Macbeth Journal #4
Directions: Select one of the prompts below; title your work the same as the bold-faced title for the prompt selected, and be sure to respond to at least two peers. Remember, your post should be around 150-200 words.
- Mapping It Out- Detail the major events and conflicts that have occurred thus
far in the play. Include the setting, characters, their motivations, emerging themes, the tone
mood and a critique.
- The Rhetorical Effect- Provide 5 examples of rhetoric that Shakespeare uses in the play and identify the five most important quotes. Infer his purpose for each choice. Each example should be identified, quoted, and cited; rhetorical devices should not be repeated.
See the discussion board rubric linked below.
The play begins with the witches discussing with Macbeth what his future will behold, explaining that he will become the king. Act one closes with Lady Macbeth convincing Macbeth that inorder to achieve his destiny he must kill Duncan. Macbeth has decided that the best time to kill him is at night when he is sleeping, so they invite him over for dinner and to stay the night. In act two Macbeth has gotten the guards drunk enough to not remember the night the following morning, and in their inebriation he slips into Duncan's chamber and kills him. Macbeth claims that he has lost his touch with God. Macbeth becomes paranoid that the guards may still remember the night and has them executed, which leads Malcom and Macduff to fear for their own lives and flee the country. In act three Macbeth's paranoia leads him to seek answers from the witches and he asks them when his crown will be taken from him, to which they respond that he shall not lose his crown until the forest moves and he shall not lose it by someone who is born of a woman, but that Banquo's children will reign after he is king. Macbeth becomes fearful that his kids will not retain his title and begins hirring criminals to kill the people who scare him. Word of this reaches Malcom and Macduff soon, to which they believe they must return to claim the thrown.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your work my friend, but you didn't title your work properly.
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DeleteIt is intriguing how Macbeth becomes paranoid and fears he 'lost his touch with God,' yet is still able to murder again shortly after murdering King Duncan. His paranoia about losing his Christian morality is not greater than his paranoia of being caught. Perhaps, this is where he truly becomes evil.
DeleteYou gave good details on the major things that has happened. However, you didn't talk much on exactly what the mood of the play is.
DeleteI did not know that question you were answering because i did not see a title, but I like what you are saying and it makes sense.
DeleteThe summary is simple and had all the information needed.
DeleteThe summary is simple and had all the information needed.
DeleteI agree with Kaylin. This was a very short and sweet summary but you didn't touch on the mood of the play so far.
DeleteIt is interesting how Macbeth notes that hr cannot say Amen, yet he still hires people to kill Banquo. It shows that he is intending to gain more power rather than just stablize his current position.
DeleteI agree, Johnny. It almost shows that Macbeth can be manipulative just as his wife is.
DeleteWalker Morrell (1st Period)
ReplyDeleteMapping it out
The plot of Macbeth so far has centered on Macbeth and his moral conflicts in pursuing his ambitions. The play takes place in Scotland around the Middle Ages. Three witches appear to Macbeth and Banquo and address Macbeth as the Thane of Cawdor, a title that he did not know was his own. They then tell the two men that Macbeth is destined to be king and Banquo’s sons will also be kings. After the ‘Thane of Cawdor’ prediction comes true, Macbeth and his wife decide to take destiny into their own hands and murder the king, Duncan, while he spends the night at their house. They smear the blood on the chamberlains and then kill them too. Duncan’s sons flee the country and Macbeth is pronounced king.
There are other characters, including more Thanes, and servants like the porter, however the major ones are mentioned in the outline above. The mood is dark, unnerving, and mysterious as the forces of destiny lead to murder and loss of self-control. Despite the obvious hierarchy conflict of being king, most of the conflict in Macbeth centers around questions of morality. How far is Macbeth capable of going in order to be king?
Lady Macbeth is the character that most fascinates me. Even though Macbeth is inspired to do something evil by the witches, he needs to be urged on through being berated by his truly evil wife. She combines logic and emotional arguments to push Macbeth over the edge and unleash his ambitions towards the dark side.
I agree that Macbeth needed the motivation from his wife to kill the king and would not have done it otherwise. Lady Macbeth's arguments win him over very easily. It makes it all the more interesting when he uses the same ones on her in Act 3.
DeleteLady Macbeth fascinates me too also! She's very pushy and evil but interesting also. Her ambition pushes her to make Macbeth do something he regrets.
DeleteMapping it out - Louis Jacobowitz (pd. 1)
ReplyDeleteMacbeth has killed the King, and has become King himself. But the greatest enemies to his achievement have fled the country, and Macbeth must now figure out how to maintain his position. Thus far, the story has taken place mostly in castles - understandable considering the characters and their stations in society - but a byproduct of this is that the atmosphere is cramped and oppressive, contributing to the grim mood the play has so far established. As for these characters, the most important by far are Macbeth and his wife. Macbeth is a hero, and has been set up as such, but is also easily swayed. When he confronts the witches, and they prophesy that he will become king, he doesn't know what to think, but when he tells his wife it becomes her principal motivation. Lady Macbeth is much more decisive, and one may even say determined, than her husband, and shows much more resolve once she has a goal in mind to pursue. She also has a clear power over Macbeth in their relationship, and though he is constantly conflicted about whether seizing his future is the right thing to do, she manages to tip him towards killing Duncan and taking the throne the witches promised him. Since then, Macbeth has become fearful of losing his position, going so far as to kill those who he had framed for Duncan's murder so that they will not sabotage him, and he even tries to have Banquo and his son murdered so that their line will not take his throne. This paranoia he has, and his prior indecision, are Macbeth's fatal flaw, and also make up the main theme Shakespeare is exploring with this work: the consequences of making a decision without being ready to face the consequences. And so far, it has succeeded greatly - as the play reaches its halfway mark, the audience already knows how the story is going to end, and must watch in agony as Macbeth topples down from everything he's built up.
I agree that Macbeth's motivation did start from his wife, but it has now completely morphed into his own desire. His paranoia about killing the king has changed into paranoia about keeping his new position.
Delete(Keara Klinge, period 1)
DeleteI like that indecisiveness is Macbeth's flaw and agree with you on that point. It provides for a character that is pulled in certain directions based on the circumstances.
I originally though Macbeth's fatal flaw was his guilt, but I agree that indecisiveness might be a better way to describe his weakness. I do think, however, that his descent into insanity is partially spurred by guilt.
DeleteI agree that Macbeth's fatal flaw is his indecisiveness which is why he allows himself to be somewhat pushed around by others. I also believe his paranoia will play a big part in his ultimate demise.
DeleteI agree with you on the idea that Macbeth's fatal flaw is indecisiveness, as that allows him to easily be swayed by Lady Macbeth.
DeleteI agree that it is his indecisiveness that comes into play. It is the complete opposite of Lady Macbeth, who is certain of her decisions.
DeleteCatherine Lumsden (2nd) – Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteThey play begins with the three Witches and a somber theme. Thunder and lightning mark the beginning of the play, setting the tone for the rest of it. The witches discuss the fate of Macbeth and tell him that he will be king and Banquo’s sons will be king after Macbeth. Macbeth sends a letter back to his wife, who starts her scheming. Together, they plot to murder the current king to fulfil the prophecy.
Macbeth has his doubts, but his motivation for greed and power overwhelms him, along with Lady Macbeth’s prodding. Lady Macbeth is motivated by the same things Macbeth is, but she has no doubts about killing King Duncan. At the end of Act 2, Macbeth kills the king and is plagued by his guilt.
By Act 3, Macbeth is shedding his guilt. Now that he has killed to secure his position, he is willing to do it again, and he does so by killing his former friend Banquo. Lady Macbeth is now the one who disapproves of more murders. Their views have now switched.
Leslie Castro 2nd Period
DeleteI believe that Lady Macbeth's prodding (and taunting) firstly contributed to Macbeth killing Duncan. If his greed for power was the first priority, he would have gone ahead and done it. It's easier to listen to your doubts than ignore the person breathing down your neck. Societal pressure is powerful!
Hannah Cooper-1st Period
DeleteI agree that the first scene sets the tone for the play thusfar. However I think that the evil deeds are more on Lady Macbeth than Macbeth himself. I think that there is some motivation for power involved, but mainly he is following what Lady Macbeth is telling him to do. I also do not think that their views have switched in act three because Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth by telling him that Banquo and his son cannot live forever.
Hannah Cooper-1st Period
DeleteI agree that the first scene sets the tone for the play thusfar. However I think that the evil deeds are more on Lady Macbeth than Macbeth himself. I think that there is some motivation for power involved, but mainly he is following what Lady Macbeth is telling him to do. I also do not think that their views have switched in act three because Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth by telling him that Banquo and his son cannot live forever.
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DeleteMeredyth Albright - 2nd Period
DeleteI don't think the theme is somber, I think that's the tone. However, you show a really well thought out grasp of Macbeth's internal conflict and how he feels throughout the play so far.
Lady Macbeth says she has no doubts about killing. However, when it comes down to completing the deed, she states that she cannot do it because King Duncan resembles her father. This lack of consistency in her statements is very puzzling and manipulative of her.
ReplyDeleteI think it represents the difficult of acting rationality in the wake of deep feelings. She puts an extreme value on her own integrity emotionally despite her own knowledge that it has no intrinsic value.
DeleteI think you've got her persona exactly right. Lady Macbeth is too cowardly to go through with plans herself, but she is just evil and manipulative enough to task others with them. She is likely the biggest antagonist in Macbeth yet she is on the side of the protagonist, which allows for an interesting dynamic.
DeleteI couldn't agree more, but it was surprising to see the true Lady Macbeth revealed since in the start of the play she is portrayed as being stronger in will than any of the men. I don't believe Lady Macbeth is entirely evil, but she seems to be more ambitious and greedy than Macbeth himself. Even though she has nothing to gain other than social standing, Lady Macbeth has no moral boundaries and is the best example of unchecked ambition in the play.
DeleteYou are completely right about Lady Macbeth. She wants the final outcome, but she isn't willing to do the "dirty work."
DeleteLady Macbeth in all honesty to me seems very conniving and overall dangerous to me. She can't herself try to kill a person mainly because she thinks that all women aren't cut out for killing specifically because women are emotional creatures (as portrayed by Shakespeare) hence why she said she couldn't kill her king because he looked like her father. She also wants to be liberated of that same "curse" that she has so that she can be as strong as any male. I find that very interesting to say the least, because she herself once again seems very dangerous because she's so ready to kill someone to prove she's better than any man, that resolve typically would counteract any emotional dilemma you'd have with any general situation. This leads me to believe that if Macbeth weren't killed by Macduff, his wife would've been the one to kill him, to prove that she is better than him.
DeleteLeslie Castro 2nd Period Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteMacbeth starts out with the witches prophesying Macbeth's fate. The very first lines, "When shall we three meet again / In thunder, lightning, and rain?" (I.i) set the tone for the play. The reader can be assured that there will be a gloomy, eerie, dark shadow cast over the rest of the show. Next there is the news that the Scottish army fought the Norwegian army, and the brave soldier Macbeth fought his way to victory. He learns he is the new Thane of Cawdor when he meets the witches for the very first time, and starts to flirt with the idea that he could be king, although his friend Banquo's children will be king after him. Macbeth ignores that if Banquo's kin were to rule after him it should spell doom for his own reign, which sets in progression the rest of the plot. Once his wife learns of his destiny she suggests that they start working on it right away... but killing the king when he visits their home.
By Act II, the deed is done. Macbeth is clearly affected and Lady Macbeth detaches herself from the situation, insulting his pride and manhood whenever he outwardly affects his emotion. The Porter, after a drunken monologue goes to welcome Macduff and Lennox, who are there to see the king, Duncan. They are not convinced at the Macbeths' show of emotion, and, convinced they too are next, flee. How the character approach their problems and attend to their own safety are key themes in Macbeth.
