Macbeth Journal #5
Directions: Select one of the activities below; title your work the same as the bold-faced title for the activity selected, and be sure to comment on at least two peers' activities.
- False Friends-Discuss the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo. Is it based on genuine respect and friendship at the beginning of the play? How is it affected by the prophecies of the witches? Does Banquo ever doubt Macbeth’s loyalty to his country, king, and fellow soldiers? What other factors contribute to their increasing distrust of one another? Find evidence in the text to support your answers.
- Mask Maker-In ACT III Scenes 1 and 2 Macbeth is discussing hiding his true self. First, create a mask illustrating who you are and who you want to be; bring this to class tomorrow. Discuss a time when you weren’t yourself and the results of that situation. Explain whether or not there is ever a time when hiding yourself or your true intentions is acceptable. Support your conversation from evidence based on your prior experience and the text. Conclude your response by sharing what you want your mask to reveal about you.
- Reigning of the King-Duncan’s death in the previous Act, referred to as a “breach in nature,” has led to a series of unnatural events in Scotland. Trace how nature’s responses to the regicide, the killing of the king, develop through the progress of this act, and in a well-organized essay, explain what the natural phenomena implies about the nature of kingship and legitimate rule.
- Dear Diary- Write a diary entry from a chosen character’s point of view that provides insight into how they think, act, and feel about the theme of ambition that has been developing in the play. Be sure to incorporate at least two citations to support your response.
Please see the discussion board rubric linked below.
Monica Ramirez period 6
ReplyDeleteFalse Friends
In the beginning Macbeth and Banquo are both together having a good time till the three sisters come and tell Macbeth their prophecy. Macbeth will become king but have his thrown taken away by Banquo kid.Macbeth had a big desire to be king and thanks to his wife, his ambition for being king grew. His hunger for being king brought him to the dark side. He became king one of the worst way by killing their current king Duncan who was a good loyal friend to him. Banquo and Macbeth have started to distance little by little but wasn't till the assassination of Duncan that they really fall apart. I feel like Banquo learn that he can't trust Macbeth by the way he became king. If he did that to someone loyal to him, just imagine what is capable of doing to someone who has always been there for him. As soon as Banquo realizes that Macbeth has become dangerous he flees with his so. Sadly he caught and killed but his son wasn't so their prophecy well eventually come true. In life you learn not to trust anybody and that people was change.
pd 6, I agree that Macbeth and Banquo seem to be good friends at the beginning of the play. I do almost feel that their friendship is more a comradery since Macbeth does try to kill him, which he might not have done if it had been a strong love for him.
Deletepd 2 - I think it's really sad that Macbeth betrayed Banquo as a friend. Banquo obviously was not that big of a threat because he ended up fleeing instead of making it known that Macbeth is dangerous.
DeletePeriod 6
DeleteTook the words right out of my mouth. From the beginning of the play to the end of Act 3, Macbeth has undergone great transformation in the pursuit of power and has slowly become something that his old self would have assuredly despised.
Hannah Medford, Pd 2, Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteI wanted them to "make thick my blood" to fill me with "direst cruelty." I knew he could not do it, he was far too kind, too loyal, to see what an opportunity this was. What a golden chance. He could have everything, he would have everything. It was prophesied. He was just too complacent.
I wanted them to take away my weakness, my emotion, to turn me harsh so I could do what must be done- for glory's sake it must be done, but I did not know. I did not know that once the deed was done- was corrected, was fixed- I would have to deal with the darkness not the light. For Macbeth is insane. Insane and ungrateful. He has the power he was destined for and he has it despite his weaknesses. He has me to thank for it but all he's done is go insane. And now I'm left to pick up the pieces and pretend that all is fine, that all is well. We can't drop the act now, not after we've come so far, not after what I've done, the horrible things I've done. I "gilded the faces" of those men so it would "seem their guilt" not mine but the guilt is all mine, for them and Macbeth, and now I fear Banquo as well.
But it's not a problem. I'll play the hostess and wife and queen and no one will know. The storm is getting to me. The insanity will pass, just like the weather, and Macbeth and I will have the power we were destined to.
I agree the Lady Macbeth has done it to help themselves to live a better life. She never wished for more bloodshed. Only the ones which is stopping them from reaching their potential. I believe Lady Macbeth is not a bad person but has achieved her ambitions in the wrong way.
DeletePeriod 6
DeleteYour writing style is great here. I think you did a good job of showing how Lady Macbeth believes that she is sane and making the correct decision, yet really has almost as intense inner turmoil as Macbeth.
Heavenlee Burt Period 6
DeleteThis diary entry is remarkably well written and at this point in the story it is clear that this is the way Lady Macbeth actually really did think. Although reading further along we can also see how that changes
Period 6
DeleteLooking a gender roles, Lady Macbeth, in the changing of what she wants and how she wants to be recognized, is a living contradiction of herself. She totally embodies the harshness, the strength, and the emotionlessness of a man, but still wishes to receive gratitude for what she's done, as way of recognition for her lucrative and "manly" actions.
I loved this. Your writing style makes Macbeth and Banquo's friendship relatable to modern day friendships.
Deletepd 6, You were really able to capture Shakespeare's language. Sound more fourteenth century than twenty first, which gives quite an accurate portrayal of the thoughts of that time.
ReplyDeleteDeepak Badveli, Dear Dairy, 1st
ReplyDeleteDear Diary,
I was once honored to help my king slay the traitorous Macdonwald and it felt great knowing that I have helped my sire but sadly something wicked had befell me. After I meet three old hags [witches] who has prophecy me the throne, everything has changed. Once I got home, my lovely wife told me I should kill the king and take his place. Astonishing I thought that was a great idea. It was time for me to lead the kingdom because I am a worthy candidate but guilt struck me. The king has done nothing wrong. He was a great man who was loved by many others, and I am a man of honor. [“I am his kinsman and his subject… as his host… Duncan hath borne his faculties so meek, hat been so clear in his great office that his virtues will plead like angels”.] At the end, I have murdered my sire in his sleep and heard the terrifying owls screech. It made me distraught and my mind felt crushed and cursed. I felt like a man ready to drown in other man’s blood. It is time for me to accept the prophecy and take the throne. Sorry King Duncan, I must have this power. I must do whatever it takes for me to stay king. Banquo and Fleance must die so I can live in peace. It sent murderers to kill my once friend and his son. It was a great idea to prevent the next prophecy but it DID NOT WORK. I knew Banquo was dead but he never left me. Haunting me in his dead was a terrifying moment and for the first time in my life I felt confused and hatred towards myself but I decided to not lose the throne no matter what. [“I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er”]
May this pain subside.
Farewell,
Macbeth
Sirisha Karra - 1
DeleteI think this journal entry really captures the essence of the way Shakespeare is trying to portray Macbeth in the play. The language and writing of that time is also exemplified quite well here.
I think you portrayed the idea of Macbeth wanting to do whatever it takes to stay king extremely well. I enjoyed the part about Banquo being dead but not actually leaving Macbeth. I feel like you captured exactly how someone would feel if they saw the ghost of a close friend that they had just murdered.
DeleteCatherine Lumsden 2nd
DeleteI think that you captured Macbeth's emotions very well and how you reached his final decision. The language is also very nice.
I like the way you embodied the emotions and diction into your analysis. Great work!
