Macbeth
1. One critic has observed that part of Macbeth's tragedy is the fact that many of his strengths are also his weaknesses. Exlain this apparent contradiction. What are Mabeth's strengths? Which ones also work against him?
2. What modern figure, real or fictional, had a downfall, like Macbeth's, that came after an attempt to gain great power? How is this modern figure like Macbeth, and how different? Would this modern figure make a good tragic hero?
3. One of the themes of Macbeth centers on evil, which Shakespeare saw as a force beyond human understanding. Do you think Shakespeare also saw evil as stronger than the forces of good?
4. What is your favorite quote from the play? Discuss.
When I think of Macbeth and his struggle for power, I think of Hitler. I draw parallels to Macbeth through Hitler in their ambition for more power always, and how they would step over whoever was in their way to get what they want.
ReplyDeleteMacbeth's power came from his ambition. However, this was also his downfall. If he wasn't so greedy and tried taking so many positions, and just let them come to him, their wouldn't have been a mutiny against him.
ReplyDeleteEvil is often a stronger force than good. For example, it's easy to butt in front of an elderly lady at the grocery store so you can just get out of there, but it takes more to wait for her and help her to her car with her bags. Shakespeare probably recognized this, and illustrated it well in his play.
ReplyDeleteChase, although I agree that it is easier to be evil than it is to be good but wouldn't you say that justice is often served to those who act cruelly? I think Shakespeare also wanted to show that while it is easier to be evil, in the end you will cause your own destruction by doing so.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chase's comparison of Macbeth to Hitler. Macbeths strenghts definetly are his weaknesses also. He was strong in battle and also he had good connections. He used his connections however to destroy several family lines which ultimately led to his downfall
ReplyDeleteMore people were on Hitler's side it seems than MacBeth. Pretty much everyone hated him by the end. Even Hitler had more allies, which says something pretty bad about MB.
ReplyDeleteI think that Shakespeare saw that good could be more powerful than evil. For example if he thought good was weaker than evil the ending of Macbeth would have been different with Macbeth succeeding and becoming all powerful
ReplyDeleteRight, I think getting your head cut off is equal punishment. And God knows what they did with the body. I think you could compare MB with Kadaffee (spelling? Sorry) They were both incredibly evil, however in the end justice was served to both of them.
ReplyDeleteDea, do you mean Gaddafi haha? I think that is and excellent comaparison as unlike Hitler they had no allies in the end and everyone wanted them dead with their heads on a sitck!
ReplyDeleteLOL yeah! You got what I was putting down. Yeah! And I bet they would have taken pictures on their cell phones with MacBeth if they had them.
ReplyDeleteHaha totally!! My favorite quote from the book is this :" I am in blood steeped in so far that, should I wade no more" by Mr. Tyrant himself Macbeth! It's the point where Macbeth realizes there is no return to the good side and he will do anything now.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing with comparing Macbeth to Hitler is that Hitler did not start out, as far as I know, as a good guy. Macbeth was fine and then Lady Macbeth and the amount of power he'd receive seduced him into becoming the evil man he was in the end. However, I see a similar death. They both suffered severe head injuries in the end.
ReplyDeleteThe forces of evil are more powerful than the forces of good. Once one is controlled by evil its hard to come back. Look at Lord Voldemort, he turned evil, had the opportunity to change back, and he still wanted to destroy every person who got in his way. Also, look at Sauroman(spelling?) from (THE BOOK) Lord of the Rings. He was the lead of the good wizards and then Sauran, once he rose again, changed him into an evil wizard. Its much easier to change from a good guy to a bad guy, just look at Macbeth. He had the greatest attitude about his newly appointed position until the malicious Lady Macbeth changed his mind.
ReplyDeleteHere's the thing with Gaddafi, Kyla and Dea, there were still people on his side. Those allies just weren't public. There are still people on Hitler's side, look around the internet. There are still people supporting any single bad guy. I'm sure that there were still unknown characters that supported Macbeth. There was one known person that supported Macbeth, Lady Macduff. However, Macbeth killed his support group, the idiot. I would compare Macbeth to Hitler, Gaddafi, or some other awful terrorist or dictator, but none of them actually killed their support groups.
ReplyDeleteEmily, very good point. I think that also ties in with Kyla's quote. Once you are so far gone, how can you ever return to your innocence?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, one of Macbeth's strengths and weaknesses was his lack of strong moral character. It made it easier for him to kill Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff's family. Yet it would be hard to be king without a sense of right and wrong.
ReplyDeleteHow about our dear friend Gen. Woundwort? He, like Macbeth, tries to control what isn't his to control. Then, in the end loses his life for it. Both are disliked, both are villainous. Most of all, both die because of it.
ReplyDeleteMy favorita quote is when we find our who wears the pants in the Macbeth household: "Screw your courage to the sticking-place" -Lady Macbeth harassing Macbeth. Haha
ReplyDeleteMacbeth's strength is his wife. Without her he'd be a lost kitten or something to that effect. Ho ho. But alas, she is also his downfall.
ReplyDeleteAll of spiderman's foes fail. Spiderman doesn't allow them to gain power. Banquo is Spiderman.
ReplyDeleteI think Shakespeare thought good was greater than evil. Just read A Midsummer Night's Dream.
ReplyDelete"Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble."
ReplyDeleteClassic.