I think safety as a motif in Macbeth is a really interesting idea because even characters who believe they are ensuring their safety, such as Macbeth, are really just ensuring their Fates. In addition, most physical safety comes at the expense of emotional safety.
DeleteThe dark, eerie, tone set by the witches is emphasized by the hallucinations that Macbeth has. If he were to be insane without hallucinations there wouldn't be the same supernatural feel to it
DeleteThe dark, eerie, tone set by the witches is emphasized by the hallucinations that Macbeth has. If he were to be insane without hallucinations there wouldn't be the same supernatural feel to it
DeleteI like how you point out that in Act II, Lady Macbeth is detached and lashes out at Macbeth "whenever he outwardly affects his emotion." I think this is because she is still struggling internally with the regicide they have just committed, and as such any mention of the deed brings out her paranoia and fear. Like a cornered animal, she attacks (verbally) anyone who mentions the murder, and that 'anyone' is pretty much just Macbeth.
DeleteLeslie Castro 2nd Period
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is a muddled tone, if not an eerie one. I get the image of dark, silent nights with no moonlight, where every step of the foot seems much louder than it really is. It seems appropriate for the discomfort and paranoia the characters are feeling once the first murders take place.
Riley Edwards 1st period
ReplyDeleteThe plot revolves around the moral degradation of its central figure, Macbeth. The three witches, emblematic of the Fates, tell Macbeth that he is destined to become king and that his friend, Banquo, will sit his children on the throne. They even establish some ethos by predicting that he will become thane briefly before the actual title is granted. When he tells his wife of the news, she desires this power and delivers a rousing speech to her husband, convincing him to stay the current king, Duncan. She eventually refrains from committing the murder herself out of some hidden integrity that hampers her rationality.
When Macbeth assumes the kingship after Duncan's death, he puts a hit on his former friend, Banquo, out of fear that his son will take the mantle. This is ironic because the witches infallibility was the primary reason he had the balls to kill the King. This signifies the final change from rational seeker of power to power being his only motivator. Macbeth is now insane, just in time for a person who is not motherborn to rise up in resistance.
I agree that his insanity caused by killing Duncan is revealed by him deciding to kill Banquo.
DeleteI agree he took a plunge in rational thinker when he killed Duncan. He became more engrossed in killing to protect his seat even if he has to kill his companion Banquo. His roles has switched with Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth feels depressed to realize the people who has die because Macbeth took the throne while Macbeth will do anything to keep his power.
DeleteHannah Cooper-1st Period
DeleteI completely agree that the central idea for the play is the deterioration of the morals of Macbeth. At this point in the play there is no way to argue against the fact that Macbeth has gone insane. Especially after her reacted to the ghost of Banquo during the banquet.
Hannah Cooper-1st Period
DeleteI completely agree that the central idea for the play is the deterioration of the morals of Macbeth. At this point in the play there is no way to argue against the fact that Macbeth has gone insane. Especially after her reacted to the ghost of Banquo during the banquet.
Hannah Medford, Pd 6, Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteThe play begins with an eerie tone, set by the Weird Sisters' spell, which continues on throughout the whole play. Macbeth and Banquo meet them on the heath where the prophesies are made (Macbeth will be thane of Cawdor and King and Banquo will sire sons) and Macbeth is almost immediately informed that he will be given the title of Thane which brings in the theme of fate or free will that will continue. Another theme, that of morality and when it's okay to break it, comes a bit late when Lady Macbeth persuades a semi-reluctant Macbeth into killing Duncan, who arrives in the next act. Macbeth begins to have hallucinations because of his guilt, but he still kills Duncan but not the guards so Lady Macbeth kills them. There is a knocking on the door that makes them go back to bed to look less guilty, and the knocking is answered by a porter who makes lewd jokes. They find out that Duncan is dead and Macbeth and his wife display a proper amount of grief so that Macbeth's coronation is planned. However, Banquo suspects that something shady is happening and Macbeth, sensing this and fearing him and his sons, hires assassins to kill them. They succeed in killing Banquo but not his son. Macbeth attends a dinner after he has heard this news and suffers from more hallucinations, in the form of Banquo's ghost, re-emphasizing the eerie tone as well as the theme of the limits of morality. Act III ends with Lennox and another lord suspecting that Macbeth is not as good as he seems and decide to try and overthrow him.
I believe the form of Banquo's ghost is emphasizing morality and guilt in his heart. Eventually, he will not be able to handle anymore bloodshed and will break.
DeleteI think the eerie tone set by the Weird Sisters really influences the tone throughout the entire play
ReplyDeleteI agree that the eerie tone is maintained through what we've read of the play so far (descriptions of the Weird Sisters, the prophesy, Duncan's murder, Macbeth's hallucinations), and that it will probably continue through the rest of the play as well, perhaps getting more eerie as we read.
DeleteBrianna Bulgarino (2) Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteIn Act 1, the witches tell Banquo and Macbeth their prophecy that Macbeth will become king. The witches create a spooky and dark tone. This causes the first conflict between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. Lady Macbeth taunts Macbeth until he finally decides to kill Duncan so he can take over as king. In Act 2, Macbeth commits the “deed” but forgets to leave the daggers with the guards which causes the second conflict between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. She says she would have killed Duncan herself if he had not resembled her father. Disappointed in Macbeth because he forgot to frame the guards, she goes and leaves the daggers by the guards. Duncan’s sons find him dead and Macbeth kills the guard saying that he was angry that they killed the king. Duncan’s sons flee to Ireland and England. There is also an interrupting scene involving the porter which changes the mood from suspenseful to comedic. I think Shakespeare’s writing created a play that made the audience feel multiple emotions at the same time which made the play even better.
I think you did a good job summarizing the main events and conflicts that we have seen in the play so far. Lady Macbeth's thought process and actions are really starting to annoy me at this point because I feel like she is slowly losing control of the situation.
DeleteAwesome summary of what we have read thus far in the play. Also, it was a good way to incorporate what we talked about in class today (about the Porter) when you say that the mood goes from suspenseful to comical, so that the readers or audience feels like there is comedic relief.
DeleteI agree that Shakespeare achieved the purpose of making the audience feel multiple emotions at the same time. In doing this, he forces the audience to question their moral beliefs. The porter scene is particularly uncomfortable while also thought-provoking. [Rachel Matsumura - 2]
Delete1st period
DeleteI like how you included what we discussed in class and somewhat elaborated on it. Good summary.
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DeleteDeepak Badveli, 1st, Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteMany events has occurred throughout Macbeth so far. The major events of the play starts out with the witches discussing their plans to meet with Macbeth and their intentions are unknown. After the battle, the witches came forth to Banquo and Macbeth to tell their prophecies of the future. Macbeth was told he will become the king while Banquo was told that his son will become the king. The main plotting started by Lady Macbeth whose goal was for her family to experience a life of the highest statue. The plot turned wicked when Macbeth was finally convinced to kill King Duncan. After killing the king and he blamed it on servants which he killed. The fleeing of Malcolm and Donalban has created problems. As it was later used as a scapegoat for the new king Macbeth to ward of suspicion from himself. He has felt great feelings of guilt of the murder and became more tainted on killing. He sent murders to kill Banquo and his son Fleance (convinced them as he was convinced by Lady Macbeth). Unfortunately Banquo was murdered and Fleance survived. The prophecy of the fall of Macbeth is still true. Then, there was a meeting between the witches and Hecate, goddess of witchcraft which creates a more unsettling atmosphere such as what are the goals of the witches? The final major event is when Macduff went to England to join with Malcolm to gather aid from King Edward. News of this plot has prompted Macbeth to get ready for the war.
Macbeth has become more cruel and violent to protect his seat while Lady Macbeth became depressed about the further bloodshed. The role has switched at the end.
I can appreciate how Shakespeare has the ability to take traditional gender roles or even character roles and flip them around in order to create a more complex character, especially in a tragedy. Tragedies are supposed to be filled with complex characters, especially in the case of Shakespeare's tragedies.
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ReplyDeleteVictoria Wiktor (2) - Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteThe beginning of the play starts off with the three witches talking about what will become of Macbeth and Banquo and set and eerie and sinister tone. The witches tell the prophecy of Macbeth saying that he will eventually become king and say that Banquo's sons will become kings also. This is when Macbeth's downfall starts because he goes home and tells Lady Macbeth about the prophecy and she immediately thinks of a plan to get him to become king as fast as possible. I think if both of them would have let fate take its course rather than them murdering Duncan, Macbeth would have become king in a much civil way but since this is a tragedy then it is a must that something like this occurred. Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to kill Duncan after calling him a coward and not manly. Macbeth finally kills Duncan but the plan did not go as it was supposed to. Yes, the murder took place but Macbeth also ended up killing the guards because of the anger and remorse he felt. This makes Lady Macbeth feel really uneasy and faints. I think this is when she and Macbeth switch traits because she is realizes that she is losing the control she had. Banquo begins to think that something suspicious and shady is going on with the whole situation so Macbeth, out of nervousness, gets someone to kill Banquo and his son but only Banquo dies. Again, Macbeth feels very guilty about killing Banquo so he beings to have hallucinations. Even though Macbeth feels this way he has definitely grown into a more violent and ambitious character.
I agree that if the Macbeth's had just waited it out, they would have found themselves in the King and Queen position. And I like how you pointed out that, since this is a tragedy, it can't be that simple. Macbeth has to cause his own downfall as a tragic hero, and he does this by relenting to his wife's wishes and his own selfish desires and murdering Duncan pretty much immediately after finding out that he (Macbeth) will be king.
DeleteI don't believe that Macbeth could have become king any other way, but he never even aspired to those heights until hearing of his apparent fate. Being informed of Macbeth's fate is what created his kingship and what destroyed him as a man.
Delete(Keara Klinge, period 1)
DeleteIt's an interesting point to bring up that it wasn't their actions that were sealed in but rather their fates. It was their impatience and way of thinking that put them in this position. It's a good way of looking at the witches' prophecy.
Kiya Cotton Period 6 Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteThe play begins with 3 witches symbolizing evil in nature. The witches tell Macbeth that he will be made thane and the King. Lady Macbeth does not agree with Macbeth and King Duncan having dinner together. She wants King Duncan killed immediately, so that Macbeth will take that role. Macbeth tries to avoid it but Lady Macbeth ignores Macbeth. She wants King Duncan killed that night. Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to go through with the killing. King Duncan is dead and Macbeth has became King himself feeling guilty inside, while Lady Macbeth has no remorse. The play takes place in castles. The main characters are Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth. Macbeth has his own opinion but unfortunately lets his wife Lady Macbeth influence him. Lady Macbeth plays a dominant role in their marriage. In society, the male or husband would be more dominant. Gender is switched in this play. In the beginning of the play, the theme is thunder and lightening with the witches. This represents the mood of the play in the beginning. The main theme of the play is having ambition but it conflicting with morals. This is shown through the relationship of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Very good. I forgot the witches symbolized the evil in nature.
DeleteGreat details in your writing. You explained the themes very well and helped me understand more.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Nemecek (6) – The Rhetorical Effect
ReplyDelete• Witches: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Act I, Scene I, Line 12) – Chiasmus
Purpose: This line is present at the very beginning of the play, and thus helps set the mood for the entire work from here on out. By playing with the notion of good things being bad and bad things being good (via anaphora), Shakespeare introduces the audience to the notion of role reversals and hidden meanings. He lets us know that not everything will be as it seems, and even the best of men have a rotten seed lingering within their heart.