DeleteBrennan Lewis (6th) - Macbeth, False Friends
ReplyDeleteMacbeth and Banquo treat each other as equals in the first act of the play, walking together and reacting with similar awe to the sight of the witches. They enjoy each other's company and banter as if they have known each other for a long time. After hearing the witches' prophesy, Macbeth asks Banquo, "Do you not hope that your children will be kings, when those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me promised no less to them?" (Act I, Scene 3, Lines 118-20). In this way, he is expressing concern and hope for Banquo's future, and seems to honestly want the best for him. However, as Macbeth further considers the meaning of his rise to greatness, he begins to see Banquo as a potential enemy rather than an ally. His ambition starts to overpower all loyalties to others, and his guilt and flawed conscience draw him into a frenzied state of tension and inability to trust others.
When Macbeth is on the way to kill Duncan in Act II, Scene 1, he meets Banquo in the hall. Banquo feels a sense of foreboding ("A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, and yet I would not sleep" (Lines 6-7)), and he feels even more uncomfortable upon seeing Macbeth. I believe that he begins to doubt Macbeth at this point, whereas Macbeth sees him as a threat. Banquo's visions of the three witches trouble both men and breed animosity, and Banquo rises the next morning doubtful of Macbeth's loyalty to his country, leading to Macbeth sending assassins to remove Banquo from the picture.
Macbeth's fall into paranoia definately rips their friendship apart. I like how you showed the fall from friend to threat.
DeleteI think, though, that Macbeth still considered Banquo a friend, even if he was also an obstacle. After all, he saw Banquo's ghost because of his guilt, and if he hadn't cared about Banquo he likely wouldn't have.
DeletePeriod 6
DeleteI like how you mention that the feelings of negativity, whether it be suspicion or fear, between Banquo and Macbeth are mutual and arise almost simultaneously. They both experience inklings of doubt towards the other very early on, and as these inklings grow into full on distrust, the foundation of whatever companionship they had is destroyed.
Daniel Chertock 1st
DeleteYou did a good job describing how Banquo and Macbeth go from best friends to enemies. Good point about Macbeth going crazy.
Period 6
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed by your writing style! You captured both Macbeth's angst and Shakespeare's language perfectly.
Sirisha Karra (1st) - False Friends
ReplyDeleteIt is clear that in the beginning of the play, Banquo and Macbeth are good friends, trustworthy of each other, and pretty close. However, it doesn't seem like their friendship lasts for much longer after the prophecy of Macbeth is told by the Three Weird Sisters. The prophecy is that Macbeth will soon ascend the throne. Although not knowing it before, Macbeth's inner desire allows him to become greedy to become king - allowing himself to think/act in any way possible to achieve his goal (which goes back to the point of our discussion of whether or not someone would do such a thing, and whether or not it is moral). Through the act and timing of Macbeth's idea of assassinating King Duncan, Macbeth and Banquo seem to shift farther and farther away from being close friends.
After the deed is done, Banquo is almost frightened and terrified at the potential that Macbeth has in order to achieve his goals. Out of horrific fear, Banquo flees the country. I think one other reason that ties along with what I just said about Banquo leaving, would have to be the fact that Macbeth was truly loyal to King Duncan, whom he considered to be close with. If Macbeth could kill someone so easily (someone who he was so loyal to, and friends with), imagine what he could do to Banquo himself if anything were to ever get between them. I completely understand Banquo's reason of fleeing, and honestly, probably would have done the same thing. Although Banquo gets caught and dies, I think an important concept to grasp is the fact that you can never really believe anyone - or in the discussion that we talked about, "judge a book by its cover".
I agree that the wedge was set in between the two friends as soon as they heard the witches' prophecy. I think that Macbeth's "inner desire" is what (unknowingly) allows the thought of murdering Duncan to cross his mind even before Lady Macbeth starts her mind games with him. As soon as he has that though, he has driven himself away from the morally upright Banquo and their friendship starts to crack.
DeleteI agree i would have also tried to flee if i was Banquo because someone who i thought i knew turned out to be someone completely different and dangerous. Even though they're my "friend" doesn't mean i'm safe
DeleteI agree with Monica- it is natural instinct to flee from something that feels unnatural.
DeleteElizabeth Vicario, pd. 2
DeleteI agree, superficial judgments are never accurate. I also think that the possibility of murder aiding Macbeth and his wife helped in his turn from good-heartedness to a mind capable of murder. That raises the question, would Banquo have murdered King Duncan if he had thought of it first, or if he had been given Macbeth's prophecy?
Elizabeth Vicario, pd. 2
DeleteI agree, superficial judgments are never accurate. I also think that the possibility of murder aiding Macbeth and his wife helped in his turn from good-heartedness to a mind capable of murder. That raises the question, would Banquo have murdered King Duncan if he had thought of it first, or if he had been given Macbeth's prophecy?
Sirisha Karra - 1
ReplyDeleteVery well written! I could not stop reading until the end and wanted more! The way you incorporated Shakespearean language into it really made it seem like an authentic journal entry.
pd 2, I really like how you wrote in the style of Shakespeare! It is almost like I am reading a diary entry written by someone from that century.
ReplyDeleteVictoria Wiktor (2) - False Friends
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the play Macbeth and Banquo are joined at the hip and are very good friends. They are completely trustworthy of one another and I think that they would definitely protect each other in a life or death situation. It is very funny to me when all of a sudden there is a lot of tension when both men hear the prophecy told by the witches. At that point it is almost like Macbeth will do anything to become king and Banquo will protect his sons so that they can become kings. As the play continues and when there is a new act it is obvious that Macbeth's and Banquo's relationship is growing apart due to Banquo's suspicion and the claim he made about being loyal to Macbeth to an extent. I think that ever since the beginning Macbeth felt differently towards Banquo because if he actually considered Banquo as a good friend he would not have even thought about killing him but of course he was overcome by his greed and fear that he will not become king if something were to go wrong with his plan.
2 It does seem that the friendship has a lot of tension mainly because Macbeth will do anything required to become king. Greed and fear really did influence their motives.
DeleteI agree. At the beginning of the play they seem like really good friends, and it seems like Banquo trusts Macbeth up until the end. That's kind of also proven through Macbeth seeing his best friend's ghost after he's assassinated - his intense guilt for that action.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBrianna Bulgarino (2) False Friends
ReplyDeleteMacbeth and Banquo trust each other on and off of the battlefield in the beginning of the play. They trust each other with their lives and have a certain level of respect. This mutual respect and trust changes when they hear the witches prophecy. Banquo is worried about how his kin will become king if Macbeth is also destined to become king while Macbeth is contemplating how to become king. In Act 1 Scene 3, the third witch says, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!”. This fuels Macbeth’s motivation to become king which affects his relationship with Banquo. At the beginning of Act 3, Banquo suspects that Macbeth killed Duncan to become king and says, “…king, Cawdor, Glamis, all as the Weird Women promised, and I fear thou played’st most foully for’t.” At this moment, Banquo stops trusting Macbeth and leaves, promising to return soon. Macbeth’s ambition and motivations interrupted his friendship with Banquo.
I agree that the witches fueled the motivation for Macbeth to kill Duncan. I think that Banquo is the smarter one of the two because he picked up on Macbeth's strange behavior. It was dumb of Macbeth to expect his close friend to not suspect anything. Sadly the friendship of Macbeth and Banquo ends in tragic betrayal.
