Scottish army, it is stated “for brave Macbeth, disdaining fortune with his brandished steel…” Macbeth’s feets of bravery and constant upheld honour, find him crowned Thane of Cawdor. It is after he’s crowned that the ideas of violence begin to completely consume his thoughts and actions. The idea of murdering Duncan although heavily influenced by the input of Lady Macbeth, is still a prevalent thought within Macbeth’s mind. Prior to the murder, Macbeth imagines seeing a dagger floating in the air before him as he says, “I ee thee still, and on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, which was not so before. There’s no such thing.” Macbeth’s desire for control stimulates his violent behaviour. Predominantly, through Macbeth’s grown desire and ill intentions, it can be seen the true power violence upholds within the play. The urge to violence is deeply embedded in the human psyche, and creates recurring whatever political formations are dominant.

In Macbeth, violence, with its karmic effect, breeds violence. Shakespeare uses Banquo against Macbeth as a moral comparison. At the start of Macbeth, they are of comparable background, formal rank and authority ; both are facing the tempting prophecy. However, Banquo strives to ‘maintain [ his ] bosom franchised and clear loyalty’ (II.i.26-7) while Macbeth ‘spring the life to come’ to commit killings (I.vii.7). Karma is based heavily on ethical consideration and moral responsibility. Banquo’s family line is blessed with good karma with moral behavior, contrasting with Macbeth’s deadly karma induced by violence. Macduff, who conducted the most visually bloody violence by cutting Macbeth’s head and showing it, is also exempt from poor karma. Since Macbeth has no kids of his own, the bloody deed of Macduff is unlikely to cause another loop of violence against himself. It is sensible to suggest that, as a karma on Macbeth, Macduff’s brutal action is justified by his excellent intention to save Scotland from tyranny.

How manipulation is portrayed and its role and impact to the plot.

As Lady Macbeth and her husband plot to kill King Duncan, she tells him to “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it”. Her command, though subtle, represents the recurring theme of manipulation, which can be seen throughout the play. It is explored through a variety of unique devices, including dialogue, character interactions, and dramatic devices, as well as more traditional literary techniques. It also has an enormous role in the plot of the play, and its impact drives the story forward from the beginning to the end.

Throughout the entirety of the play, manipulation drives the plot forward; however, it is communicated through a variety of ways throughout the story. Most frequently, it is shown through dialogue, such as in the previous example, or through character interaction. One good example is in Act 1, Scene 7, where Lady Macbeth insults her husband’s masculinity in order to manipulate him, telling him that when he finds the stomach to commit the murder, “then you were a man”. Another good example is Act 4, Scene 1, where the witches manipulate Macbeth, telling him that “none of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth”. This dramatic irony further shows the role of manipulation in the play. It is also conveyed through dramatic devices, such as soliloquies, in which characters reveal their manipulative desires to the audience, rather than to other characters. A good example is Lady Macbeth’s monologue in Act 1, Scene 5, with Lady Macbeth urging Macbeth to “hie thee hither”, so that she can “chastise with the valour of my tongue / All that impedes thee from the golden round.” This imagery represents both manipulation in this scene and the wider play. It’s obvious, therefore, that Shakespeare uses these vastly varied techniques to integrate manipulation into the story.

But how does manipulation affect the plot itself? Throughout the play, characters use manipulation as their primary means of advancing their goals, and therefore, advancing the plot. The witches manipulate Macbeth into believing he will be king. Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth into helping her with her scheme for the throne. Together, the couple manipulate Duncan into staying in their home so that they can murder him and take his throne. These three examples help to develop the plot to the climax, and ultimately drive the story to its conclusion. Without the impact of manipulation, the play would end at the same state as the middle of Act 1, as the story would not have progressed in the slightest. While some other themes have large importance to the story, such as betrayal and violence, none are more important than manipulation. It is therefore clear that manipulation is used throughout the play, in a way that makes it the most important theme, of the many present in the story.

Together, by both demonstrating the theme of manipulation through various plot devices, and by integrating that theme so effortlessly but brilliantly into the plot, that Shakespeare has used the theme of manipulation to great extent, and weaving the story into and around it.

We can all see, then, how manipulation is demonstrated in Macbeth, and the extent of its role and impact to the plot. We can see it portrayed through multiple devices, including dialogue, character interaction and through dramatic devices. The various examples of manipulation lead to its massive impact and role in the plot, driving the plot further than any of the other theme. Conclusively, when Lady Macbeth recites the now-famous line, Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it, she is unknowingly demonstrating the most important theme in the play, and advancing the story by demonstrating that theme.