• Macbeth: “Stars, hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires.” (Act I, Scene IV, Lines 57-58) – Personification
Purpose: This is the point where Macbeth all but vows to kill Duncan to gain the kingship. Shakespeare emphasizes the moment by making the stars and the light – two nonliving things – take on the human actions of ‘hiding’ and ‘seeing’ respectively. In addition to placing emphasis on Macbeth’s decision, the personification also paints the bright night sky as a judge who will deem Macbeth ultimately guilty. Thus a bit of foreshadowing is thrown in as well.
• Lady Macbeth: “And take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers” (Act I, Scene V, Line 55) – Antithesis
Purpose: ‘Milk,’ especially the rich and creamy milk of Shakespeare’s day, is about the furthest thing from ‘gall,’ or bile. Yet by placing these two contrasting images next to each other, Shakespeare is showing how Lady Macbeth wants to rid herself of all her feminine sweetness in return for a heart hard enough to kill a king.
• Macbeth: “Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible / To feeling as to sight? Or art thou but / A dagger of the mind, a false creation / Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?” (Act II, Scene I, Lines 48-51) – Anaphora
Purpose: By using anaphora here, Shakespeare highlights Macbeth’s wavering. While he is hallucinating a dagger, Macbeth is also coming down to his final moments of decision-making time. Should he heed the hallucination’s warning, or should he disregard it as a figment of an addled brain? By repeating “art thou not,” Shakespeare shows that Macbeth, even up to the very moment of the murder, is still debating with himself whether it’s the right choice.
• Macbeth: “There is none but [Banquo] / Whose being I do fear; and under him / My genius is rebuked, as it is said / Mark Antony’s was by Caesar” (Act III, Scene I, Lines 59-62) – Allusion
Purpose: Shakespeare uses an allusion to the Roman civil war between Mark Antony and Octavius (the “Caesar” mentioned here) to foreshadow that a conflict will arise between the former friends Macbeth and Banquo. In addition to foreshadowing that, this allusion can also be used to foreshadow how Macbeth, like Mark Antony, will end up dead. Although historically Octavian lives and in Macbeth Banquo does not, Octavian is still the one to become emperor just as Banquo’s line will become the Scottish kings.
I like your last one the most, mostly because it has to do with the other prompt "Mapping It Out" in a sense of Macbeth's fear towards the "deed" that he will be committing.
DeleteMolly McEvoy (2nd)
DeleteLatin references!! We probably both could have written a full three page paper about the last quote, that's just how powerful it is. I really do appreciate the details you showed in your analysis of each quote though. hey honestly helped me understand some of them better and find new ways of thinking about the scenes and happenings of the play.
Evan Casey - Period 6 - Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteMacbeth and his fellow general Banquo are leading their armies through Europe when they encounter three witches in a pass. The witches prophesize that Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor and may one day be the king. Macbeth takes this to heart and when he returns home, his wife convinces him to kill the King, Duncan, in order to claim the throne. Macbeth is at first disagreeable and his stronger moral compass forbids him from doing so but after some time he is manipulated into it by his wife, an evil and cowardly woman who influences others to do her bidding. After the king is killed, Macbeth and his wife wait for their world to come crashing down as people begin to discover the death.
The major conflict thus far has occurred within Macbeth’s moral compass. He was highly conflicted within himself on whether or not he would kill the king, a trusted friend, and pursue his goals or to keep living the same life he had been living based off of a flaky prophecy from some weird old women. The setting is generally drab and gloomy and has a suspenseful and dark theme to it. Macbeth’s wife is motivated by the (close) prospect of power and Macbeth himself is motivated by the prophecy and the potential for greatness.
Thus far, Macbeth has been light on action but heavy on character development and establishing the theme, which is important in any Shakespearean work. It is vital that the characters have dynamic thoughts and personalities so that they may progress and the play does not go static.
I do agree that Lady Macbeth shows how much of a coward she is and also that Macbeths moral compass is a major conflict at this point. Although I think you could have added the other minor characters in, such as the proctor, since he is part of the tension and suspense by being put right after the murder.
DeleteAshley, I think the porter is more part of the scene than he is a true character. His purpose isn't to be a character at all, but rather to deliver allegory and metaphor to frame Macbeth's situation.
DeleteRegarding Macbeth's action, I don't get the sense that that's the point of this play anyway. Shakespeare seems to be focusing with great intensity on Macbeth, and only Macbeth, as a developing character.
Sirisha Karra (1st) - Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to focus on the eerie/creepy theme that is set in Act I Scene 1 by the Weird Sisters as many have stated here. It really sets the theme of the whole play in a sense, the fact that the spell which they state will continue on through out the entire play. The three sisters are almost symbolic of "Fates", in the sense that they go around telling people their destiny, and what is to happen to them. When they tell Macbeth, he takes it to heart and almost a bit too far, as we see in Act II. As the Weird Sisters inform him that he will become king, some way or the other, Macbeth begins to grow greedy and desires/lusts for the position of King.
After that being one of his biggest mistakes, Lady Macbeth persuades him to commit yet another one. She plants the idea in his head that it is his duty, that it is in his manhood to kill the king, which Macbeth cannot disagree with. Also to go along with this, I think that a key point that must be discussed is Macbeth's fear through out the entirety of Act I and all through out the killing as well. His wanting to kill Duncan made him have different hallucinations, all making him fear more of what he will do and what he has done (at the end of Act II). He specifically talks about how he is horrified that blood is on his hands, etc. Lady Macbeth, almost in a pure juxtaposition way, is completely overjoyed at the fact that her husband has "done the deed", and persuades him to feel "good" about what he has done.
Thus far, I would have to say that Macbeth is really in for some trouble due to what he has done so far. His character development as of now is almost flimsy, as he is afraid and unsure of what to do. Lady Macbeth's character seems clear - thirsty for power and will do anything to achieve her goal.
I would agree with your comment about how Lady Macbeth is thirsty for power and willing to do anything to achieve her goal. It all comes down to the main difference between the ambition of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Macbeth's ambition seems to be guided by reason, while Lady Macbeth's ambition seems to be guided by her emotions.
DeleteI also agree, and I find it satisfyingly tragic how Macbeth has set his fate in motion, and he's coming to realize it quicker and quicker, fighting harder and harder even though he knows it's futile.
DeleteI agree that Lady Macbeth is so convincing, that she can make Macbeth feel good about what he has done. In reality, she is the power thirsty character and changes Macbeth to want the same.
DeleteJohnny Huang 1st Period - Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteThe plot of Shakespeare’s Macbeth thus far has been centered on a prophecy told by the three witches. The prophecy predicts that Macbeth will eventually become king, but Banquo’s children will also rule. Act I serves as an introduction to Macbeth’s plot to become king, and Lady Macbeth convincing him to go through with it. Act II actually deals with the assassination itself. Duncan is invited to Macbeth’s house. During the nighttime, the guards have gotten drunk, allowing Macbeth the chance to kill Duncan. After killing the King, Macbeth is very shaken, and notes that he could not even say “Amen”. The mood here is incredibly tense. After the discovery of the King’s death, Macbeth kills the guards to cover his tracks.
Supernatural forces are at work during this play. With the prophecy of being King in his grasp, how far is Macbeth willing to go to maintain his throne? How will his mental state be affected by this?
I think the larger conflict would be the battle within Macbeth's mind rather than the assassination itself.
DeleteJustin magin (1st pd)
DeleteBilva, I believe that Macbeth will continue his power hunger until his downfall. He is too consumed by power to release the grasp and he has become to paranoid to be relaxed.
Dylan Kruesi (Period 1) - Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteMacbeth is set in Scotland during the Middle Ages and follows the protagonist, Macbeth, on his path to becoming King and focuses on the moral dilemmas he faces in order to achieve his apparent destiny. The major events in this play create more and more conflicts. The kick start of the action in Macbeth is when the three witches prophesize that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and someday king. At first Macbeth thinks lightly of this prophecy, but once he gains the title of Thane of Cawdor he believes that he is certainly fated to become king. Following this you begin to see Macbeth’s ambition, and even more so Lady Macbeth’s greed. Macbeth then assumes that he is fated to commit the treasonous act of murdering King Duncan in order to become king, so he meets a great moral dilemma. Macbeth struggles deeply with the thought of killing King Duncan, his cousin, to achieve his goal, but with strong encouragement and persuasion from his wife and his belief in fate move him towards taking action. Macbeth murders Duncan in his own home, and kills the chamberlains in order to pin the blame on them and also erase the possibility of exposure of the truth. King Duncan’s children flee and Macbeth assumes his position as king, but he begins to lose his sanity and fears nothing more than the loss of his power.
This play obviously imposes a drastically grim and mysterious mood and rarely breaks from its depressing nature. The most important characters in this play so far are Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Banquo, and Duncan. Following the murder of King Duncan a few new themes and motifs emerge. These include the difference between a tyrant and a king and hallucinations while other themes continue to be focused on.
In my opinion I think Macbeth possesses a lot of strong qualities, but is overall a weak man. It has been really interesting to see how such a respectable man could fall so easily because of weak morals and the inability to fight the temptations of his so called “fate”. After Macbeth murders King Duncan you see a complete shift in him, and he quickly losses his mind. Once he has his power he decides to try and fight fate in order to secure his legacy, but it seems every choice Macbeth makes only creates a worse situation for himself. Macbeth has already began to fall before he was even pronounced king, and id he just had been strong in the beginning and went about his ambitions in an ethical manner he could’ve avoided fragmenting his own mind.
Well said. I agree Macbeth does seem weak.
DeleteAshley Siebelink
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
Mapping It Out
The story starts out with Macbeth and Banquo, a fellow general, coming encounter with the witches who then prophesied on how Macbeth is to become the Thane of Cawdor. When he returns to his wife, who already knows of the prophecy, Lady Macbeth begins to manipulate Macbeth into killing Duncan, the king and also his cousin, so that he may become king faster. Macbeth is hesitant, but in the end sees the deed through. After Duncans murder Macbeth returns to the room where he and his wife is sleeping and becomes very uneasy and disgusted with himself, while Lady Macbeth becomes detached and shows her true colors of being a coward. A knocking at the door alarms Macbeth and Lady Macbeth which sends them rushing to clean up the blood from Macbeth and go to sleep so no one suspects anything.
There are other characters such as the Thanes and the porter, a drunkly servant, who comes in after the murder, however, the major characters are named as above.
The major conflict taking place here is Macbeth with himself. Because Duncan was the king, a friend, and a cousin, Macbeths morality seriously being put into question. He knows that it is important to be loyal to your kings and blood relatives, but because Lady Macbeth tore her own husband down by bashing his manhood for her own greed, and because he wanted the prophecy to come true as soon as possible, he went against his morals.
Although the witches did prophosize that Macbeth would be king they did not saying exactly when or how, which that Macbeth took his own free-will to get to what he wanted faster. A theme for this could be that free-will has a bigger say in life than fate.
I agree that Lady Macbeth has completely taken advantage of the situation. Macbeth clearly has a much stronger moral compass, however none of that matters because when it comes down to it, Macbeth murdered Duncan and is therefore no better than Lady Macbeth.