DeleteIt is sad how their friendship turn out but I must say i wish Banquo wasn't dead because he was a well smart human being and probably the only person that thought well of Macbeth. But for Macbeth to go all crazy and crave this power and gets it the horrible way just makes him a horrible person and I don't want Banquo to be friends with someone like that.
DeleteI liked the way you described their friendship before it's downfall. Using words like "on and off the battlefield" and "trusting each other with their lives" adds a more sentimental dynamic to their relationship.
DeleteBettylenah Njaramba - Period 2
2 You did a really good job capturing the emotion while also incorporating Shakespeare
ReplyDeleteCatherine Lumsden (2nd) - False Friends
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo are good friends. They are bonded together through the battles fought together. When the Witches first tell Macbeth and Banquo the prophecy, they congratulate each other on their futures. Banquo asks Macbeth, "Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear/Things that do sound so fair?" At this point in the play, they do not know the havoc this prophecy will wreak upon their friendship.
When their relationship changes is when Macbeth learns that Malcolm will succeed King Duncan. "The prince of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down, or else o'erleap, for in my way it lies." This is the point where Macbeth considers pushing others aside to get what he wants.
Act 3 is when Banquo suspects the Macbeth "Thou played’st most foully for" the crown. He doubts Macbeth's loyalty. By the time Macbeth kills Duncan and has the crown, he is paranoid and wants to secure his thrown. He has Banquo killed for his position.
I agree at the beginning of the play Macbeth and Banquo were close companions. But it all changed when Macbeth became king. Banquo knows that Macbeth will do anything to keep his power so he was worried of his son and started to drift away.
DeleteHannah Cooper(1st Period)- False Friends
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the play, I believe that the friendship between Macbeth and Banquo is quite genuine. The two go together to meet the witches and receive the prophecies. When the witches tell Macbeth that he is to be king, Banquo reacts in a respectable way and he says "Good sir why do you start and seem to fear Things that do sound so fair?" {Act 1, Scene 3 Lines 52-53} This shows that Banquo is supportive of the prophecy of his friend and wants Macbeth to be excited about his good fortune. Later on in scene 3, Banquo tries to make sure that Macbeth knows the danger of the witches prophecy. In scene 3 lines 124 & 125 he says " But tis strange. And oftentimes, to win us our harm," talking about why the witches share prophecies with people.
Before the murder of Duncan occurs and Macbeth becomes king, the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo begins to change. Banquo enters Macbeth’s home and finds him still awake, so he tries to talk about the witches. Macbeth replies to that by saying that he doesn’t even think about them anymore and that he doesn’t want to talk about them anymore. Banquo finds this suspicious. To add to that Macbeth says “If you shall cleave to my consent, when ‘tis, It shall make honor for you.” {Act 2 Scene 1 Lines 24&25} Banquo basically responds with, I’ll do what you say as long as I can do it with a conscience. By saying this Banquo shows that their friendship has changed because he feels that the power has gone to Macbeth’s head due to what the witches said. Macbeth feels that Banquo may try to do something to ruin his kingship so he hires the murderers to take away any chance of losing his power.
Heavenlee Burt (6th)
DeleteYou have a nice take on Banquo's and Macbeth's friendship. I agree that once Duncan is murdered then suspicion gradually starts to leak into their friendship tearing them apart. You make valid points about Banquo and his conscious and I have not even thought about much of these things you have said but it is all very well written.
(Keara Kilnge, 1st)
DeleteIt's good that you pointed out that Banquo initially supported the prophecy but not acting on it, and how he fears the way prophecies make people act. A lot of this is speculation on how Banquo feels and not Macbeth, which is a more difficult topic to cover, but this is well written and makes a lot of points I hadn't considered about Banquo.
The line references helped greatly in finding the surrounding passage thank you
DeleteLouis Jacobowitz, pd. 1
ReplyDeleteDear Diary,
Since my husband has killed Duncan, and I helped to frame Duncan's servants, I have felt a strange, constant anxiety. I know not from whence my husband received these visions, but they have come true, and he is now King of Scotland. By all rights, I should be happy, for this is what I wanted, was it not? Power, and wealth. This we have, but something nags within my heart, telling me that not all is as it should be. I grow more and more like my husband every hour - I am beginning to fear the same visions he claims to see. Though I see no ghosts and no daggers, and though I find myself able to maintain a cool head, I feel as though the world is splitting apart. My hands are bloody, from my forgery of evidence and from my husband's guilt, and no matter how intensely I clean them, that blood does not fade. I have scrubbed them nearly raw, and still they bleed, reminding me of my sin. But was it not necessary? Was there anything else to be done, given the situation? I think not, and so I must endure, for my sake and for my husband's. I must keep calm for the both of us until this curse fades away.
Sincerely,
-Lady Macbeth
I like how Lady Macbeth begins to questions herself as well as her actions. The development of Lady Macbeth, according to this entry, shows how secretly complex Lady Macbeth is in the play.
DeleteEvan Casey - Period 6
ReplyDeleteThis is amazingly well-written. I can tell that you've absorbed Shakespearean style and diction and made it your own. You've truly captured Macbeth's point of view and transformed it into a gripping journal entry. If I was given no context I'd believe this could own its spot in the play.
Johnny Huang (1) - False Friends
ReplyDeleteInitially, Banquo and Macbeth seem to be at least friends. In Act I Scene four, Duncan says to Banquo, “Macbeth is every bit as valiant as you say, and I am satisfied with these praises of him”, indicating that Banquo has been praising Macbeth. Unfortunately, this relationship is put to an end by the prophecy told by the witches. In his drive for power, Macbeth has been proven willing enough to not only kill Duncan, but to also kill Banquo and his son to ensure that his position is solidified on the throne of Scotland. In the hours before his death however, Banquo starts suspecting Macbeth. At the beginning of Act III scene one, Banquo says “As the weird women promised, and I fear Thou played’st most foully for ‘t.” Banquo leaves, only to die later.
Kiya Cotton P6
DeleteI think that in the beginning it was clear that they were close friends.
What about Macbeth's suspicion of Banquo?
DeleteI agree with the assumption that they are at least friends at the start, but their relationship can't be considered to be close from what we've actually seen in the text. That would be merely jumping to conclusions that are possibly false.
DeleteDear Diary,
ReplyDeleteI did not warrant all this bloodshed to be in power. I only wanted one death and wash my hands with it but things spiraled out of control. All this ungodliness that Macbeth has succumbed to is my fault and I shall live with this burden for the rest of my days as queen. I know I will reap for what I sow because of gluttony. My husband has committed the sins but I am an accessory to them so does that mean I am just as bad as he? I fear it does. Oh how much disconcertion does that instill in mine. My ambiguity in this plan has risen ever higher. Were me and my husband’s needs for the throne enough to cost my emotional stability? Perhaps so, he was weak and I was strong but now the people call him a tyrant and insane for talking to thin air. I have nightmares of scrubbing the blood off of my hands but the deep scarlet never comes off. I scrub my hands until they are raw and red, yet the traitorous blood stays. "What, will these hands ne're be clean be clean? No more o' that, my lord, no more o' that. You mar all with this starting." (Act 5. sc. 1 Line 45) Why have we done this? It all started with a man that looked so much like my father while he was dreaming peacefully. Duncan was safe in the security that he was well loved and no one would hurt him while in our home, that was his biggest mistake. "Yet who would have thought the old man o have had so much blood in him?" (Act 5. sc. 1 Line 41) There was so much red, a never ending parade of the coppery substance. These delusions vex me so but I must stay strong for this kingdom, keeping the perfect image of a Lady of my status, even if it is at the cost of my sanity.