I’m a man, Shakespeare said so Alexander Sheffield on outdated ideas of masculinity that we are taught wrong from the start.

School, the so-called learning part of our lives, well why are we still being exposed to and taught wrong ideas of important concepts? In 1980, 91% of united state school were teaching Shakespeare and today they are continuing to teach it, but why? We are being tainted by these outdated, false ideas!

There is no denying that Shakespeare’s plays are theatrical masterpieces, but they shouldn’t be seen as an example for how men should act. It’s not just Shakespeare either, older poems that are taught portray the same out-dated representations of what it is to ‘be a man,’ a phrase we hear too often, whether it be from our friends, superiors or relatives. We, men must act accordingly, this goes both ways too. It’s just men who exercise “you throw like a girl,” I don’t know one person who hasn’t heard that before, stuff like that would leave the same ideas in our youths mind that to be a man you must do this or that leaving such high expectations on men and creating a false definition and belief in their mind. The pressure that this bestows on male youth is massive not only that but it causes a male superiority mind-set that is deteriorating our generations reputation, because it’s what the males in schools are taught, day in and day out. “…They will always fall back to these characteristics being taught in schools and other areas…”

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth the protagonist is challenged by being “a man” when he’s met with the thought that he could become thane of Cordor and near after King of Scotland. He is pressured by his wife to break his own meaning of honesty to live up to the expectations of what Shakespeare believed men were to possess to “be men.” When Macbeth shares his fears about not wanting to murder the current king he is belittled by Lady Macbeth and has his manhood questioned because of his fears and emotions. Saying that his fear is “not real” and that he resembles “a woman’s story at a winter’s fire, authorised by her grandma.” This not only states that to be a man you shouldn’t share and show emotions but it also shames Macbeth for his emotions and fears, and this is taught to our youth all the time in schools (act 3 scene 4 line 58-69).

Our youth are not just taught through the use of Shakespeare but also through poems that exercise male superiority over females. The dated poem My Last Duchess utilises possessive albeit aggressive as well as accepting defeated language by the Duke about his wife the Duchess, with her death later alluded to. This poem is the opposite of masculine education, displaying a husband as being uninvolved and unable to make her happy, until the moment that he lays down an iron fist being demanding and hereby drawing her back into line, this aggression should not be encouraged in modern society as it is no longer acceptable like it was during the poem’s creation. Schools utilising this poem as education on appropriate masculine behaviour and attitudes is the complete opposite of acceptable. Lines like “this sort of trifling, even had you the skill, in speech, which I have not, to make your will,” and “Sir, ‘twas not her husband’s presence only called that spot,” demonstrate how a husband must exercise his masculinity by doing only what he is capable and accepting that his wife’s happiness is not caused through his actions.

Education in this form is detrimental to the development of youth’s individual perceptions of masculinity. Males, young men should not and cannot grow up and form healthy relationships believing that this is what a husband should act like. My Last Duchess interprets a marriage to feature gifts given and male eyes to be blind to his wife’s promiscuity, and that when his patience is nigh it is acceptable for a man to exercise his right of ownership. Furthermore, My Last Duchess is uncovered to be a tale told to a servant of a future ‘conquest’ to the Duke. If young males are growing up believing that women are to be removed and replaced when seen fit then it is no wonder that young men are in the dark as to how to treat women. Texts from the dark ages that display masculinity in this manner are going to give young, modern men a dark and twisted education on masculinity.

At the core, foundational, definition of masculinity lies the treatment of oneself and others and poetry and play’s like Macbeth demonstrate behaviours that value meekness, aggression and acceptance of pressuring or cheating behaviours. Learning from these dated and delusional sources during school is harmful to youth. Youth are already struggling to grow up and define themselves that giving them statements like “be a real man” only label and create an inescapable box with behaviours like aggression deemed appropriate for masculinity expression. An article by Pankaj Mishra (2018) highlights how the portrayal of masculinity across the world is damaging stating that “to be a ‘mature’ man was to adjust oneself to society and fulfil one’s responsibility as breadwinner, father and solider.” Comments like this at a crucial developmental stage like high school is having negative effects on male self-esteem and behavioural decisions with male teens electing to hide their vulnerabilities and true feelings out of fear of not being manly (Lamont, 2019)