DeleteRachel Matsumura (2) – The Rhetorical Effect
ReplyDeleteRhetoric Examples:
•Paradox: The witches’ response to Banquo’s inquiry about his future: First Witch: “Lesser than Macbeth and greater.” Second Witch: “Not so happy, yet much happier.” Third Witch: “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.” Act I Scene 3 (66-68)
•Imagery: Lennox’s comment at the fierce weather on the night of Duncan’s murder: “The night has been unruly. Where we lay our chimneys were blown down and, as they say, lamenting heard I’ the’ air, strange screams of death, and prophesying with accents terrible of dire combustion and confused events new hatched to the woeful time. The obscure bird clamored the livelong night. Some say the Earth was feverous and did shake.” Act II Scene 3 (49-56)
•Euphemism: Macbeth references Duncan’s murder: “with his [Duncan’s] surcease success.” Act I Scene 7 (4)
•Personification: “Sleep no more! Macbeth hath murdered sleep.” Act II Scene 2 (33-34)
•Chiasmus: “Fair is foul and foul is fair.” Act I Scene I (12)
Important Quotes:
•“This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor. If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs, against the use of nature?” Macbeth, Act I Scene 3, Lines 134-141
Macbeth uses “that suggestion” to refer to the idea of murdering Duncan. Shakespeare uses this quote to details Macbeth’s “logic,” and gives the audience an idea of his morals.
•“There’s no art to find the minds construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust.” Duncan, Act I Scene 4, Lines 11-14
Duncan is discussing the betrayal by the previous Thane of Cawdor, highlighting his surprise and disappointment. Shakespeare conveys this by saying that there isn’t a way to interpret someone’s true thoughts by just looking at their face. This relates to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, who put up false pretenses after Duncan’s murder.
•“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’ other.” Macbeth, Act I Scene 7, Lines 25-28
Macbeth is, in a way, predicting his own downfall by saying he is letting his ambition run wild.
•“Alack, I am afraid they have awaked, and ‘tis not done. Th’ attempt and not the deed confounds us. Hark! I laid their daggers ready; he could not miss ‘em. Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done ‘t.” Lady Macbeth, Act II Scene 2, Lines 9-13
This quote serves to reveal the true nature of Lady Macbeth and that, while masterminding Duncan’s murder, she would not be able to do the deed herself because Duncan resembles her father. This contradicts her earlier proclaim that she would have killed her child if she had to, adding to the complexity of her character.
•“Whence is that knocking? How is ‘t with me when every noise appals me? What hands are here? Ha! They pluck out mine eyes. Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red.” Macbeth, Act II Scene 2, Lines 55-60
While Macbeth’s hands are presumably “stained red” from bloodshed in battles (referenced in Act I Scene 2), he says Duncan’s blood can’t be washed from his hands, and will stain anything he touches. Shakespeare is emphasizing that Macbeth’s actions have tainted him and removed him from God’s graces.
1st period - Honestly, you're probably one of the few students that have chosen to do this topic and that's great! It's awesome that you took the time to really analyze the play and find the rhetorical devices, it shows that you really understand Macbeth.
DeleteSo often I think of personification as an object being personified in order to serve a purpose, such as "the creek ran across the field", but your example of "Macbeth hath murdered sleep" reverses this notion. It takes you a second to realize that sleep is actually being personified in a sort of metaphorical way.
DeleteKeara Klinge - period 1 - Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteThe plot of Macbeth began when three witches prophesized to Macbeth and Banquo that Macbeth will be promoted and then become king and Banquo's children will inherit the throne. After Macbeth is promoted, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth realize that it must be possible for Macbeth to become the king too, so Lady Macbeth convinces her husband to kill Macbeth's cousin Duncan and blame the servants. After Macbeth kills him, he and his wife begin to have visions. In their paranoia they kill guards that they fear are suspicious. Their fear still grows so they arrange to have Banquo and his son killed so that the prophecy cannot be fulfilled. Of course, his son survives and they realize they cannot fight fate. They are now in the position of wondering whether Macbeth's role of king has paid off.
This takes place in Scotland during the middle ages. The major characters are Macbeth, the morally ambiguous protagonist; Lady Macbeth, his cold and ambitious wife; Banquo, a general who also hears the prophecy made by the witches; Duncan, the former king that was killed by Macbeth; and the witches, who tell the prophecy to Macbeth and Banquo.
Macbeth is primarily motivated by his ambition and his wife's taunts, which brings up the themes of whether or not ambition is always good and how far people will go when they are sufficiently motivated. Mood- and tone-wise this is a dark and tension-filled play, full of murder and fear from the very start.
Lady Macbeth is definitely cold and ambitious. However what's your critique of this play? How do you feel about Macbeth's change throughout the play?
DeleteKadijah Holder (st period) - Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteFrom the very beginning, the tone and mood of the play can be described as dark and malicious with the three witches planning their meeting with Macbeth. Once the witches meet Macbeth near Forres, this slowly begins the unraveling of Macbeth’s struggle with fate versus free will as he finds out that he shall be the thane of Cawdor and eventually king. Banquo is with him as well and learns that his sons should be kings someday. Shortly after, Ross and Angus enter, informing Macbeth that he should be thane of Cawdor which cause Macbeth to begin to believe that maybe the turn of events is fate. Lady Macbeth is sent a letter and learns of Macbeth’s new title and prophecy. This reveals Lady Macbeth’s greed and ambition for power. Macbeth returns home to Lady Macbeth where she convinces him to murder the king while she gets his guards drunk. Macbeth struggles within his conscious if he should really follow through with his promise. Macbeth then kills the king, showing that anyone is capable of evil. When Macduff finds the king dead the next morning, Macbeth pretends to be full of range and kills all the guards before they’re allowed to explain themselves. This shows how Macbeth isn’t truly remorseful about killing the king since he immediately kills his guards later. The king’s sons, Donalbain and Malcom, decide to flee to different places in order to remain safe, yet this causes suspicion. Moving along, Macbeth also remembers the prophecy speaking of Banquo and his son Fleance. Fleance should eventually be king instead of Macbeth’s heirs, which angers him. Macbeth finds three murderers to assassinate Banquo and Fleance. At this point, Macbeth is exercising his free will, rather letting fate take its course. The murderers kill Banquo, but Fleance flees. Meanwhile, Macbeth is having a feast and pretending not to know the reason for Banquo’s absence. He begins to see Banquo’s ghost appear, which shows his guilt. Lady Macbeth cuts the feast short in order to preserve their innocence in all the murders. Finally, a new character is introduced, Hecate. Her name is often mentioned and she comes off as an evil character that is involved with the three witches. She is upset that she hasn’t been involved in all the murders that have happened, but eventually leaves when she is called.
At first, I didn’t realize that so many themes were in Macbeth, but I enjoy it and can see how it can relate to today’s times. I find it interesting how Macbeth was first having trouble with committing the sins he did, but eventually became morally corrupt, killing any and everybody that threatens his crown. The prophecy immediately changed him, which makes me think that he actually did have free will in his choices. I think Lady Macbeth is simply a power hungry woman. She’s the catalyst to Macbeth’s downfall in my eyes. She’s the one that pushed Macbeth to committ his first murder which eventually made the rest of them easier to do. Overall, I enjoy reading Macbeth.
I don't think that Macbeth isn't truly remorseful. It's often hard to drag yourself out of a rut of bad deeds once you've already started. For example, it's often easiest to cover up one lie with more lies, and under the pressure this kind of situation creates it is hard to will yourself into making the harder choice. Macbeth is experiencing similar trouble. He already has blood on his hands, but he's already in so deep that he's just running in circles causing more damage until he wears himself out. You could even say that Macbeth's guilt and remorse are causing him to continue on his downward spiral.
DeleteI like how you pointed out it was Macbeths free will. Although the witches said it was his fate to be king they didn't tell him to kill King Duncan.
DeleteHannah Cooper-1st Period-Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteSo far, Macbeth has a very creepy plot, as well as an eerie setting. The play begins with witches, who symbolize the fates, who are going to meet with Macbeth to tell him the prophecies about his future. They tell Macbeth that he will become the king and the Thane of Cawdor as well. They tell Banquo that his descendants will be kings. Almost immediately, Macbeth actually becomes the Thane of Cawdor and Banquo says he is on his way to becoming king. The spirits come into play again when Lady Macbeth asks them to make her less like a woman and more like a man. She wants to have her emotions taken away so that she won't feel remorse or compassion and will be able to follow through with her evil plan.
Macbeth decides that he is going to go through with the plan to kill Duncan after his wife insults his manliness. Before he commits the crime he hallucinates a dagger in front of him and a ghost, showing that he is slowly losing his sanity. After he commits the crime he is paranoid about every noise that he hears and he runs to tell Lady Macbeth, hoping for her approval. Instead she tells him to man up and go wash his hands. She says that it is stupid of him to feel bad about it. Macbeth says that he cannot even say "amen" because of the task that he just performed. Lady Macbeth calls him a coward for not even being able to return to his room and leave the daggers with the servants. Because Macbeth killed Duncan, he fulfilled the second prophecy from the witches.
In the beginning of act three, Macbeth decides that he wants Banquo dead. I think that this is part of his deteriorating sanity because he used to be friends with Banquo but now claims to be afraid of him. He wants to kill Banquo so that the murder of Duncan won't have just been for Banquo's children. When he is discussing the matter with his wife she says " but in them nature's copy's not eterne," meaning that Banquo and his son won't be alive forever. She manipulates Macbeth into putting his fears aside so that she is able to achieve her goal. This shows her as a strong female character. Macbeth orders three murders to complete the task of murdering Banquo and his son. They are able to kill Banquo but the son escapes. During this time, Macbeth is hosting a dinner party at his home for the lords. Macbeth must act natural throughout the banquet so no one catches on to him, however Banquo's ghost appears in his seat and causes Macbeth to freak out. Lady Macbeth takes charge of the situation and tells the guests not to worry and that he is just having an "episode." From this the readers can see that Macbeth isn't able to handle the pressure of doing evil deeds as well as his wife. Lady Macbeth is the brains behind the operation, and Macbeth just performs the deeds.
Molly McEvoy (2nd)
DeleteI enjoyed how you phrased Lady Macbeth writing Macbeth's actions off as just an 'episode'. Makes it seem like she is talking about a child throwing a temper tantrum, which in a way Macbeth is. Also, I agree that Lady Macbeth is the brains behind this whole scheme while Macbeth is just carrying out her bidding.
Although I agree to some extent that Lady Macbeth is a "strong character" she is clearly a coward when it comes to following her own words and Shakespeare is definitely portraying women in a very negative light. He makes it seem as if the only thing women are after is power and are overwhelmed by emotions and greed, but still shows them as cowardly and unwilling to do any of the actual work.
DeleteI agree with Varsha Lady Macbeth came off as a strong woman but none of her actions proved she was a strong woman.I understand she didn't want to get her hands dirty but she's calling a her husband a coward when he doesn't want to take a life but in actuality she's the real coward.
DeleteMolly McEvoy (2nd)- The Rhetorical Effect
ReplyDeleteShakespeare, much like other authors and playwrights of his time, used a sizable amount of rhetorical devices to create a better sounding and more interesting piece of literature. Some examples of those are:
*Chiasmus- "Fair is foul and foul is fair" (1.1.12)
PURPOSE: This line is found in the witches opening scene, where they discuss when they shall meet again to talk about the fate of Macbeth. It helps to establish an eerie mood which, continues on throughout the whole play. Also, as we discussed in class, this line offers a way to categorize people within the play, asking whether they are truly good or evil.
*Alliteration- "To doff their dire distresses" (4.3.188)
PURPOSE: This line finishes Ross's speech in which he informs Macduff of the murder of his wife and child by Macbeth. this is a pivotal point in the play, for it is the true beginning into Macbeth;s downfall. this line and its surrounding context show his once trusted allies turning against him due to their love for their country and understanding that Macbeth is now a tyrant and incapable of ruling, for he is too corrupt.
*Hyperbole-“Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood/ Clean from my hand? No. This my hand will rather/ The multitudinous seas incarnadine,/ Making the green one red” (2.2.60-63)
PURPOSE:The overstatement in these lines shows Macbeth's horror at the crime he had just committed. Stating that the amount of blood on his hands will turn the whole ocean red shows how anxious and worked up he is over this. Also, the surrounding lines help to show how Lady Macbeth is not helping Macbeth cope with his fears in the least bit. Shaming him is only making the situation worse, leaving more blood to clean up.
