Macbeth Speech

A) Disastrous consequences, above success or supremacy, came to exist within the Elizabethan Era, owing to the committing of immoral acts as a means to gain power. This notion was inadmissible due to the social expectations of moral behaviour and is evident within the introduction of Shakespeare’s Macbeth when the Thane of Cawdor sets aside his moral compass and joins the Norwegian forces, only to be executed for the corruption of his act of treason. Supporting this concept, it is by virture of Meineck’s commentary of his 2011 production of Macbeth and the manner in which he has presented it, that the audience is able to perceive Macbeth as a morality play, warning audiences past and present of the destruction that follows when ambitions goes beyond moral constraints. B) During the Elizabethan Era, a time when moral behaviour was a societal expectation, any immoral acts committed ultimately resulted in disastrous consequences. This notion is seen in the introduction of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, when the Thane of Cawdor set aside his moral compass and joined the Norwegian forces, to only be executed for his immoral act of treason. Meineck’s commentary of his 2011 production of Macbeth supports this key concept, as he represents Macbeth as a morality play, warning audiences past and present of the destruction that follows when ambitions goes beyond moral constraints. A)

B)

Listeners gain insight into the main cause of Macbeth’s moral decline and through this, Lady Macbeth ventures beyond the boundaries of morality. This is portrayed in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s willingness to commit wicked deeds in pursuit of the crown and its fortunes. Dramatic irony in the phrase, ‘Nothing is, but what is not,’ conveys Macbeth’s aside to characterise his nullified respect for social order, which indicates the extent of Macbeth’s thirst for power. Through his malicious actions, he disregards the existence of his morals and loyalty to Duncan. Moreover, this represents the start of Macbeth’s imminent moral decline, defying the honourable behaviour that was expected of him, but rather, willing to overstep his boundaries to manifest in unlawful deeds as a result of his overwhelming ambition. Listeners gain insight into the main cause of Macbeth’s moral decline as stated by Meineck,’ Macbeth and Lady Macbeth step outside the boundaries of normal moral behaviour which I think is most people’s fantasy.’ He suggests that it is human nature to be willing to step outside moral boundaries with hopes of gaining insights into the unknown and its fortunes. This is seen in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s willingness to commit wicked deeds in pursuit of the crown and its fortunes. This parallels with the dramatic irony Shakespeare employs in ‘Nothing is, but what is not,’ in Macbeth’s aside to characterise his nullified respect for social order and a fixed hierarchy. In this line, it is indicated that Macbeth was so blinded by his thirst for power beyond his means, that he disregards the existence of his morals and his loyalty to Duncan. Moreover, this represents the start of Macbeth’s imminent moral decline, defying the honourable behaviour that was expected of him, but rather, willing to overstep his boundaries to manifest in unlawful deeds as a result of his overwhelming ambition.

As well as exploring the fantasy which comes with acting beyond the moral code of conduct, Meineck also presents to audiences God’s methods of punishing those who did not act upon their moral compass. Caesuras employed by Shakespeare in ‘Let the earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold!’ reflects Macbeth’s state of emotional turmoil and heightened paranoia when he sees Banquo’s ghost. The use of exclamations and truncated sentences develops the deterioration of Macbeth’s mental state into madness and guilt that was the consequence of allowing ambition to dictate Macbeth’s behaviour, rather than his morals. This idea is supported by Meineck’s insight, ‘It is very timely the way the play presents as to what happens when you just go for it.’ From this, Meineck is suggesting that the dire ramification of overstepping moral boundaries outweighs the fluid nature of breaking the rules. In conjunction with this, Meineck also states, “We admire that to a certain extent, but there are ramifications to that. So I think we love watching the train wreck.” The comparison of Macbeth’s moral decline to a trainwreck, further portrays Macbeth as a morality play, warning audiences of the severe consequences that were faced by Macbeth for his immoral actions.

A)

A)

As well as exploring the fantasy which comes with acting beyond the moral code of conduct, Meineck also presents God’s view of punishing the sinners, who did not uphold their moral compass. Caesuras employed by Shakespeare in ‘Let the earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold!’ reflects Macbeth’s state of emotional turmoil and heightened paranoia when he sees Banquo’s ghost. The use of exclamations and truncated sentences develops the deterioration of Macbeth’s mental state into madness and guilt that was the consequence of allowing ambition to dictate Macbeth’s behaviour. This idea is supported by Meineck’s insight, ‘It is very timely the way the play presents as to what happens when you just go for it’ suggesting that the dire ramification of overstepping moral boundaries outweighs the fluid nature of breaking the rules. In conjunction with this, Meineck also states, “We admire that to a certain extent, but there are ramifications to that. So I think we love watching the train wreck.” The comparison of Macbeth’s moral decline to a trainwreck, further portrays Macbeth as a morality play, warning audiences of the severe consequences that were faced by Macbeth for his immoral actions.

B)

Therefore, Meineck has articulately portrayed the key issue of morality that was evident in the introduction of Shakespeare’s play, in such a manner to allow audiences to see Macbeth as a morality play. He has also been able to deepen the audience’s appreciation for Macbeth as he informs listeners of the dire consequences that were faced by Macbeth as a result of his overwhelming desire for power.

B)

Therefore, Meineck’s commentary has been able to provide insight into the severe consequences of surpassing our moral boundaries. In his commentary, Meineck has articulately portrayed the key issue of morality that was evident in the introduction of Shakespeare’s play. As well as this, he has also been able to deepen the audience’s appreciation for Macbeth as he educates listeners of the dire consequences that were faced by Macbeth as a result of his willingness to do anything to seize the throne.