After a quick interview with Phoenix Senhenn (2020 Beaudesert state high school leader), asking whether he thought it was too late for today’s youth he replied with, “definitely, people can always change but I feel they will always fall back to these characteristics being taught in school and in other areas.” After already confirming that the “representations of this toxic masculinity… is subconsciously building up in the minds of young males and is being unleashed when they are forced to act out.” It’s clear that even some young adults can see what the school system is doing to the youth of today. After asking what his opinion on how men treat others an females he was quick to reply stating that he was “ashamed” with how they act stating that there are a portion of males that see through the out-dated representation but continues to talk about how disgusted he is with their “idiocy.”

I’m not saying that they should be forgotten all together but I am saying that they shouldn’t be in the main syllabus for English worldwide, and if they are it needs to be specified and spoken about in a negative light otherwise the cycle will never be broken. Together we need to destroy false ideas of what it is to be a “man”, let’s take the first step today and save the next generation.

Thesis:

Many texts that are taught in schools today show out-dated definitions and representations of what it means to “be a man” and it shows.

1. Lamont, T. (2019). ‘A lot of us are in the dark’: what teenage boys really think about being a man. The Guardian, retrieved on the 13/11/2019 from: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/mar/09/a-lot-of-us-are-in-the-dark-what-teenage-boys-really-think-about-being-a-man
2. Mishra, P. (2018). The crisis in modern masculinity. The Guardian, retrieved on the 13/11/2019 from: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/mar/17/the-crisis-in-modern-masculinity

‘Macbeth’ written by William Shakespeare and ‘My last duchess’ written by Robert Browning are two of the most common examples linked to toxic masculinity. In today’s car driven and busy city world, toxic masculinity can often go unseen. However, it is present more commonly than many think within men and women.Shakespeare’s representation of masculinity within his work during the Elizabethan era takes many different forms, past and present. The 17th century play ‘Macbeth’ and in the 1842 poem ‘My last duchess’ (Robert Browning) toxic masculinity is the most commonly evident representation in men and women. Has it changed since the 17th century to now in the 21st century?

TOXIC Masculinity is REAL

Could the lack of conversation about the topic be the reason behind the insufficient understanding and general knowledge of toxic masculinity? Toxic masculinity is a specified representation of traditional masculinity stereotypes, those include; decisiveness, easily influences and manipulates others, little to no sensitivity to other’s feelings and sometimes cruel.

Members of society that tend to think stereotypically of the subject have opinions which prove those people to be naïve, stubborn and single opinionated. However, our modern day opinions should sound something more like this if we are really trying to tackle the issue of toxic masculinity. “You’re not less of a man for being a stay-at-home dad, or for crying over a movie, or even for just sitting next to another man comfortably in a movie theatre.” (Rouner, 2017).

Do not be mistaken that only stereotypical men can portray these attributes. Women also are able to portray said attributes, although it goes unnoticed as if it were all the little things in life, we take for granted. We often overlook the concept in women because it is non-stereotypical.

The majority of society tends not to notice anything non-stereotypical because they simply do not wish to see or have anything to do with change or abnormality.

Toxic masculinity can be a mentally dangerous concept when used to manipulate and control other’s actions, beliefs and way of life. Whether it was in the early 17th century in the times of ‘Macbeth’, the mid-19th century times of ‘My Last Duchess’ or in the current 21st world we live in today.

A perfect example of the presence of toxic masculinity is demonstrated from William Shakespeare’s female lead character in the play Macbeth. Lady Macbeth, wife to the formidable Macbeth, Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor and future King of Scotland. Lady Macbeth portrays key attributes and qualities to be considered as toxically masculine. Attributes such as influencing her husband’s actions and contradicting his masculinity.

When Lady Macbeth hear the news from her husband that he is to be Thane of Cawdor and is to be the future King, ambition starts to build inside of her, more so than Macbeth. This ambition consumes her, leading to her to consider assassinating Duncan herself if Lady Macbeth’s so called noble husband is not up to the task. “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts! Unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty” (1.5.39-42).

The term ‘unsex me’ refers to Lady Macbeth asking for her to be deprived of her feminine characteristics, attributes and qualities, enabling her to consist of more masculine qualities if she was to be the one to kill King Duncan instead of Macbeth. This is the first time during Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ that there is any sign of a character challenging traditional stereotypes. This act by Lady Macbeth sets the tone of how severe the toxic masculinity is in ‘Macbeth’.