*Antithesis- "not so much happy, yet much happier" (1.3.69)
PURPOSE: Banquo's fate, which stated by the witches in later lines, does not directly affect Banquo himself. He's destined to be slain, but his sons will avenge his death and become kings. The antithesis line shows how while Banquo's fate isnt as nice fir him personally has Macbeth's fate is for Macbeth, but the long run of Banquo's fate is a much happier and pleasant one.
*Anaphora- "When the hurly-burly's done, / When the battle's lost and won" (1.1.3-4)
PURPOSE: This line opens the witches first scene, and the play itself. It helps to set the eerie mood and creates a sense of uneasiness in the reader. Also, it foreshadows a great downfall, where the witches will meet again. This 'battle' most likely represents Macbeth's ultimate downfall and tells the reader from the get go of his eventual demise. The following scene helps to further solidify Macbeth as the tragic hero of whom the witches were speaking of.
Varsha Kulasekarapandian (2) – Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteMacbeth is a tragic story of a man with heavy internal conflicts about his morality, fate, and his own ambitions. At the beginning of the play, the witches appear and represent the fate element that is present, they inform Macbeth of the prophecy that he will be king. Although the prophecy was given, no details were revealed as to how Macbeth would become king. However after passing this information along to Lady Macbeth, she decides to play a role in the prophecy by manipulating and urging Macbeth into killing King Duncan in order to take the crown for himself. Although Lady Macbeth seems to be willing to manipulate her own husband in order to succeed in her ambitions, she is incapable of committing the acts herself. I think this shows how, although the prophecy stands, the actions that will take place lay in the hands of Macbeth and no one else. After Killing Duncan and attempting to frame the guards for the murder, King Duncan’s children flee (one to Whales and the other to England) which creates much suspicion in the eyes of the others. Macbeth has hallucinations and is troubled by his own doings while Lady Macbeth seems to have no regrets.
In class we discussed how detachment is often how people cope with guilt or traumatic events, and was argued that Lady Macbeth could quite possibly be regretting the murder and is troubled by it. But I believe that Lady Macbeth is more than happy to let others do the dirty work while she enjoys the benefits and is more scared of the consequences, rather than the immorality, of her or her husband’s actions.
Brennan Lewis (6th)
DeleteI agree with your view that Lady Macbeth did not feel guilt. I read her more as honestly insane, with very little remorse for the lost lives of others. Though she could have been detaching from the situation, she is introduced as not having any positive feelings for another character, almost even having animosity towards Macbeth himself.
Diu Rahlan(p.6)- Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteThe setting take place in Scotland and England. The play begin with the three witches telling Macbeth that he will become the king. The three witches created this dark and creepy tone. Lady Macbeth convince Macbeth to kill Duncan by making him feel guilty and questioning his manhood. Macbeth kill Duncan and start feeling regrets and having strange hallucinations. Duncan's body was discovered and Macbeth kill the guards so he can blame them and no one can say anything about it. Malcolm and Donalbain leave the country because they were scare that someone out there was going to kill them too. Macbeth become king just like the three witches told him before. Fear of Banquo revealing everything about him, Macbeth hire a murders to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. Banguo was killed but Fleance survived. This made Macbeth visit the three withes even more and start asking for more prophesies. Macduff fled to England to get Malcolm back on the throne and is preparing for war. Macbeth is more violent and care less than he did before while Lady Macbeth is more detached from the situation.
I really like how your summary was short but yet included all the main points. It's good that you pointed out the fact that now Lady Macbeth is feeling detached from everything that in a way she started.
DeleteI totally agree with you!
ReplyDeleteMorgan Coyle (2nd)- RHetorical Devices
ReplyDelete1. Aphorism- “Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return/To plague th' inventor” –Lines 9-10, Act 1 Scene 7. This aphorism is used to bring attention to Macbeth’s realization that if he gets to be king by way of murder, he will most likely have his reign taken away from him in the same manner. Despite this, Macbeth kills Duncan, and the audience now knows something bad will happen due to this quote from Act 1, Scene 7.
2. Metaphor- “Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be/What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature;/It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness/To catch the nearest way”-Line 15-18 Act 1, Scene 5. Shakespeare uses this metaphor to paint a picture of Lady Macbeth’s character through her view of Macbeth. Her fear that he is too kind shows that she is ruthless.
3. Chiasmus- “Fair is foul, and foul is fair”—Act 1, Scene 1. This statement is a contradiction of itself and makes the audience distrust both what seems foul or fair in the play, while creating a sense of uneasiness.
4. Apostrophe- “I see thee yet, in form as palpable/As this which now I draw./Thou marshall’st me the way that I was going,/And such an instrument I was to use.”—Act 2, Scene 1. Although most interpret this scene as a guilty hallucination, I think it resembled more of an apostrophe. Macbeth addresses a non-present, non-sentient object as if it were there and could understand in order to reveal his inner thoughts and strife.
5. Dramatic Irony- “Lamentings heard i' th' air, strange screams of death,/And prophesying with accents terrible/Of dire combustion and confused events/New hatched to the woeful time[…]Some say the Earth/Was feverous and did shake.” – Act 2, Scene 3. In describing the feeling of foreboding everyone experienced the night of the murder without anybody except the audience and the Macbeths yet knowing the heinous act that transpired, the audience is held in suspense, waiting for they other characters to find Duncan. The audience’s knowledge of what most of the characters have yet to learn creates a tension in the audience, building up the excitement for and worrying about when Duncan’s murder is found out.
Note: This was very difficult to do in only 150-200 words, given how many things that needed to be included, so forgive me for going a bit over. After reading through the posts, I noticed that many of them were of the same essence, and I found it difficult to find anything unique and relevant to say about them. Also, I felt a lot of pressure trying to find the most importan\] quotes, so I claim only that my chosen quotes are important, not the most important.
I really like what you said about the chiasmus. It's not easy to trust anything in this tense and messy play.
DeleteAustin Gain - 1st - Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteThe play opens with three witches discussing when they shall meet again in addition to discussing Macbeth and his future plans. This opening scene sets up a dark and gloomy atmosphere in an attempt to set the play for a tragedy. Macbeth comes upon the three witches who prophesize that Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor and the King of Scotland. They also prophesize that Banquo's children will become future kings of Scotland. This news begins to distress Macbeth. Soon after, Macbeth hears news that the former Thane of Cawdor has committed treason, which leads Macbeth to become the Thane, just as the witches predicted. Macbeth, knowing that his second prophecy is about to come true, becomes impatient with Duncan still reigning as King of Scotland. Macbeth's wife, Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to kill Duncan and take the throne by force. After Macbeth commits the deed, Macbeth becomes frightened and succumbs to hallucinations. Later on, Macduff discovers Duncan's body, which cause Macbeth to murder all the guards at his castle which switches the blame over to the guards rather than Macbeth. Meanwhile, Duncan's children, Donalbain and Malcolm flee from Scotland in fear that they will soon be targeted by Macbeth.
Monica Ramirez (6) Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteMacbeth starts out very Mysterious and dramatic with the three sister talking about reuniting again in thunder, lightening and rain. Which gives the reader a sense that they're evil and possibly up to something. They discuss that Macbeth will be king. Which leads Lady Macbeth to manipulating and convincing her husband to murdering their fellow king Duncan. Macbeth is left in fear becomes he doesn't want to murder someone who has been very loyal to him even though he want's to be king.
The best time to commit the murder is when the king is sleeping, they must kill him as well as his guards. Macbeth is able to murder the king but he forgets to kill the guards, therefore his wife is goes back and kills them. Macbeth starts hallucinating all these weird things and he can't even say the word Amen. He is left feeling very gulity, jumpy,and paranoid.Meanwhile his wife is feeling nothing she's more like well its done, and its a shame that i have such a white heart. Towards the end of the scene Macbeth is left regretting his actions. Well, what can he do was is done is done?
People are getting ready for the carnation. However Macbeth still wants answers about his ruling so he seeks out to find the three sisters. They tell him that he will loose his crown but not to a woman or his kids. Instead it will be Banquo kids who become the rulers. The only thing left was for Macbeth to murder Banquo. Which he does. Towards the end of act 3 it seems like Lady Macbeth has true brought her husbands evil side. One would assume that once he became king he would never commit a murder again because of his reactions turns out it was total opposite.
I guess that it someones lust towards their wants that bring out the worst of them. They just get this evil power that they can't control. It makes sense why the story has been very dark and mysterious.
Alex Miller 2nd Period The Rhetorical Effect
ReplyDeleteIn Scene 1 Banquo uses a rhetorical question which shows that he's starting to believe what the witches said and that he hopes the part of the prophesy regarding him will come true. "If there come truth from them, As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine, Why by the verities on thee made good May they not be my oracles as well, And set me up in hope?"
Also in Scene 1 Banquo uses soliloquy to show his suspicion that Macbeth may not have been innocent when it came to Duncan's death which is a very important example of foreshadowing because Banquo's suspicion and his half of the prophesy are what cause him to end up dead. "Thou hast it now, King, Cawdor, Glamis, all, As the Weird Women promised, and I fear Thou plyed'st most foully for't..."
There is also more foreshadowing in Scene 1 in the form of allusion when Macbeth compares his relationship with Banquo to that of Caesar's and Mark Antony's. "My genius is rebuked, as it is said Mark Antony's was by Caesar."
In Scene 2 Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth that they have "scotched the snake, not killed it". The purpose of this metaphor is to show that Macbeth is not only trying to convince himself that Duncan was evil because snakes have been seen as representations for evil since biblical times and it shows that Macbeth is far from being done murdering people. Snakes are also representations of people getting stabbed in the back since they bite when unsuspected so this metaphor also represents how Macbeth wants to rid of Banquo and his son so Macbeth's sons remain in line for the crown.
In Scene 2 Macbeth and Lady Macbeth begin to switch roles which can be seen through the use of simile in the quote “look like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under’t” which shows how he has started to get used to the idea of how he must cover up several lies rather than his wife having to remind him. I believe Shakespeare included this quote to show how there might be a role reversal later on in the play.
Gordon Ma (6)
DeleteThought it was interesting how you brought up Shakespeare's allusion to one of his own plays, Julius Caesar. Though I've never thought too much about it, there seem to be some similarities between the two plays!
Brennan Lewis (6th) - Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteMacbeth opens onto the frightening image of three ancient witches gleefully discussing the woes of others together, quickly followed by images of a dark and bloody battefield. Early in the play, Macbeth and Banquo's meeting with the Weird Sisters foretells the horror yet to come and instills a creepy mood with reoccurring elements of the supernatural. The scenes of violent warfare also foreshadow future violence, with Macbeth portrayed as a great, yet ruthless leader. After the death of several other leaders in the war, Macbeth is pronounced Thane of Cawdor. He is heralded as a hero, yet Macbeth is not yet satisfied.
Shakespeare's critical tone, revealing a negative opinion of those who let their ambition overpower their integrity, emerges in the second act, as Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to murder Duncan in his sleep, taking a stab at Macbeth's pride and masculinity. Macbeth, though unwillingly, murders Duncan, and is haunted by hallucinations of being followed by the bloody dagger that he used in the assassination. Spooky imagery is key here as well, with disturbing knocking and the hallucinations creating the sense of Macbeth being hunted or followed by his own guilt.
In the morning, Duncan's body is found and Macbeth successfully frames his murder on his sons. However, filled with insecurity and a fear of having his position stolen by another, Macbeth attempts to kill Banquo and his sons as well. When his murder attempt is not completely successful and Fleance escapes, Macbeth is stricken with an intense fear of being discovered.
