Macbeth

Macbeth

1. We all face obstacles out of our control (Symbol-Darkness)

   • "Stars hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires (During an aside before murder)
     • Contrasts light & dark/ good & bad of Macbeth's traits
     • He's aware of moral solution as well as temptation of evil, but chooses the evil; shows corruption growing in him due to ambition for power
   • "...Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the night." (After murder, Lady Macbeth involved)
     • Lady M. doesn't want "heaven witnessing the dark act of murdering Duncan, doesn't want caught guilty.
     • Knows it's not right, despite this, degree of selfish ambition leads to murder Duncan anyway.
   • Development
     • Society desires things that don't belong to us.
     • When selfish/powerful ambition gets out of control: abandon morals, consequently not make right choices
     • Shakespeare's portrayal of ambition alarms us: as ambition can be small, but can be valued so much that it becomes uncontrollable.
     • Frightens me how high valued power is, & desperate measures taken to gain it; even throwing away morals.
     • Suggests selfishness: inevitable
     • With time, can learn to take interest in other's welfare for civil community.

2. Not even the strongest/most evil of ppl can escape guilt (Symbol-Sleep)

   • "Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more! Macbeth shall sleep no more.' "
     • Macbeth is guilty about murder that it haunts his mind, cant sleep in peace, also seen when he complains:
   • "Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep in the afflictions on these terrible dreams that shake us nightly."
     • Symbolic elements of food/sleep represent rest & happiness
     • Sleep is a necessity of life, fact that he doesn't get sleep means his mental life/state is deteriorating.
     • He can't go through daily life without remembering traumatic memories of murder
   • You can't do something bad and get away with it
     • Not even most seemingly evil person can get away with guilt
       • Long way until today leaders realise consequences of selfish desires, they're too stuck deep in power.
         • Normally not inclined to question leadership as we expect good example, but there's exceptions. Encourages us to question leaders and often we find they're not the role models we thought.

3. Betrayal encourages rebellion and hatred (Symbol- Macduff)

   • "I have no words, my voice is in my sword."
     • Macduff symbolises people's reaction to corruption as he stood up to fight against Macbeth's dangerous ambition
     • Metaphorically says he got so much rage, feels betrayal that he'll go against conscience to kill Macbeth. His crimes were unforgivable. It deserved death.
     • Sword personifies harsh judgement of people
   • "Behold where stand the ursurpers cursed head."
     • There was no mercy, but hatred/revenge formed from a leader's wrongdoing.
     • Shakespeare illustrates that treachery will be punished.
     • Ultimately a corrupt government will come to an end
   • In human nature to inevitably rebel.
   • Macbeth was harsh on himself, but citizens that trusted, harsher judgement.
   • How much people value revenge when there's wrongdoing
   • We believe ppl get what they deserve
   • Leaders to this day continue to act of selfish desires, result of their corruption; rebel
   • State of society is still corrupt, leaders with trait, await fate of destruction
   • Cycle of unethical leaders; corrupt ambition, guilt, rebellion of community, unless if learn to restrain appetite of self centred virtue

4. Conclusion: Current nature- conflicting values (power/virtue) = why wars/arguments exist. Realise power/revenge isn't everything. Leader should lead for benefit of ppl.