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth
I like how you pointed out that Lady Macbeth has to focus on keeping "the perfect image of a Lady of my status." Macbeth has a bit more leeway for being crazy as he is a man and men have more leeway in that time period anyhow, but as a woman Lady Macbeth can make no slip-ups or she will immediately be jumped upon.
DeleteEvan Casey - Period 6 - False Friends
ReplyDeleteI truly do believe that before Macbeth's great transformation, he and Banquo were good friends and were loyal to one another. After the appearance of the three witches and Macbeth's hearing of the prophecy, he quickly becomes an entirely different character who lusts after power while being egged on by his wife to commit treasonous and horrible acts. The prophecy, which may have been false for all he knew, drove him in a ceaseless quest for power that caused him to become reckless and lose his sense of ethics. I do not blame Banquo for attempting escape with his son. The sense of loyalty that was once ingrained in Macbeth is no longer there.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteKiya Cotton P6
DeleteI agree that Macbeth and Banquo had a close friendship. I also agree that after he heard his prophecy his character changed.
I also agree that because of the witches and their prophecies, along with Lady Macbeth and her manipulation, it changed him for the worst.
DeleteI still think that even though there was a lot of outside influence from his wife and the witches, he still could have kept himself in check; but once he set down on his path, he lost all of his trust and honor in his friends
DeleteUnfortunately for Macbeth despite being a strong-willed man, hearing about this ascension from both a divine power and his everlasting love just crumbled every last bit of that will. It was definitely right of Banquo to attempt escape because there is no end to what Macbeth will do to "come clean" from his actions and sleep a good night once again.
DeleteAmanda Nemecek (6) - Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteThis Being the 12th Day of April in the Year of Our Lord 1264,
I cannot help but to write that I have become afraid of his Royal Highness Macbeth. (So odd, still, to call him that after all the years passed when he was but Macbeth, trusted and beloved by me. But I digress.) He hast it now – king, Cawdor, Glamis, all as the Weird Women promised, and I fear he played’st most foully for ‘t. (Act III, Scene I) Ever since obtaining the throne, he has been acting more and more erratic, especially around me. He told me just a mere quarter-hour ago when I informed him of my leaving, “We should have else desired your good advice,” (Act III, Scene I) yet I could not help the feeling that his words were laced with some darker truth.
I long for the days before the prophecy was given by the witches. Those were the days when I was but Banquo and he was but Macbeth, with no scent of kingship fouling the air between us. For even as we joked immediately after those prophecies were spoken – he to me, “Your children shall be kings,” me to he, “You shall be king,” (Act I, Scene III) – the impact of our words was beginning to carve a trench between us. I cannot shake the notion that he himself dispatched of our former King Duncan, may he rest in peace, in order to ascend the throne, and whether he gained it by bloodying his own hands or that of another I do not care to wish. I only hope he might end with Duncan and not let his desire drive him to any further means. Yet still, the way his voice sounded earlier today…
I fear for my own life, though it pains me to say it. Yet even more than me, I pray that God will keep my Fleance safe. Please Lord, bring back Macbeth from where he had fallen. Let no harm come to my family.
With these words recorded, I away.
Kiya Cooton Period 6
ReplyDeleteFalse Friends
In the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo seemed to get along well. They are played out to be really close friends. They also seem to be very loyal to each other. Banquo and Macbeth's friendship is in jeopardy when they meet the three witches. The witches tell Macbeth his prophecy. They tell him, that he is promised to be King. Banquo knows that he was once going to be King as well. Even though he is listening to what the witches are telling them, he does not want to believe the prophecy. Banquo has plans to be King. He even gives Macbeth a warning. Macbeth is believing in the prophecy, while Banquo questions it. He also feels like if the prophecy is meant to happen it will, without being evil. Macbeth saw an issue with killing people for his own being. After Macbeth killed King Duncan, he did not think it was so bad after all. Now that Banquo wants to be King, Banquo is questioning Macbeth's loyalty as well. Banquo feels as though Macbeth would betray King Duncan, he would betray him as well. Macbeth and Banquo's friendship start to fall apart once Banquo realizes this.
(Keara Klinge, period 1)
DeleteI like the point about how if Macbeth would betray his own cousin and the king, Banquo is thinking that there is nobody who is safe, even close friends of Macbeth such as Banquo.
Keara Klinge - period 1 - False Friends
ReplyDeleteWhile Macbeth and Banquo's initial reactions could signal friendship, they do not necessarily need to be interpreted in that way. They talk about the weather and Banquo warns Macbeth of danger, but neither of these things necessarily mean a strong friendship. However, from a reader's perspective, I think the tragedy of the play is increased and more of Macbeth's morals are sacrificed if they are assumed to be friends. The betrayal of a close friend is more heartbreaking than that of an acquaintance. I do think they definitely respect each other and care for each others' well beings.
They discuss the prophecy after it is given, but this is to be expected as the prophecy is not exactly a small event. Macbeth also gives a lot of asides during this, which implies he is speaking out loud more than to anybody in particular. At this point Macbeth does not seem to be planning anything regarding killing Duncan. I think they are simply tossing around the possibility of it being true at all. Before Macbeth kills Duncan, Banquo notes that the prophecy so far has come true for Macbeth, and wants to speak to him about it, but I doubt there is suspicion at this point. It is only later that Banquo becomes more suspicious, but he also spends less time talking to Macbeth and their interactions are limited. As for why Macbeth turned on his friend so quickly, I think his paranoia and self-preservation pushed him into “overdrive” and he made mistakes he would regret under any other light.
Your interpretation that Macbeth and Banquo do not have a strong friendship sheds a different light on their conflict thus far. By considering them to be not as close, it also makes Macbeth's sanction of Banquo's murder all the more heinous. (2nd)
DeletePeriod 1
DeleteI agree with your interpretation of Macbeth and Banquo's relationship. They defintaly respected each other but there is nothing tk suggest a strong friendship.
Leslie Castro (2nd period)
DeleteI agree that Macbeth's state of mind led him to make decisions that he otherwise would not have made. Perhaps if he was not pressured by Lady Macbeth his relationship with Banquo would not have fallen so fast... if at all.
Justin Ledinh- 6- False Friends
ReplyDeletePrior to the learning of the prophecy, Banquo and Macbeth seemed to be very close comrades, who both fought with bravery and would be willing to sacrifice their own life for each other. After the prophecy as well as the murder of King Duncan, it becomes evident that Macbeth is no longer trusting of Banquo. In fact, he becomes afraid of Banquo, as seen in scene 1 of Act 3, where Macbeth goes into a soliloquy and says, "Our fears in Banquo stick deep, and in his royalty of nature reigns that which would be feared." This shows that Macbeth fears Banquo because of the prophecy that Banquo will have legacy that becomes the king. Also the passage stating "There is none but he whose being I do fear." shows that Banquo, Macbeth's best friend, is the only one he fears because Banquo knows the prophecy and all about Macbeth. On the other hand, looking at Banquo's perspective, it is harder to determine whether Banquo knew of Macbeth's intentions because we lack inside info in Banquo's mind. Therefore we are unsure if Banquo knows of Macbeth's ambition. The only information that exists is the line, "O treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou may'st revenge." This shows that Banquo may have been aware of what was occuring.