The theme of too much ambition destroying one's integrity is prominent throughout the play so far, as is that of the capacity of guilt to drive a person insane. I feel that Shakespeare's work is made effective by how he has retained a heightened sense of tension throughout the play, created by a mix of very disturbing scenes with more normal ones, and a focus on the deliberating process of deciding to do horrible things.
You are correct the three sisters prophecies do come true however they don't say exactly how they will happen. In other words the actions that the characters do. The porter scene was my favorite, it was in a sense funny and did increase the audiences attention. Love it
ReplyDeleteBrian Fischer (6): Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteMacbeth begins with three witches telling prophecies of Macbeth’s future in royalty. The scene is rainy and thundering. This connects the witches with the chaos of nature, which hints that these sisters may have contact with some force greater than humanity. Upon hearing that he will become king, Macbeth’s gears start to turn. The idea of killing the good and respected King Duncan emerges. In Macbeth’s house, Lady Macbeth eggs Macbeth on into going through with the act. Macbeth struggles with himself and feels guilt, but he ends up murdering King Duncan as he hosts the king for dinner. Macbeth’s porter uses language like “hell gate” and “Beelzebub” while talking to a visitor, unknowingly describing the setting after the murder as hell. Lady Macbeth shifts the blame of the murder on the drunken guards, who are executed shortly after. Macbeth realizes that he has dug himself into a huge sinkhole, but continues down his tainted path. Macbeth becomes more paranoid over time that people will find out that he was Duncan’s murderer. Many people are executed at Macbeth’s command, including his good friend Banquo. This intimidates Macduff and Malcolm into fleeing the country. Lady Macbeth now disapproves of Macbeth’s choice to use murder for politics, unlike in the beginning when she encouraged it.
Gordon Ma (6th)
DeleteGreat summary of the play thus far, most intriguing is how you mentioned the change of character that Lady Macbeth goes through. You'd expect her to stay pretty adamant with her ideals, especially when they involve killing someone...
Katherine Concepcion, Pd.2 - Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteMacbeth starts off with the three witches prophesying about the future of Macbeth and Banquo, which sets and eerie and sinister tone. The witches’ prophecy states that Macbeth will eventually become king. It is also stated that Banquo's sons will become kings as well. Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth about the prophecy and she quickly thinks of a plan to get him to become king, which leads to the start of Macbeth’s downfall. Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to kill Duncan after calling him a coward and questioning his manhood. Macbeth finally kills Duncan, but the plan is compromised. Macbeth killed the guards because of the anger and remorse he felt. Lady Macbeth starts to feel nervous and faints, losing the control she possessed at the beginning of the play. Banquo thinks that something suspicious is going on so Macbeth gets someone to kill Banquo and his son but only Banquo dies. He gets someone to kill Banquo because of his anxiousness which ends up making him feel guilty once more while having hallucinations. Here, we see the true change in Macbeth. He isn't the innocent, feminine character that was displayed in the beginning of the play. Macbeth proves to be a cruel and violent person to keep his place as king.
Heavenlee Burt (6th)
DeleteAlso when mentioning Lady Macbeth you could also bring up the changes in both characters. But I like how you used "cruel and violent" to describe the new tyrant Macbeth that wouldn't even blink at murdering a loved one anymore.
2nd pd
Deleteagree Macbeth is trying to make the audience think that he feel guilty for killing Duncan and orderin th death of Banquo when he really doesn't.
Hannah Jablonski-1st. Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteAct one opens up with three witches discussing what will happen in Macbeth and Banquo's future, and it sets an eerie/creepy tone. The witches tell them that Banquo's sons will become king and Macbeth will become king also. He tells Lady Macbeth about what the witches have said and she lures him to kill Duncan so that he can become king. Lady Macbeth questions his manhood and calls him a coward. This leads him to killing Duncan. Lady Macbeth was supposed to help with the killing but she couldn't bring herself to it because he resembled her father too much. Macbeth ends up murdering the the guards because he was so mad when he "found out" about Duncan's death.
Heavenlee Burt (6th)
DeleteThis ends at Act 2 I believe, you could also say something about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth later switching rolls and then later add Macduff ire into the mix.
Justin Ledinh- 6th- Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteAlthough the initial scenes of Macbeth featured intense hand to hand, physical, combat, once all the main characters and the prophecy are introduced, the conflict shifts to a personal conflict. There are three main conflicts,all which occur in Macbeth's mental state. The first, involves Macbeth's decision on whether or not to kill King Duncan. In this conflict, he wages his morals and loyalty to the king with his ambition to rise to the throne. In the end, it is not Macbeth himself who entirely complies with his choice, but Lady Macbeth who uses her manipulative skill to get Macbeth to murder the king. The second major conflict involves Macbeth's decision on what to do with Banquo. He is afraid because of the prophecy that Banquo is the man that is the only thing standing in the way of complete rule. At this point however, instead of Lady Macbeth's influence, Macbeth's morals have degraded to the point in which he does not hesitate to send assassins to kill Banquo. Finally, there is the struggle between what Macbeth perceives to be real and what is a hallucination. Because of his choices to kill the people he is closest with, he is haunted by nightmares of his actions, including the ghost of Banquo in one scene. What this shows is that Macbeth still feels guilty for his actions and cannot get over the past.
The setting has taken place across King Duncan's kingdom in Scotland during the Middle Ages. As mentioned prior, the main character is Macbeth, with supporting characters Lady Macbeth and Banquo, as well as smaller characters such as Lord Duncan, Fleance, Macduff, and Malcolm.
I agree with how Macbeth now has lower morals when killing Banquo. He doesn't show any regret killing him compared to when he killed Duncan.
DeleteI don't know necessarily if fate is set in stone but rather it is the character's choices that cause the so called predestined fate. The events could have occurred that way because Macbeth's belief in the witches caused him to make decisions in order for the prophecy to come true.
ReplyDeleteJustin Magin (1st pd)- Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteThe play starts out with three witches telling Macbeth that his fate is to become king. Macbeth then interprets this fortune in such a way that he contemplates killing Duncan. Lady Macbeth seizes this opportunity and convinces Macbeth that he must kill Duncan when he stays at their house. She insults Macbeth’s manliness, which causes him to give in and agree to kill the king. Macbeth is motivated by desire and Lady Macbeth shows more of a greed perspective. Macbeth then blames the two kingsmen for the murder by lathering blood on their garments after Lady Macbeth filled them with spirits. Macbeth began having hallucinations after the murder of a dagger with blood. He also became very paranoid and believed that everyone was out to get him. Macbeth returns to the witches to seek his fortune and he learns that Banquo’s children will become heirs to the thrown. Macbeth has Banquo killed but his kids had escaped.
The play is dark and gloomy. It is read as if there is dense fog at all times surrounding the stage. We watch as Macbeth develops into a cold killer, capable of anything to become king. This tragic hero morphs, from a once conscious and thinking man, to a cold paranoid killer with the ambition of becoming king at all costs.
great choice of the major events. also good description of the mood of the play being dark, it really sets up the play for his downfall
DeleteErin Eichenberger, p6- I'm not sure I agree with you on the "cold killer" idea of Macbeth. Maybe he is finally able to embrace it, but at this point in the play he is still distancing himself from the murders. He pleads that he can't be held responsible for Banquo's death- "Thou canst not say I did it; never shake thy gory locks at me" (Act III, Scene IV.) And because he is haunted by his actions (the bloody dagger, the ghost of Banquo,) he has clearly failed in cutting emotions out of it.
DeleteHeavenlee Burt (6th) - Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteThe first major event is when Macbeth comes in contact with the witches and they foretell the prophecy. This spirals a chain of events in the play leading things to become unsteady and shaky, especially for Macbeth. The second major event is when Macbeth finally decides to kill the king due to his wife’s persuasion. She’s a naturally born manipulator but late in Act 4 we see her emotional and on the edge of an emotional break down because of all of the unnecessary blood spilt. It is possible that she feels guilt for the murders as now that Macbeth has killed to get in power it’s so simple to kill to stay in power for him now. Banque’s death is the next major event because Macbeth’s indifference of killing his “former friend” shows how much he’s changed. Macbeth becomes a tyrant and any traitors are punished like Macduff and the murder of his family. This leads to the last major event of Macduff venting his anger and proclaiming his revenge on Macbeth: “...if he 'scape, Heaven forgive him too!”. This leaves quite the foreshadowing for the ending and Macbeth’s inevitable death.
I think your splitting of "major events" worked well, as each point was a point in which there was a major change in the skeleton of the story, whether it was internal character or external character elements.
DeleteNice job choosing the major events to use. I like how you show the change in Macbeth's character, how he kills banquo and doesn't even feel disturbed, etc.
DeleteKaylin Cooley 2nd- Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteIn the play Macbeth, the audience is introduced to three witches. They talk about the fate of Macbeth. The setting is spooky and dark, giving the suspense mood going along with the chants. Next, Lady Macbeth was introduced. She persuades Macbeth to think that achieving his goals can only come from killing Duncan. Macbeth makes up in his mind that he will follow through and kill him. During the night, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth kill Duncan. Before the murder, they decided to get the guards drunk so they wouldn’t remember anything from that night. The next scene shows how everyone found out and how they were plotting trying to catch the killer. However, Macbeth blames the guards, even though they are innocent. Macbeth makes up a lie to them why he “killed the guards”. Malcolm and Donalbain were frightened by this and ran off. Which leaves Macbeth to be the King.
Mappin out (2nd pd)
ReplyDeleteThe play starts off with the three witches talking amongs themselves and being all secretive which set this eerie tone that's very dark . As the play goes on Macbeth and Banquo meet with the weird sisters, and they were given a prophecy that Macbeth will become king and Banquo sons will also become king.
After the prophecy was told to Macbeth he went home and told his lovely wife not knowing she would manipulate him into killing his cousin Duncan who is the king at the time. This is what lead to his falling because he let his wife cloud his judgement ; therefore, it lead him to decide the fate of Duncan which was death.
The story continue with Lady Macbeth and Macbeth came up with this plan that after they kill Duncan they will fame the guards , couple of night late Duncan was killed and th next morning he was discovered by Banquo . Macbeth felt guilty about killing Duncan so out of nervousness an guilt Macbeth kills the guard This rised the supect level in Banquo mind, which made Macbeth to order someone to kill Banquo an his son .
I honestly don't think he feels guilty at all because he acted on his own free will, once again Macbeth was faced with a decision and he choice the easy way out this show how a person of high honor who is greatly respected can be brought down by their ambition and greed so easly when faced with a big decision; therefore, Macbeth is a tragic hero due to all the poor choice he made though out the play.
I agree that Shakespeare is trying to demonstrate the idea of free will and how people react to the consequences of their actions when their actions are truly up to themselves. In the end nobody forced him to kill Duncan, he could have still decided not to.
DeleteI agree with how Macbeth doesn't feel guilty when Banquo died. He seems to have gotten use to killing someone that he doesn't have any wavering emotions being expressed.
DeleteGordon Ma (6th) – Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteAs most people have already given well-written summaries of the play thus far, I will summarize with a little bit more reflection. Macbeth is a play about ambition and the notion of fate versus free will. After hearing a prophecy that he will become the king and Banquo’s sons will become the successive kings, Macbeth goes under a series of influences until he finally kills Duncan and “fulfills” the prophecy. A central theme is the idea of whether or not Macbeth had a choice in the matter. As we discussed in class, the witches never specify exactly how Macbeth fulfills the prophecy. In fact, one can imagine that Macbeth lives a fulfilling life, kind and generous to all the people that he meets. When we start thinking about it this way, we find that the story would be completely different from what Shakespeare wrote. To make a connection to our lives, it’s obvious that we all share one fate – death. No one escapes death, but our so called “fate” doesn’t determine the lives that we live. For example, I wouldn’t commit suicide if I found out that my destiny was to die (shocker). Hope this gives another perspective.