The entire concept of toxic masculinity surrounding men is true but what consistently goes unnoticed it the same attributes present in some women from the 17th century to today’s 21st century. A perfect and suitable example that deems the statement truthful in terms of toxic masculinity in the 17th century is the infamous Lady Macbeth. During act 2 while plotting the assassination of King Duncan.

The same qualities are seen in the 1842 poem ‘My last duchess’ written by Robert Browning, the only difference to ‘Macbeth’ being that the toxic masculinity is being portrayed in traditional stereotypical roles. The Duke mentioned in the poem is quite controlling over his duchess in terms of who she is allowed to communicate with, where she is allowed to go without himself being in her presence.

Robert Browning’s 1842 poem ‘My Last Duchess’ the toxicity can be seen on many occasions but one that stands out the most is “Oh, sir, she smiled, no doubt, whene’er I passed her; but who passed without much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together.” The Duke’s actions or commands came upon because of his duchess smiling at and with the painter Fra Pandolf. The Duke saw this as the duchess flirting, being untrustworthy and unfaithful. Thus him being controlling over her resulting in toxic masculinity.

This concept of toxicity continues to show its presence in today’s modern westernised countries. For example, Gillette recently released an advertisement focused on the topics and issues surrounding bullying, sexual harassment which directly link back to toxic masculinity. The advertisement states that a change needs to be made because the boys of today watching will be the men of tomorrow.

Gillette was trying to elaborate on the idea of setting an acceptable example for children when they grow up. This particular advertisement focuses on male children or boys and the bad examples we are setting them at the present moment. However these bad examples as seen by some also as the traditional stereotypes of what it means to be masculine.

Is it possible for these exhausted traditions to be changed in a quick manner of time to better shape the youth of today’s future?

Women can be just a guilty of presenting toxic masculinity in public as men. This perception of only men can be toxic is not true and men can no longer be solely blamed for it. If society continues to let the toxicity be placed onto the men in our modernised 21st century world of today, it shall cause and continue to cause a negative image and reputation eventually leading to a state in which men are evil, toxic and dangerous.

Not stating all demonstrate behaviours that are evil and dangerous, but this way of stereotypical thinking will give the result of all men are toxic and dangerous. Therefore, in today’s car driven and busy city world, toxic masculinity can often go unseen. However, it is present more commonly than many think within men and women.

Bibliography

1. Rouner, J. (2017, July 3). 5 Things Men Do That Are an Embarrassment to Our Gender. Houston, Texas, United States of America.

Greedy for the crown, a displeased man, who is extremely susceptible to pressure, loses his morality. Several centuries later, a girl, who from an early age learned to transfer her rage into a fearsome ambition, is propelled into taking part in an unthinkable crime.

The tragedy, Macbeth is perhaps one of William Shakespeare’s most terrific and popular plays. Written sometime early in the 17th century the play exaggerates the destructive and emotional effects of unchecked ambition, which then is driven by guilt. A reluctant Scottish general named Macbeth, receives a demanding prophecy from a trio of witches and is expressed that he will take the throne for himself and become king of Scotland. Filled with ambition and impelled by action, the impulsive Macbeth murders king Duncan in spite of his manipulative wife lady Macbeth, he is then racked with impulsive fear. I, Tonya, also features a protagonist fuelled by ambition. In the 2017 film, figure skater Tonya Harding finds herself struggling to break free from her impoverished Oregon origins. Constantly exploited by her controlling mother and abusive husband, Tonya wanted new ways to distinguish herself. Her talent on the ice should have brought with it international glory, but due to her unwitting implications in the 1994 attack on her associated skater Nancy Kerrigan, she became embroiled in controversy.

Both Macbeth and I, Tonya invite the audience to explore two seemingly different characters that act irrationally to get what they want. Though Shakespeare effectively explores multiple key themes throughout the play, he particularly represents unchecked ambitions and its consequences. Similarly, I, Tonya is an unnerving story of thwarted ambition. In its telling of a fascinating of a real life story about the against the odds experiences of a remarkable women, I, Tonya has much in common in Macbeth. Both feature thwarted ambition, aggressive relatives, and gender specific persecution.