Bilva has a good point about Banquo's point of view. We mostly get to see Macbeth's side of the story, but a closer look at Banquo shows the mutual ttension between the two. NIce job Justin
DeleteJared Ford, pd 1 False Friends
ReplyDeleteMacbeth is considered by his close friend Banquo to be very honorable and loyal to both his country and his soldiers. Banquo never doubted him in the begging of the play. Although he is loyal and physical strong in battle, he is insecure in his status as a man and morally weak. He allows himself to be corrupted by the witches prophecy and his wife's taunts. He feels guilty and hallucinates after killing Duncan, but it is to late. He has already started a stream of killings. He now has to kill all the witnesses and anyone who suspects him, including Banquo and his son. He knows that Banquo suspects him, because he has heard the prophecy as well. I think that Macbeth was a very honorable and trustworthy friend in the beginning of the play, but he lets his desire to please his wife (his loyalty to her) and the supernatural beings corrupt him.
Macbeth is claimed to be able to think logically about his choices, but sometimes his ability to think with reason gets in the way of his true ambitions. Macbeth is very susceptible to the supernatural and other's encouragements, which makes Macbeth a flawed character.
DeleteI don't believe Macbeth fully knows that Banquo is suspicious, but he fears the remainder of the prophecy coming true and attempts to eliminate any possible action by Banquo in the future.
DeleteAshley Siebelink
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
False Friends
In the beginning of the book Macbeth and Banquo seemed to be really good friends, especially since they were generals together fighting for Duncan. That all changed until they came upon the Weird Sister, who told the prophecy of Macbeth becoming the new king. Unfortunately it is said that Banquo is also suppose to overthrow Macbeth and become the new king. This created a small wedge between the two friends, but because of Lady Macbeth and the strong desire to become king, their friendship slowly started to unravel. Macbeth chose the worst way to become king, which was by murdering Duncan, a blood relative and king of Scotland. This is when Banquo and Macbeth really started to fall apart. Because of this I feel as though Banquo started to have the realization of questioning his trust in Macbeth. Macbeths character has definitely changed because at first, he was a loyal warrior who fought for his king, and now he is this unloyal, lying murderer. If Macbeth was able to get what he wanted by killing someone who is as close as blood and a leader to you, who is to say that Macbeth wouldn’t kill anyone else? Especially if he feels that they are a threat to him or in his way.
Leslie Castro (2nd Period)
DeleteI agree that the desire to become king lead to the downfall of their relationship. I never thought to factor in Lady Macbeth's influence over Macbeth, though!
Austin Gain - 1st - Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteThese mad hallucinations, when will they seize? Why has God forsaken me and prevented me from saying my prayers? Being the King of Scotland makes up for the doubts that plague my mind. Darkness breaches my inner most sanctums and begins to seep into my heart. My dearest wife, the Lady Macbeth, has begun to flatter me with the shallow gifts of her unsightly praise for killing the king. Twas not my deed that gave me these dreaded images, it was the actions and words from the Lady. Although not all blame can be brought upon the Lady, while I still mark my hollow grave. My physical actions drive my insanity to the brim, and fill my head full of hellish thoughts. Banquo's children may still become a threat to my reign in due time, but for know I must learn to rest my head in peace. I must allow the hallucinations to pass in order for my reign to continue forth without interruption. At the moment, nothing else matters and I am free to conduct myself in my accord.
-Hallowed Be Thy Name, and Thy Name Be Macbeth
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete[Brian Fischer]
DeleteI noticed that in the beginning, Macbeth seems concerned with how he can't pray or stop hallucinating. By the end of it, Macbeth quells that blip of sensitivity and returns to thinking about his rule from a practical perspective, such as eliminating dangerous targets for example. I really like this because it shows Macbeth suppressing his humanity, which is one thing that causes Macbeth to continue on his path of moral decay and lets his vices ruin him more.
I agree with Brian, I think this very accurately portrays Macbeth's change of emotion in the play his constant sway from regret and despair to returning to his greed and ambition.
DeleteI'm not sure that Macbeth should end his entry with "Hallowed be thy name, and thy name be Macbeth". Macbeth believes that he has lost contact with God, but he still worships him and respects him. I don't know if a person who thinks they are a respectful Christian would call themselves God like that.
DeleteKatherine Sundin-dear diary
ReplyDeleteDear Diary,
Ive made it so I am in line to gain everything, however I fear that I am losing myself in the process. Ive shed blood of others by my hand for my selfish desires. Lady macbeth seems to be content for the time being but Im not sure how much more of this I can take. My shoulders are heavy with burden. I hope I can live with these mistakes... I have killed many and I must live on so that their death will not go in vein. I pray that this burden be lifted so I may live in peace...
-macbeth
[Brian Fischer]
DeleteOther than that it's a little strange how Macbeth is calling his wife by her royal title and family name, this diary entry really brings out the pain in Macbeth that destroys him as he falls further from humanity. He certainly doesn't make it obvious by his actions, but being trapped in a downward spiral of bad decisions is not easy on the heart. It just gets heavier and heavier, and this diary entry seems to bring out the Macbeth that existed in the beginning gasping for air as it is choked by the stench of all the blood he spilled.
The short length and hastiness of your entry showcase Macbeth's internal guilt and fear of others finding out of his plans and deeds. Very well summarizes Macbeth's thoughts for the play up to now
DeleteI think you made a good point of how Macbeth wants to make sure murdering king Duncan is not in vein. This in a way leads into Macbeth's thought processing on justifying his will to murder Banquo.
Delete2nd- Good summary of Macbeth's thoughts. Seems as if it was written directly from him!
DeleteAlso after Macbeth becomes king, he himself starts to have suspicion of Banquo. His desires and ambition drive him to not even hesitate when murdering his former best friend Banquo.
ReplyDeleteBrian Fischer (6): False Friends
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the play, the friendship between Macbeth and Banquo is anything but false. These two had just returned from a battle in war, fighting by each other’s side. King Duncan seems to recognize their bond and puts that forth while talking to the captains. Going through something difficult with other people and a common goal often brings those people closer together. Macbeth and Banquo fighting on the same side is the perfect example of this. The two are pitted against an army with and they have each other’s back to cover. This kinship turns on its head after Macbeth’s moral decay really gets bad. Macbeth starts to fear Banquo, and ends up having him executed. That is pretty severe, but it doesn’t mean that no genuine friendship ever existed. For one, Macbeth’s mental health is obviously going down the eleventh century outhouse. Things that once stopped Macbeth in his tracks, like the thought of murdering outside the battlefield, no longer faze him. It’s clear that Macbeth’s judgement is being muddled by his own pain of guilt. People who are close are often the first ones to be betrayed.
i completely agree that in friendships, we tend to hurt those we care about most. It really sucks because sometimes, as in Macbeth's case, we hurt them to extremes that can not be fixed.
DeleteAngel Johnson (6)
DeleteI like that you pointed out that they were both in the army fighting side by side. That's exactly what I was thinking
Molly McEvoy (2nd)- Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteOh how the days of innocence seem so long ago. Murders, murders galore! Filling the castle and surrounding lands with a foul stench that lingers in the air for days, choking all who must breathe it. And the blood, oh! 'Who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?' (5.1.39-40) It soaked the sheets, staining all with its crimson hue.