This somewhat reminds me of the debate of creation versus evolution, at least in terms of specification. Creation is like fate in that it sets a foundation of what exists or will exist. The view of evolution is like free will in that it looks at how what was created...was created. In other words, how the creation came to be through a series of events not necessarily attributable to predetermination. There is this ultimate state or thing that will happen (such as death), but it is the process that gets us there that really determines how that state evolves and how quickly it arrives.
Delete(2nd period)
DeleteI like your discussion of fate versus free will, and how Macbeth didn't have to take matters into his own hands to fulfill the prophecy. He could have become king eventually without murdering Duncan, but he and his wife were too ambitious (another theme of the play).
Chris Lacey 6th Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteShakespeare immerses the audience into a unknown, mystifying atmosphere where the reader is just as much in the dark about the situation as the characters in they play are. Even though Macbeth is starts in media res, this scene serves as a introduction and foreshadows the events that will unfold in the following story. As Lady Macbeth is introduced the setting changes dramatically but there is still a underlying dark tone as they are plotting to commit murder of the most important man in the entire kingdom. We can see her manipulation and receive more insight into Macbeth's characters and motivations. In the end Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth to kill the King and the deed is eventually done. This scene distinguishes the two of them and we realize how completely different the two of them are. She is driven blindly by this greed but Macbeth has a hard time betraying his king. After the murder Macbeth is in a bit of shock and becomes disillusion. And Lady Macbeth is mad that the killing did not go exactly as she planned.
I like your comment on tone. I think that that dark setting remains through out the story and allows us to interpret literary elements from that lens.
DeleteHelen Foyle—Period 6—The Rhetorical Effect
ReplyDeleteShakespeare utilizes rhetorical devices in (I’m assuming) every scene of Macbeth, therefore making it difficult to discern exactly what example of each device is “most important”. The examples that I have chosen certainly have significance, but may not be arguably the most valuable models of the various forms of rhetoric.
Chiasmus: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.10)
This example of rhetoric, as stated by the witches and then later alluded to by Macbeth, is excellent in its ability to sum up an entire theme of the novel in a little, seven-worded sentence. It speaks of the idea of a wolf in sheep’s clothing; in the sense that those who appear to be of ideal morality are, in fact, foul creatures. This is evident in Lady Macbeth’s ability to give herself the persona of a beautiful and gracious woman, while she secretly lusts for the emotionlessness of man and is willing to sacrifice the lives of others to obtain power. The use of chiasmus makes obvious the contradictory nature of amiable appearance versus veiled dispositions.
Antithesis: “What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won.” (1.2.66)
Spoken by Duncan, this usage of rhetoric refers to Macbeth’s gain of the Thane of Cawdor’s title and the man’s life itself. Through the Thane of Cawdor’s death, essentially the ultimate revocation of a royal title, Macbeth gains all that the Thane has lost. What is revealing, and later ironic, about this quote is that Duncan believes Macbeth to be worthy of such gains. He believes that Macbeth’s heroism in the war has earned him the title previously afforded to the traitorous Thane. Ironically, following Macbeth’s acquisition of this title, he experiences a moment of clarity in which he realizes what the witches prophesized must be true, and turns a traitor himself. The quote is very much literal as it is a traitorous life lost that Macbeth has won.
Epistrophe: “When you durst do it, then you were a man, / And to be more than you were, you would / Be so much more the man.” (1.7.49-51)
This is one of the many persuasive techniques Lady Macbeth uses to lure Macbeth into her murderous plot. Her using of epistrophe allows a comparison between a current state of being and a potential, and greater, state of being. She is tempting Macbeth with this potential state, letting him know that it would be desirable and “so much more” if he were to carry through the plot and surrender his cowardice.
Epimone: “Still it cried ‘Sleep no more,’ to all the house. / ‘Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor / Shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more.’” (2.2.39-41)
This quote reminds me of the soliloquy from Henry IV we analyzed for our in-class writing response. There is a strong connection between finding sleep, or being allowed sleep, and knowing a peace of mind. Macbeth’s use of epimone in his repetition of the phrase “Sleep no more”, with which he references every title he has held, demonstrates his severe state of internal conflict. It is clear that Macbeth sees his bringing about the eternal sleep of the unconscious king has caused him to lose the peace of mind that will allow him sleep.
Asyndeton: “This valued file / Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle, / The housekeeper, the hunter, every one…” (3.1.98-100)
Macbeth uses this rhetorical device in his attempts to make himself seem unlike Banquo, in that he would be seen as more understanding and appreciative of those beneath him. He lists many types of dogs, each relating to a certain aspect of hunting; a metaphor for the men he is asking to hunt down Banquo and his son. He then places value upon “every one” of them, an attribute he claims Banquo often looked over when he held high ranks in the army, his ignorance causing those of lower ranks to suffer and feel scorned.
Erin Eichenberger,p6- I agree that the witches' line "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" is very characteristic of the play's themes. It really emphasizes the idea of ambition leading to the death of morality. It's very easy to see how Macbeth begins to think this (believing that he is meant to be on the throne, and therefore everyone in his path deserves to die.) Because it comes so early in the play, it's also some very nice foreshadowing.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI totally disagree that fate i set an stone and free will is an illusion but i do agree with justin
ReplyDeleteElijah Bader(2nd)-Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteThe first major event is when the three witches appear out of the storm. This sets the eerie feeling which is felt in act one and two. We also learn the story is fictional. The witches are evil characters and the also speak differently than everyone else, making what they say standout and creating a scary and suspenseful mood.
The next major event is when the witches visit Macbeth and Banquo. They refer to Macbeth using his original title and thane of Cawdor. Then they prophesize Macbeth will become king and Banquos’ kids will sit on the throne. We begin to see Macbeth fixation on what he has heard which increases after the king’s messengers come and give him the news he is now thane of Cawdor. He develops tunnel vision and thinks of nothing except becoming king. This sets the theme of people never being satisfied because even though Macbeth has just become thane of Cawdor he still wants more.
While Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth informing her of what has happened we’re shown her obsession with power.
Lady Macbeth creates a plan, but Macbeth struggles internally to bring himself to follow through on killing Duncan. His wife manipulates him into doing it. This event shows how people can be manipulated and goals can lead people to do things they usually would not.
In a lot of Shakespeare's plays, he has one or more characters go ahead and tell the audience what is going to happen in the very beginning. (For example, the spiel about the "star-crossed lovers in Verona" at the very beginning of Romeo and Juliet.) The witches serve as this narratorial character in Macbeth.
DeleteDo you think the witches would have as much power if Macbeth didn't weigh them with as much power in his heart? What if he hadn't've believed their prophecy? Would it still have happened?
Svetak Sundhar- Period 6- Mapping it Out
ReplyDeleteThe opening scene with the 3 witches and the thunder provide for a mood that stays constant through ought the story. Soon, we see Macbeth using his rational judgment to kill the king. Of course, Lady Macbeth leads him into this, but it is clear that she is too cowardly, closer to the killing.
As Macbeth lets this mentality control him, its clear that Lady Macbeth has changed views on killing (in act 3). She reasons that they are bad, and inhumane.
Probably an integral part of the story is when Macbeth and Banquo receive honors from the king- this is really important because the prophecy seemed very absurd until things start coming true.
DeleteAngel Johnson (6) Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteThe play begins with three witches are casting a spell which sets a dark tone for the play. Macbeth and Banquo meet these three weird witches on their way home from battle. These three witches tell them both their prophecies, Macbeth will be made thane of Cawdor and he be made king and Banquo that his children will also be kings. Macbeth returns home where he is manipulated by his wife Lady Macbeth to kill King Duncan. We see what kind of women Lady Macbeth is in this scene, she even asks the spirits make her more masculine. Macbeth finally agrees to murder king Duncan while he’s hosting a dinner at his home. He struggles to go through with the murder and has hallucinations of the dagger pointing towards him. Beforehand he gets his servants drunk so he can plant the murder weapon on them. When Duncan’s children get word that he has been killed they flee in fear they maybe next but this only makes them look suspicious.
Now that Duncan is dead Macbeth is king and decides he wants Banquo and his sons dead. Macbeth hires a group of assassins to attack Banquo on his way to the feast, they were successful in killing Banquo but his son got away. That night at the feast the ghost of Banquo appeared to Macbeth startling him causing a disruption at the feast. We see Macbeth’s downfall quickly approaching.
Natalia B. 1st Period
ReplyDeleteThe Rhetorical Effect -
The line … “All hail, Macbeth that shalt be King hereafter” creates a foreshadowing of what’s to come. In the first Act, the witches prophesy that Macbeth will become the next King. After becoming Thane as they said, he takes action for this to be fulfilled.
Later on Macbeth grows more nervous and to explain how he feels, Shakespeare uses personification… “And make my seated heart knock at my ribs.” He is growing anxious and is accepting that he will have to kill the King Duncan to rise to power but he is scared to do so while excited at the same time.
Shakespeare uses allusion to try to emphasize the brutality that Macbeth’s men used to win the battle. He says, “Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, or memorize another Golgotha.” Golgotha is where Jesus suffered his worst agony, sometimes referred to as the worst agony in the world.
Kevin Gao (period 2)- Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteThe initial scene starts with the three witches telling Macbeth and Banquo about their fates, telling Macbeth that he will become king, and that Banquo’s children will follow up on the lineage. Macbeth relays this news to his wife, Lady Macbeth, who convinces him to take matters into his own hands. Macbeth is influence by Lady Macbeth’s words of insult and desire, which leads to him killing Duncan at night when he is sleeping in their house. He frames the guards for the crime, and later kills them under the pretense of fake shock and anger. Macbeth soon begins hallucinating after the murder, constantly seeing the dagger stained with blood. Macbeth is extremely paranoid at this point and worried that he won’t be able to have complete control, he kills Banquo, but his children escape.
The play takes place in Scotland, during the Middle Ages. The main character, or protagonist, is Macbeth, with supporting characters Lady Macbeth and Banquo. The minor characters are people such as Lord Duncan, Macduff, Donalbain, and Malcolm.
James Morton (Period 6)
ReplyDeleteMapping it Out
The basis for this play is the moral backbone of the man MacBeth and how he and others are willing to toss them aside for the sake of their ambitions. The three witches in the beginning of the piece serve symbolically as the Fates from Greek Mythology. They say to Macbeth that he shall ascend to the throne as king and Banquo will handle his kids' similar ascension. This was quickly cut short by his wife, Lady MacBeth, for when she heard this grand news from him she immediately sought out this legendary power. Because of this ambition, she tries to convince MacBeth that he should kill the current king, Duncan. This shows that Lady MacBeth at least has some degree more resolve than MacBeth himself, as she herself is able to refrain from committing this treason herself.
After Duncan is slain and MacBeth becomes king, he begins to believe the entirety of the prophecy, and wants Banquo dead out of fear that he will help his son take the power away. This shows that MacBeth has tossed away every last bit of his morale, pure power being the only thing worth enough to change anything.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMapping It Out Kayla Curry Pd.2
ReplyDeleteWhen Banquo and Macbeth meet the three sisters upon the heath in the beginning of the play is basically how the whole thing started. While in conversation the sisters say that Macbeth will become Thane of Glamis and that Banquo’s sons will be Kings. Macbeth is only intrigued by the information because he does not know how it will come about. Another huge point in the story was when Macbeth actually listened to his wife’s taunts and killed King Duncan. After this he is spooked and kills the guards as well; but as of right now no one really knows that Macbeth killed Duncan with a dagger. This leads to Macbeth’s internal conflict. He does not know what to do with himself now because he has gone back and forth with the decision of murdering his cousin. Now Macbeth thinks that he is a hard-core murderer and starts to find someone to kill Banquo. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are really getting power crazy. The tone of act one and two is kind of like dark poetry. The theme of gender roles is very apparent with Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. It is like they have switched roles. Lady Macbeth is definitely the dominant person in their relationship.
