Macbeth Exam Essays

Nick Miller Period 3 Macbeth Exam Essays Due: 2-23-10 Question #1 There are few literary works in today’s world that can truly be considered great. Having said that there are some specific things needed for a work to be considered great. The criteria of being called “great,” based on the four topics provided, are all relative to Macbeth. Macbeth contains many colorful themes within its text. One major theme of Macbeth is the element of “violence and the willingness to kill” to achieve ones ambitions. The theme of violence could be considered great for a couple of reasons. One of these reasons is that it is a very serious topic especially since everyone involved with the violence is not just hurt but killed. A second reason why this theme could be considered great is that it defines a characters slip from reality by showing his complete lack of empathy when a character is murdered. However, this theme connects directly to another theme in the play. It transitions perfectly in to the theme of “desire for power.” These two link very well because these characters use of violence to obtain what they want. A second topic of being considered great is that it is written in noble language. This is evident throughout parts of Macbeth, especially when Shakespeare writes in iambic pentameter. However he also contrasts this by using prose at other times. He changes his style of writing to represent what a character is feeling or how in touch with

reality the character is. This change in styles combined with his word choice shows that Macbeth was written in the most noble of languages. Macbeth is also considered “great” because it speaks across the ages. This becomes very obvious as about 400 years after it was written we are still reading and analyzing it today. However Macbeth still teaches us lessons and conveys messages to today’s world. It shows us how violence can affect one’s character and create a true detach from reality. It also preaches the importance of being content with what one has versus being envious and greedy for what one does not have. These messages will speak to every generation to come and offers true value to anyone who cares to understand it. Finally, Macbeth speaks to us individually. The play does this by teaching the readers about the consequence of allowing one’s petty ideas of a perfect life to detach them from the real life that surrounds them. One specific example is the negative effects when Macbeth hears the witches’ prophecy causing him to desire more than he should want or could ever need. This allows us all to realize that it is okay to have goals and dreams, but it teaches us to be realistic in setting them and to never allow our goals prevent us from living the lives we have. One should pursue their dreams, but not let them destroy their life. After having read Macbeth it is apparent that many people would call it a “great” play based on its previously stated merits. There valid points for all four qualities and irrefutable evidence behind these points. One cannot comprehend how someone else could disagree with this play being called a great.

Question #3 The Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth contains a pair of (star-crossed) lovers, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The beginning of the story allows us to infer that they live a lavish life that has been bestowed on them by the Noble King Duncan. However, Macbeth seems to be easily persuaded by Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth says that she wants the best for her husband, but I believe that she only wants power for herself. She makes excuses so that she needs not get blood on her hands in the murder of Duncan. It seems as though in the beginning of the story Lady Macbeth is power hungry and very persuasive over Macbeth. Their marriage begins to deteriorate after they murder Duncan. This is because of a change in both of the characters’ personalities. Lady Macbeth acts as if nothing has happened and insults a grief stricken and remorseful Macbeth. Macbeth allows his quest for power to overtake him and eventually sees killing his “problems” as the best solution. He has his best friend Banquo murdered as if it was nothing. Macbeth begins to hallucinate due to his grievances and Lady Macbeth only scolds him for his actions when she should have been offering him help. At this point, their relationship is intact but slipping away. After a string of murders, Macbeth allows his ego to defend him from any harm and he is turned stone cold. Macbeth becomes what Lady Macbeth has asked of him, but at the same time Lady Macbeth has slipped away from reality as well. Macbeth has become crazy and paranoid, and does not seem to interact with Lady Macbeth at all. Lady Macbeth has fallen into a state of psychosis that allows her to express her truly grave feelings about the murders that occurred, all while sleepwalking. This is the end of

Macbeth and Lady Macbeths’ relationship. They have fallen apart all due to their greed and envious lust for power. Lady Macbeth kills herself and Macbeth simply states that he does not have the time to grieve for her, because he is about to face the battle of his life. The Macbeths’ relationship found itself on a slippery road to hell. The two characters’ slip into insanity from committing murder caused a lack of their communication and violently ended the relationship. They are both at fault for this happening and it is a truly tragic idea. When greed and lust for power become the basis of a relationship, it is doomed to fail and that statement held true in this example. The truly unfortunate piece of information is that they allowed themselves to ruin many other people’s lives not just their own.