I never thought him to have been able to do such a deed, the kind-hearted fool that I am betrothed to. Not to say he was not craving the power, for he is 'not without ambition, but without the illness that should attend it'. (1.5.19-20) It would be sad though, such a fine gentleman never rising to the place of honor he deserves. Alas, what would he do with me b his side? Surely perish I would think.
This is fantastic! At first glance I believed this was all a large quote from the play. The language and syntax you use adds to the effect created of a 'dear diary' post. I really enjoy the line about 'rising to the place of honor he deserves.' This reminds me of something the witches might state in order to influence someone's ambitions.
DeleteVarsha Kulasekarapandian (2)- False Friends
ReplyDeleteBanquo and Macbeth are clearly very close friends and have fought through wars together, there was a bond between them formed by trust and loyalty. The witches told the two at the beginning that Macbeth would become king and that Banquo’s children would become heirs. After Macbeth is manipulated into killing King Duncan by Lady Macbeth, he is no longer stable and begins having several hallucinations. He is deeply shaken by the actions he has committed to achieve power. This feeling of guilt and his unstable state of being greatly affects his ability to think logically. He is desensitized to the idea of murder because he has already murdered a king he was once loyal to, who was also his cousin. In a state of frenzy Macbeth feels the need to kill anyone or do anything it takes to protect his ambitions/the prophecy. For example when he kills the guards who were watching King Duncan’s room the night he was murdered. Macbeth now believes that Banquo is a threat to him and his ambitions. His once close friend now seems as nothing more than an obstacle in the way. Shakespeare has used this to show the audience how much Macbeths morals have drastically changed as a result of his greed.
I agree with you. Macbeth clearly becomes desensitized after spilling the blood of the king, he once promised his loyalty to. This represents Macbeth's apparent mental state very well, or in my opinion.
DeleteThe scene you mention with the witches giving the prophecy to Macbeth and Banquo is followed by them seeming to congratulate each other. Macbeth: "Your children shall be kings." Banquo: "You shall be king." Act I Scene 3, line 87. However, their legacies are juxtaposed by this simple statement. Up until Banquo's murder, we see how his legacy affects Macbeth (like you mentioned, his morals have changed drastically because of his greed).
DeleteI think their friendship is a very special one, and of course many friendships are more than meets the eye when things like power, jealousy and other attributes are taken into account. Reminds me of Julius Caesar, who was friends with Antonio. Now THATS a real friendship.
DeleteI believe that they did start off as friends but once macbeth was given light of something that he desired he lost sight of his friends and who was important to him.
DeleteJustin Magin (1st Pd) Diary
ReplyDeleteDear Diary,
I am becoming ever more anxious, as more and more people fall to the wrath of my murderous husband. I never intended such bloodshed. I believed that it would be one death, in order to obtain power, and then we would be clean and bask in the wealth that, which accompanies the King of Scotland. Macbeth speaks of daggers and ghosts haunting his mind. This worries me, as I see none of the sort. Where is Macbeth getting these odd visions of whom he must kill next? It is getting out of hand. Macbeth has become obsessed with the power and nothing will get in his way. He is killing anyone that makes him suspicious. I appreciate what he has done to get us to this power, but I fear we may lose it. I know I can convince him, but I do not know the next thing to tell him. Shall I let him continue?
Until later,
Lady Macbeth
I don't think Lady Macbeth has any concern for the amount of people that will end up dead and I think the only reason she is worried about her husband's state of being is that it might lead to him giving away who actually murdered Duncan. I think Lady Macbeth is only concerned with gaining her own power and she must use her husband to achieve that.
DeleteDylan Kruesi (Period 1) – False Friends
ReplyDeleteMacbeth and Banquo are supposed to be perceived as friends, but there is no evidence in the text to support a close relationship. Before Macbeth is informed of the prophecy, I believe the reader is supposed to assume that they are closer than most friends because after the murder of Duncan, his own cousin, Macbeth has Banquo murdered to solidify his power. This makes the disintegration of Macbeth’s morals even a bit more tragic because his ambition and lust for power were enough to lead him to the murders of his cousin and one of his apparent close friends. After the prophecy is told nothing changes, but as time passes and Macbeth seems to be following it exactly Banquo begins to wonder how far he would go to become the king. Still, Banquo didn’t suspect that Macbeth would ever go as far as murdering King Duncan, but after the fact Banquo begins to wonder who Macbeth really is and distances himself. When Macbeth comes to power, he completely disregards any former relations with Banquo and only fears the type of damage that his former friend could do. Out of fear and the motivation to retain his position as king (prevent Banquo’s sons from gaining power), Macbeth decided to go through with the murder and you see that he has gone completely mad.
Rachel Matsumura (2) - Mask Maker
ReplyDeleteThe only time when people hide themselves and/or their true intentions is probably to save their lives. Now, their lives may not be in any real danger, but the fact remains that they chose to build up a one-way glass wall: they can see out, but you can’t see in. Whether or not this practice is acceptable truly depends on the circumstances. If hiding themselves or their true intentions does not because anyone else harm (physical, emotional, mental, etc.), I suppose it might be acceptable. However, this hiding may cause harm to the “hiders,” if you will, which is unacceptable. We get a contradiction here: hiding supposedly prevents others from hurting at the expense of the self, while being open with others allows for yourself to be hurt (because you aren’t hiding).
In Macbeth’s case, he is hiding for the sole purpose of not being “hurt,” which translates to being caught and executed for the murders of Duncan (Act II) and Banquo (Act III). The acceptableness of hiding true intentions also depends on morality: because the audience knows Macbeth’s true nature (murder has moved to the “alright” side of his moral scale), they want to see him brought to justice (Act V?). Hiding something never turns out the way the hider wants it to. This being said, Macbeth’s mask will ultimately fail him.
In my case, a time I was not myself was midnight about a year and a half ago. I was in the hospital recovering from spinal fusion surgery (scoliosis) and was frustrated, upset, and in pain (and angry about all these things). It was not fun, and I ended up internalizing my emotions and pretending I was fine (when I was far from it) and could do things by myself (when I couldn’t). Only after I accepted that my family was helping me, and that my recovery was going to take a while, did I really come back to myself. My mask is myself: my quiet thoughts, my words, my hope to become a poet, my concern for others and deflection of my own importance, and numerous other ideas and passions. I want it to reveal my complexity (design) while also my appreciation of the simple (color and words).
I appreciate you sharing a personal moment and relating it back to the text in such a powerful way. That's an incredible story and I can't wait to see what your mask looks like.
Deleteagree that Macbeth is hiding from the true purpose of being hurt
DeleteWalker Morrell (1st Period) False Friends
ReplyDeleteMacbeth and Banquo’s relationship changes throughout the play solely as a result of how Macbeth is changed by the corruption of his ambitions. The play begins with the two men being of equal social status. They respect each other and it appears to be a true friendship. They even pledge to freely share their deepest thought with each other. Macbeth privately speaks to Banquo, “Think upon what hath chanced, and, at more time, the interim having weighed it, let us speak our free hearts each to other,” (Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 154-157). However, their relationship changes as Macbeth is corrupted by his unrestrained ambition. It becomes clear that their friendship was not as virtuous as it was once made out to be. It becomes even more apparent how unfaithful Macbeth was when he orders the murder of Banquo. This is the final straw in the devolution of their relationship.