Mapping It Out Kayla Curry Pd.2
ReplyDeleteWhen Banquo and Macbeth meet the three sisters upon the heath in the beginning of the play is basically how the whole thing started. While in conversation the sisters say that Macbeth will become Thane of Glamis and that Banquo’s sons will be Kings. Macbeth is only intrigued by the information because he does not know how it will come about. Another huge point in the story was when Macbeth actually listened to his wife’s taunts and killed King Duncan. After this he is spooked and kills the guards as well; but as of right now no one really knows that Macbeth killed Duncan with a dagger. This leads to Macbeth’s internal conflict. He does not know what to do with himself now because he has gone back and forth with the decision of murdering his cousin. Now Macbeth thinks that he is a hard-core murderer and starts to find someone to kill Banquo. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are really getting power crazy. The tone of act one and two is kind of like dark poetry. The theme of gender roles is very apparent with Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. It is like they have switched roles. Lady Macbeth is definitely the dominant person in their relationship.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMapping It Out (Period 2)
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the play, we are introduced to a meeting between 3 witches who talk about meeting Macbeth causing the mood of the play seem dark. Once they meet Macbeth and Banquo, they tell him a prophecy where he will be king and how later on, Banquo's children will later be king. Due to this prophecy, Macbeth was convinced to kill Duncan by his wife, Lady Macbeth. Once he murders Duncan, he starts to regret what he has done but on the other hand, Lady Macbeth tells him to accept what he has done and stop being a coward. Once everyone realizes Duncan died, Macbeth kills guards expresses his guilt.
Since Duncan died, Macbeth becomes king as the prophecy foretold and decides to kill Banquo and his son. Although he was able to kill Banquo, his son was able to escape. Macbeth doesn't fell any guilt when he kills Banquo compared to Duncan ,which is shown when he is talking to the 3 assassins.
The play takes place in Scotland with the main character being Macbeth. The supporting characters would be Lady Macbeth, Banquo, Macduff, and Malcolm.
(2nd period)
DeleteI like how you mentioned the mood of the play being dark because it begins with the witches. I also like how you noted how Macbeth's reaction to Duncan's murder and to Banquo's murder differs.
Mapping it out (1st)
ReplyDeleteThe play begins with the witches plotting Macbeth's reign as a potential king. The eerie mood sets precedent for the negativity to occur in the play. The first act ends with Macbeth being told that he will be crowned thane and king, as well as Banquo's sons. Lady Macbeth is also found convincing Macbeth to kill King Duncan and so he embarks on the murder. To kill Duncan, Macbeth gets the guards drunk and slips into the chamber and kills him. This is when he kills the guards as well because he is afraid that people will trace his tracks, which scares Malcom and Macduff out of Scotland. The tone has been set as very dark and negative. Along with this, there is an obvious distinction in class and hierarchy.
Personally, I think Lady Macbeth is one of the most intriguing characters. It seems almost unexpected that a lady would have such a huge influence over someone who holds so much power. Her persuasive nature has an effect on Macbeth's ambitions.
Elizabeth Vicario, AP pd. 2
DeleteIt's probably an interesting thing that both of us left out the porter scene in our summaries, even though it was discussed so much in class. I guess this is because we don't think about it as an important part since its nature is more humorous than the rest of the play.
Elizabeth Vicario, pd. 2- Mapping it out
ReplyDeleteThe story begins with the eerie scene set by the weird sisters, dancing around and doing other generally creepy things. They prophecy that Macbeth and Banquo will become leaders of men, saying specifically that Macbeth will be a king but Banquo's sons will take over the throne. After the two receive honors from King Duncan, they begin to believe that these things are coming true.
Lady Macbeth makes her epic entrance by reading off the letter written to her by Macbeth, then adding her own soliloquy about her lust for power and the throne. She successfully convinces her husband to murder the king, but he slips up and murders the guards as well. Malcolm and Macduff, the king's sons, take off out of fear and leave the remaining guests to agree that it was likely the guards that killed King Duncan.
Vickie Wang (2nd Period) - Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteThe play begins with the Weird Sisters, three witches, who ominously plan to meet with Macbeth. Meanwhile, Duncan, King of Scotland, hears accounts of the ongoing rebellion and many praises of Macbeth's valor in the latest battle. He decides that the Thane of Cawdor, who led the rebellion, should be put to death, and Macbeth should receive his title.
The three witches meet Macbeth before the King's messengers, and greet him as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and "king hereafter (1.3.53)". They also say that Banquo's children will be kings, though he will not be king. After they disappear, Macbeth hears of his new title from the King's messengers, and begins to wonder if the witches' prophecy is true. He is called to see Duncan, and contemplates murdering him after Duncan names his son Malcolm as his successor.
His wife, Lady Macbeth, reads Macbeth's letter telling her about the prophecy, and begins to formulate a plan to ensure that the witches' prophecy comes true. Although Macbeth initially agrees, he later expresses hesitance about killing his king and kinsman. Lady Macbeth manipulates him into carrying out the murder anyway by insulting his character and his manhood.
Macbeth has hallucinations before and during the murder, which show that he is extremely anxious about the situation. He makes first the mistake of taking the murder weapon out of the room instead of leaving it on the guards, and then the mistake of murdering the guards--out of revenge for the King, he claims. Malcolm and Donalbain, the King's sons, flee for fear of their lives.
Do you think we could relate Lady Macbeth's actions back to what we talked about in the seminar during class? About women using sexuality and men resolving to utilize violence to achieve their goals?
DeleteErin Eichenberger, p6- Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteMacbeth is a play about a man's quest to attain a fate he was promised. It is set in Scotland, and begins with the noble thane Macbeth returning with him comrade Banquo from battle. The two come upon three witches, who declare that Macbeth will be King of Scotland and that Banquo's offspring will be the future nobility. Macbeth, with the help of his wife, kills the current king and frames the two chamberlains for the murder (killing them as well.) The king's sons flee and Macbeth (having recently received a second thaneship) becomes king. Paranoid for his safety and suffering from mental anguish and hallucinations, Macbeth hires assassins to kill Banquo and his heir, Fleance. Fleance escapes, and that night at dinner the distraught Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost. Ranting and raving at the spirit, Macbeth causes a massive scene that eventually leads to the dismissal of all the assembled royalty at the dinner.
The themes of Macbeth are all very dark in nature. The greatest one is that the drive for power can lead to moral downfall. This grows more evident in the third act, where we see even Lady Macbeth become unnerved by her husband. As Macbeth digs himself deeper in his climb to power, he remarks “I am in blood stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er” (Act III, Scene IV.) He uses this to reason that he should continue with his slaughter, a decision he would not have made in the beginning of the play. This is an example of how Shakespeare's tone of inevitability shines through in the play. Macbeth is trapped in his role that the witches laid out for him. The mood of the play has been creepy, starting with the witches in the field and the multiple murders and hallucinations. It becomes increasingly despairing, caused by Shakespeare's choice of tone.
I like your thoughts about the drive of power leading to Macbeth's downfall. I am still disappointed to see how far he is spiraling.
DeleteKaitlin Coleman, pd.6
ReplyDeleteCLASSWORK:
Porter's role in the play - He is a drunken Porter who hears a knocking at the door and takes on the role of Satan's gatekeeper. He imagines scenarios in which the master of the gates of hell would interact with purgatory's newest inhabitants. Later on, when he stops pretending to guard the gates, he greets Macduff and Lennox into Macbeth's homestead.
Effect of leaving Porter out of the scene - I thought his character was an interesting metaphor concerning Macbeth's new role as resident sinner. The Porter was acting as hell's gatekeeper; all the while he was guarding the home of a murderous duo, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Without the Porter in Act II, Scene III there would not be a dramatic altering of the plot, but his presence added depth and dimension to the complexities that are consistently arising.
HOMEWORK:
Thus far, Macbeth has been about this man's relentless pursuit of a fate he was sworn to by three witches who represent the mythical fates. It takes place in a Scottish kingdom, and begins with the witches appearing to Macbeth and Banquo, and they subsequently address Macbeth as the Thane of Cawdor, leading him on a devilish quest that results in the eventual demise of Duncan at Macbeth's hands. What I found most interesting is that although Macbeth is highly motivated by the vision of the witches, he is pushed to new limits by Lady Macbeth. She acts as a sinister catalyst for many of Macbeth's evil actions. The play takes on a nefarious tone when Macbeth and Lady Macbeth frame the chamberlains by smearing the blood of a slain Duncan over their sleeping bodies; allowing Macbeth to take his place as king without a fuss. The mood of the play is dark and mysterious, it seems to mimic the sensation of being watched closely in a dark room. The most prominent theme I have seen emerge from the play is that of morality; of man versus himself, light versus dark. Macbeth struggles internally with his hallucinations and physical symptoms of guilt. I have thoroughly enjoyed the play thus far and I am interested in which side of Macbeth's inner struggle will emerge victorious.
PS - sorry I was late posting the rest of these, I have been quite wrapped up in out of town family business lately.
Meredyth Albright – 2nd Period – Mapping It Out
ReplyDeleteThe play opens to three witches mystically chatting in cahoots about the destiny of the main character, Macbeth. The mystical tone of these eerie, supernatural beings lends a thrilling and macabre glow to the rest of the play’s tone, creating a concerning and dark mood. Macbeth is prophesied by the witches to become king, which is curious because there are two people between him and the crown; two people who remain alive and well in the beginning of the play. The witches serve to give a plot overview about what is to come during the course of the play, however they do not give specific details as to how this fate will occur. This worries Macbeth, so he takes his foretold destiny in his own hands, letting his wife and her power-hungry motives fuel his ambition. Throughout, Macbeth struggles with the morality of his decisions and actions, showcasing the theme of ambition conflicting with morality. At the end of Act One, Lady Macbeth has convinced Macbeth to kill King Duncan in order to obtain his destiny of becoming King. They decide that the opportune time to kill the King will be in his sleep, so they have him over for a big banquet and let him stay the night in their home. During Act Two, Macbeth gets the two servants who are guarding Duncan’s chamber so inebriated that they will not remember the events of the night the next morning. Macbeth then tiptoes into the King’s chamber and murders him. This is what pushes Macbeth over the edge into paranoia. He rushes back to Lady Macbeth and claims that God has left him, which may also be a metaphor for him abandoning his own morals. In his insanity, Macbeth kills the two guards who he had made drunk the night before. Malcolm (King Duncan’s son) and Macduff flee the country, in fear of being accused of the King’s murder. During Act Three, Macbeth demands answers from the three witches (representing the mythological Fates) to which they prophesy to him that he will not lose his crown until the forest moves, nor will he give it to someone who is born of a woman, however that Banquo’s descendants shall rule as kings after Macbeth is dead. By prophesying this, the witches curse Macbeth with overconfidence, allowing Macbeth to self-expedite his own demise. Macbeth hires assassins to murder the people who threaten his crown, particularly Banquo. Malcolm and Macduff find out about this and decide that it is time for them to build an army and regain the throne from the increasingly insane Macbeth.
This is my favorite work by William Shakespeare, other than The Tempest. The action never lags, like it does in some of his historical plays. I really relate to Macbeth, because, like Macbeth, I have had to face some very tough moral decisions within the past year, and, like Macbeth, the question of whether or not my decisions are right or wrong, has plagued me.