Minor punishment and crime allowed Macbeth to erupt his violence, if violence were to be shown in this time and place many more would be convicted. Macbeth has been interpreted in many ways throughout the centuries. Productions have moved beyond Shakespeare’s Jacobean world to direct feelings, ideas and social climate of its own specific culture. In Macbeth, Shakespeare imitates power as a divine right where one should not meddle, lest tragedy arises. Such a representation clearly reflects the socio-culture views of the Elizabethan era; he lets his ambition disturb the natural order or ‘chain of being.’ “Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself” “- Macbeth has avoided this path as once being rewarded thane of Cawdor he believes he can now become king. With regards to power, in Macbeth, the audience can successfully predict that Macbeth’s taking of the Scottish throne will eventually lead to his destruction. The destruction is created when ambition becomes unchecked by moral constraints, discovers its most powerful expression in the play’s two main characters. Macbeth was persuaded to commit multiple evil deeds, then develops the desire for power and advancement. Viewers are exposed to the persuasive and controversial techniques; Lady Macbeth utilises to manipulate Macbeth to commit murder:

“and live a coward in thine own esteem” (Shakespeare, year of book).

“you would be so much more the man”.

Similarly, Tonya Harding, in the film I, Tonya, is motivated to rise above her abusive mother and her deceitful husband. Whilst seeking new ways to distinguish herself on the ice, her mother proves that her merciless cruelty is intended to branch Tonya to greatness – “you skated like a graceless bull dyke”. In Tonya’s case it can be suggested that her ambition and opinions were tinged with intentions aimed at succeeding at nearly any cost. Tonya’s need for acceptance and recognition were a controlling motivation for her figure skating competitions, her upbringing with her abusive mother definitely resulted in her fierce drive for success.

Macbeth and I, Tonya are not morally virtuous. The film shows Tonya challenging the archetype of the innocent female victim. She is aggressive and very complicated. Having grown up socially remote without necessities, her abusive mother is shown to push Tonya at any extent, “Lavona Golden: I made you a champion knowing you’d hate me for it. That’s the sacrifice a mother makes.” Tonya forced to act Irrationally and train for numerous hours on the ice every day, Tonya responds to her husband’s abuse by fighting back. Her behaviour is so visible that the creation of a life time spent without emotional support, remains desperately empathetic even if she isn’t the most trusted narrators. Tonya’s voice is shown to be naïve, the film has a clever way of ensuring that Tonya maintains the correct tone while she was sadly mistreated- She not once saw herself as the victim with the camera and hearing forcing the viewer into the position of both observer and confidant. The moments where Tonya is staring into the camera lens are virtually powerful as it’s impossible not to share her sense of frustration and in justice. Macbeth knows he shouldn’t commit evil deeds but does anyway, he struggles with his integrity and believes that if he keeps murdering he will become desensitized to the pain and guilt. The overwhelming desires of Macbeth and his repercussions are brightly enhanced through the use of numerous expressive literacy techniques, and the paranormal aspects are a common incurrence and act as a caution for the audience.

The overwhelming desires of Macbeth and his repercussions are brightly enhanced through the use of numerous expressive literacy techniques, and the paranormal aspects are a common incurrence and act as a caution for the audience. In Macbeths famous monolog he uses metaphorical imagery to direct the inner conflict he is currently experiencing.

Every action always has a reaction; this is displayed in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In the play, Lady Macbeth is the ambition that lead her husband to grave error. The murder resulted in a series of consequences for the characters, these actions then lead to negative repercussions. Macbeth after his crime was haunted by extreme guilt and became habituated to death and killing, this then resulted in his own demise. Lady Macbeth uses mockery and convinced her husband into killing king Duncan, even when her adversities were brought up by herself, she suffered from guilt and ultimately lead to her own death. Gillepsie film I, Tonya, explores and exhibited an unwelcoming effect that was not self-inflicted. Harding suffered tremendous consequence and experiences a downfall in her career, she herself believed that she had nothing to do with the situation. Harding was found guilty to delaying the investigation on the well-known Kerrigan attack, the given evidence told Harding that she had now been removed from her gold in the 1994 U.S. figure skating finals. She was also excluded from competing in the U.S championships for the rest of her life.

Shakespeare and Gillepsie ultimately wrote stories of how unchecked ambition can lead to tragedy. Ambition can give us a purpose in life for what we believe in, but when such determination turns a blind eye to everything that could possibly accompany it we run a great risk of setting ourselves up for failure.