I would like to point out that even when Macbeth first decides to act on his evil thoughts, he still seems to respect Banquo. In Act 2, Scene 1 (Lines 25-26), Macbeth tells Banquo, “If you shall cleave to my consent, when ‘tis, It shall make honor for you.” This is shortly before he murders Duncan and begins his tragic downfall. However, in this moment he shows that he completely values Banquo as before even though this is obviously not true.
Erin Eichenberger, p6- It's pretty rough that Banquo and Macbeth were so close before their encounter with the witches. It makes me wonder, if Banquo hadn't been mentioned in the prophecy, would Macbeth have relied more on his friend than Lady Macbeth for advice and guidance to the throne? I think Banquo would have been a logical counterweight to Lady Macbeth's thirst for power, and perhaps there could have been less murder and more patient political discussion had he been spared.
DeleteKaylin Cooley 2nd- Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteI’ve married the love of my life, Macbeth. He listens to me and makes me feel powerful at times. I really would love for him to be king, so I have to convince him to murder Duncan. It should be easy, I can do it myself but I rather not. He’s the man, but sometimes he acts as a coward! He is "too full o' the milk of human kindness," basically Macbeth is too much like a woman in order to have the power of a King. Also, the notion of Macbeth's "kindness" against my waffling husband when I push him to murder the king, "When you durst do it, then you were a man.” He needs to step up and finish this murder, but I see I have to finish it! I just want power and a higher position than what I am.
I like how you focused on how Lady Macbeth strives for power as well and that seems to be what drives her so far in the play
DeleteAngel Johnson (6)
Deletei wouldn't have put it any other way. I can feel the emotion
Pd 2
DeleteI love how you say, " he listens to me and makes me feel powerful at times" because that is exactly what he does.
2nd- Very nice on writing the diary. You used language of Shakespeare very well.
ReplyDeleteAlex Miller 2nd False Friends
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo are best friends. They bond over the fact that they are fierce warriors for the King's army. Their friendship starts to become a little shaky when they meet the Three Witches and learn of their prophesies. They both realize that one of them must die for the circumstances to become true. They both also start to lose trust in the other after King Duncan dies. Macbeth begins to realize that in order for Banquo's sons to become Kings that he must die and he is not willing to let that happen. Banquo also begins to suspect that Macbeth was the one who murdered Duncan which can be seen in the beginning of Act 3 where he says "Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all, As the weird women promised, and I fear Thou played’st most foully for ’t. Yet it was said It should not stand in thy posterity, But that myself should be the root and father Of many kings. 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? But hush, no more."
Very nice quote, shows how Banquo feels towards Macbeth.
DeleteAngel Johnson (6) False Friends-
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the play Macbeth and Banquo seem to be friends and there seems to be some level of trust between the two. They’re army buddies which generally builds a bond between people, they’re on the field together protecting each other so there has to be some sort of trust and respect between the two of them. Macbeth and Banquo also received their prophecies together from the three witches. If that doesn’t sound like real friends what does?
The twos friendship begins to crumble around the time Macbeth begins to lose his humanity after killing Duncan. Now that Macbeth is king he has lost sight of who he once was and forgets about the friendship he once had with Banquo and hires assassins to take him and his son out. Banquo remains loyal to Macbeth the entire time although he does becomes a little suspicious of Macbeth after Duncan’s murder he never questions him or speaks up about it. Being the loyal friend that he is he offers Macbeth advice “oftentimes, to win us tour harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths”. Which demonstrates the true friend he was to Macbeth.
pd1
ReplyDeletevery god job Forest! I loved how you incorporated Shakespearean language and did it well.
Svetak Sundhar pd 6 Mask Making
ReplyDeleteRight now, I can be described as an ambitious senior in high school, eager to learn about the world around me. In the future- I hope to be the same, enjoying myself in whatever I do.
As a child, I would often hang out with different groups of friends. One of the natural tendencies was for me to conform to the groups "standards", so I could simply feel more accepted. Not being my natural self made me more stressed out.
There are certainly times when hiding true intentions is acceptable- in fact Ms. Davidoff said "life is a series of masks". When teaching kids, you act differently than you do with your family. Likewise, Lady Macbeth adapts to whatever situation she is in, distorting her reality with a series of masks.
I agree with what Mrs. Davidoff said that "life is a series of masks." We have different personality depending on the surrounding around us and the types of people we are around. I miss her so much!
DeleteThought that was a good connection to Macbeth. You're right, it's important to be able to adapt to any situation that life throws at us, much like putting on a different mask for each individual situation.
Delete1st period. False Friends
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning Macbeth and Banquo are friends but that begins to change once they hear the prophecies from the three witches. They both like the goal and outcome of the prophecy but they realize only one can have it and one has to die in order to get it. Macbeth began to become greedy about the idea of being king and goes back and forth on his decision on whether to do it or not. Banquo gets scared of Macbeth because seeing what he did to become king so far, he was thinking about what he would do to someone who were to get in his way of the throne.
Helen Foyle—Period 6—Reigning of the King
ReplyDeleteKing Duncan has been murdered, his sons have fled, and the king’s dead servants have been framed as vengeful killers. An old man enters in the beginning of Act 2, Scene 4, claiming to have never before, in over 70 years, seen a storm such as the one brewing above his head. Ross, a nobleman, responds to the elderly being: “Thou seest the heavens, as troubled with man’s act, / Threaten his bloody stage…Is’t night’s predominance, or the day’s shame, / That darkness does the face of earth entomb…” (2.4.5-9) As Duncan’s death is described as a “breach in nature” (2.3.112) it seems only logical that it would cause a great rift in the calm, natural countenance of cloudless days. For it is as though nature is angry; the spirit of an innocent man who was both fair and gracious, has been taken from the corporal realm and the heavens are disturbed by such wrongdoing.
The king is introduced in Act 1 as one who honors the good and punishes the bad. These traits are evident as Duncan spares the life of the enemy sergeant who has so willingly narrated the events of battle and as he calls for the execution of the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. The king is also characterized as a gracious man, recognitive of loyalty and appreciative of service, as seen when he greets Lady Macbeth stating, “The love that follows us sometime is our trouble, / Which still we thank as love.” (1.6.11-13) The king notices the great efforts put forth to please him and allow him comfort and while he does not wish his subjects to be burdened by these efforts, is still thankful for them as he recognizes them as acts of devotion.
Through the establishment of such a noble character, Shakespeare is able to make his murder seem all the more evil. Macbeth even reflects on Duncan’s virtuous character as he states, “…this Duncan / Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been / so clear in his great office, that his virtues / Will plead like angels…” (1.7. 16-19) directly before he is persuaded into killing the man. It is to be seen as simply unnatural for a king so loved and adored to be murdered. This unnatural incident is mirrored in the unusual occurrences discussed in the conversation between Ross and the Old Man.
The Old Man shares, “On Tuesday last, / A falcon, towering in her pride of place. / Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.” (2.4.11-13) The falcon is known to be one of the fiercest predators in the realm of bird species, a king of birds in a sense. For a mousing owl, while not as lowly in the hierarchy of birds as perhaps a sparrow or a chickadee, but certainly on a level beneath the falcon, to go against his nature of hunting mice and to swoop up to kill the falcon, is blatantly unnatural. The owl, a bird of the night who hunts in darkness and relies on this deception to catch his prey, is symbolic of Macbeth. Macbeth kills his king, a man above him both in title and virtue, shrouded by both his appearance as a loyal subject and a metaphorical darkness, in the sense of its connotative wickedness.