References

1. I, Tonya reveals the dual-edged sword of ambition – Brent merchant https://content.brentmarchant.com/2018/03/tonya-reveals-dual-edged-sword-ambition pernand and the pad
2. https://pernandthepad.com/positive-negative-effects-ambition-play-macbeth-illustrate-5196.html
3. http://fluff-n-fold.blogspot.com/2014/07/sparknotes sumitted to Christ chapel academy, sumitted by university of Queensland

Every individual seeks success and to fulfill their ambition, which can impact their lives in a negative or positive way depending on whether they allow their morals to prevail or not. Often, ambition takes a negative toll on one’s being whether they initially see it or not. If an individual has an ambition or goal, sometimes they will stop at nothing to reach it. In pursuing ambition in this way people often sacrifice things in the process, such as their wellbeing and the relationships around them. In the famous play, Macbeth, Shakespeare develops these ideas through the deceitfully corrupt tyrant Macbeth. The constant drive of an overpowering ambition causes his morals to deteriorate, and his ability to make rational and noble decisions is tainted by his wife’s bad intentions and her poor capability of aiming for a positive outcome. Eventually these traits began to affect the lives of the people around him in a negative way. Furthermore, when one’s mind is driven purely by ambition, due to the manipulation of a trusted loved one, it can have a detrimentally negative effect on one’s mentality by blinding them to their destruction, ultimately resulting in the deterioration of one’s mind and relationships.

Macbeth is a man of credible standing, and is known to be a devoted follower to the king, and a valiant soldier of Scotland. He is widely driven by his morals, which allow him to make level-headed decisions, yet upon the sudden approach of the three witches, their prophecies begin to prevail on his mental state, and strike him with a wind of ambition. The witches compelling words intrigue Macbeth, and he endeavours to question more about their credibility, yet when appointed as Thane of Cawdor, it becomes apparent that the prophecies are no hoax. They had predicted this outcome. Being a man with control over his ambitions, the prophecy for him to become king holds no gravity for he knows to obtain that position as king, would involve sinful actions, and he quickly dismisses the idea. Macbeth: [Aside] “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir.” It only takes the words of one manipulative character to push him to the brink of ambition. Macbeth’s character is constantly developing and his regret diminishes immensely throughout the play. The reader senses that Macbeth is a loyal, trustworthy and honest man whereas nearing the end, he is shown to be a cold man who feels no guilt. This being one of his most powerful traits, he uses it against his peers, twisting their thoughts by using his integrity as a tool to destroy their minds and even lives. Lady Macbeth’s ambition was to keep manipulating her husband into committing crimes in order to live her pampered life aside the king. Ultimately he succumbed to her demands in killing King Duncan.

Lady Macbeth’s ambitions became her reality in watching her husband murder King Duncan. The wife of the murderer pushed Macbeth to kill the King in order for her to live a noble and lavish life. In expressing his resentment for committing such a crime, he is forced to follow his ambitions of becoming the King. In doing so, he faces the downfall of the accumulating corruptness on his own mind. Folowing the killing of King Duncan, Macbeth feels that his crown is in jeoprady and proceeds to take action by hiring assasins to assist in the murder of Banquo, killing him purely out of fear. “Murders have been performed, too terrible for the ear. The time has been that, when the brains were out, the man would die, with twenty mortal murders on their crowns and push us from our stools. This is more strange than such a murder is” Macbeth becomes mentally corrupt and incapable of making sound decisions. Proceeding the death of the two powerful men, Macbeth becomes consumed by villainy and his ambitions. After the witches told Macbeth to “beware Macduff”, Macbeth plans the murder of Macduffs family in hope that it would scare away Macduff from ever coming after him and his wife. As Macbeth is still in hope of becoming King, his ambition still lies to use murder as a tool to deal with his mental instabilty. This act shows how consumed he has become with villainy, killing women and children which is widely regarded as a huge sin, and ultimately makes him look utterly and completely evil.

In conclusion, the decisions one makes based only on their ambition, rather than their morals, have a detrimental impact on the lives of others and one’s own mental state. Throughout the play Macbeth, the reader is shown through many examples of the deterioration of an individual’s morals because of an overpowering sense of ambition, the brutal actions at the expense of others as a consequence of that ambition, and the toll that committing these inhuman acts eventually takes on that individual.