There could perhaps also be an allusion to Christianity in the Old Man’s words. He claims that this bird phenomenon occurred “On Tuesday last”, a phrase oddly similar to both the Last Supper and Shrove Tuesday, the celebration now used to recognize Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. This meal was also the last Jesus would have before he was betrayed by one of his seemingly loyal followers, Judas. The story line seen here is shockingly similar to that seen in Macbeth, as Macbeth, too, betrays the one he claims to follow.
Continued below
DeleteKatherine Concepcion, Pd. 6 - Mask Making
ReplyDeletePeople hide their true selves to others because they are uncomfortable. Walls are built up around them in an attempt to keep any sort of discomfort away. A person may not want to discomfort others, like a loved one or just some stranger. That same person is probably scared of hurting him/herself. Whether or not hiding yourself and your true intentions is acceptable really depends on the situation. A person could be going through a scary and traumatic experience and doesn't want to talk about said experience because they do not want to hurt themselves with the reality of the situation. On the other hand, the person’s hidden feelings could affect the feelings of a loved one. Sometimes, that loved one wants to help the person in need, but unfortunately, the strong walls won’t let that him or her through.
Macbeth’s morality changes once he has killed Duncan (in Act II). Before Duncan’s murder, Macbeth was a man filled with faith and normality. Unfortunately, Macbeth kills Duncan from the influence of his wife and out of fear, he kills the guards to avoid suspicion. Suddenly his intentions change. Macbeth wasn't himself anymore and killing is acceptable to him. This, though, is unacceptable. If Macbeth wasn't influenced by Lady Macbeth to kill Duncan and become king, he probably could have fulfilled the prophecy in a way where his morality doesn’t change. He could be his normal self without having to kill people to get his way.
A time where I wasn't myself was when I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis a little before my 16th birthday. I started to have symptoms 8 months before the diagnosis. When I first started having symptoms, my mind told me not to say anything to my parents or my loved ones about the situation. I especially didn't want to worry my mother because she was trying help my grandmother, who was dying of colon cancer. I kept quiet about the situation for 5 months and I was frustrated at myself for not being strong and talking to my parents. Unfortunately, I’m one of those people that likes to handle situations on my own so I was a bit stubborn on the whole situation but once I told my parents about my symptoms, everything started to be ok again. What I did in those 5 months was unacceptable. My diagnosis could have been worse if I continued to keep quiet from my parents. My grades fell and school became increasingly difficult with the pain and fatigue I experienced. Now, my medicine helps immensely with my daily life and it’s almost like I don’t have my disease.
My mask is what people learn once they get to know me: I can be weird most of the time but I’m a nice person who cares about everyone. My passion to become an artist burns the mask with warm color tones (red, orange, and yellow) while my inner thoughts and concerns darken areas with black. The mask has a smile, something I usually have on my face throughout the day. I’m a positive person that wants to help anyone in need.
(Continued)
ReplyDeleteRoss responds to the Old Man’s statement of abnormality by providing another example: “And Duncan’s horses – a thing most strange and certain - / Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race, / Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out, / Contending ‘gainst obedience, as they would make / War with mankind.” (2.4.14-18) These previously tamed horses are described as Duncan’s minions, or favorites, just as the Macbeths are favored by the King. The horses’ going wild and losing obedience runs parallel to the Macbeths’ plot to break from their loyalty and strive for the freedom they believe sovereign power has to offer.
These two declarations regarding bizarre natural incidents serve to indicate that Macbeth’s slaying of his king is a crime against nature. It was not in Duncan’s nature to be murdered, as he deserved to live out his days and die honorably, just as it was not in Macbeth’s initial human nature, as one of concern and allegiance, to murder an innocent and respected man. Nature views this series of unnatural events with abhorrence, overseeing Macbeth’s ability to gain the kingly title through tremendous ambition, but establishing that he will never actually sit upon the throne as anything more than an empty title. He will not produce a line of heirs and he will never exhibit the characteristics that made Duncan the great king he was: to honor the good and punish the bad. After all, if treason is seen as “bad”, Macbeth is the worst of them all.
Diu Rahlan(P.6)- False Friend
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the play Macbeth and Banquo seem to be really close and respected each other very much because they fought in the same battle and trusted each other.But when the three witches told Mavbeth and Banquo about their prophecies everything started to change. Macbeth took the prophecies into his own hands and kill Duncan and thrive to kill more people.Macbeth was afraid that Banquo son would be king so he try to have Banquo and his son killed. Banquo thought of Macbeth as this brave, strong hero and respected him as well as his fellow soldier. But Banquo got suspicion when Macbeth kill the guards and took the throne and start killing so much people.
Macbeth seems to respect most anyone at the beginning of the play, but he certainly harbored deep feelings of jealousy for Duncan. Perhaps some level of jealousy was on display for Banquo as well. After all, Banquo has two strong children, particularly Malcolm, to go along with his warrior hero status.
DeleteWow! This is written so beautifully!
ReplyDeleteGordon Ma (6th) – Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteDear Diary,
What shall I do about the witches’ prophecy? Perhaps I cannot ambition overtake me, lest the unthinkable happen. The King is a good man – his foundations honest and well-built. To commit such an act would be unthinkable… yet what is this feeling that I am experiencing? Lady Macbeth has gotten the best of me, I must do the deed. Even thy inanimate objects draw me to do so (“Thou marshall’st me the way that I was going…”) Such an action will be over in an instant, there is simply no time (“Whiles I threat, he lives…”) The witches’ prophecy will be fulfilled… I will ascend the throne and usurp King Duncan! The storm is coming, and I must confront it. I do not wish for more bloodshed, but I must do this to fulfill my destiny. There is no stopping the inevitable.
Macbeth
It seems strange that this entry is before the murder, as we have read way past the King's death.
DeleteGood diary entry
DeleteI like how you are expressing Macbeth's emotions when he is deciding whether or not to kill the king.
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DeleteMeredyth Albright - Second Period
DeleteYou did a really good job of expressing Macbeth's inner turmoil in this diary entry.
Kevin Gao (period 2)- False Friends
ReplyDeleteMacbeth and Banquo are close friends at the start of the play. They fought together bravely, putting their lifes on the line for the each other. However, their friendship doesn’t last very long after they are given the prophecy by the three witches. Slowly, Macbeth’s inner desire and newfound ambition causes him to go astray from his good deeds. Macbeth is afraid of Banquo to some extent in Act 3, scene 1, where he says “Our fears in Banquo stick deep, and in his royalty of nature reigns that which would be feared”. This shows how much he despises Banquo now because the prophecy claimed that his children will take the throne. Banquo, Macbeth’s best friend, becomes his great enemy.
From Banquo’s perspective, it seems that his trust in Macbeth’s begins to waver after Macbeth kills the guards, which draws a lot of suspicion towards himself. Towards the end, Banquo had practically lost all of his trust in Macbeth, and was afraid enough of Macbeth to tell his children to flee; since Macbeth killed his own cousin, it would seem that he wouldn’t have any regrets of killing his friend either. Banquo represents the alternate choice, what Macbeth could have been if he hadn’t let his ambition consume him. Because of this, Banquo was able to remain Macbeth’s friend longer than the vice versa.
The idea of Banquo it presents Macbeth is very interesting because it presents a different kind of kingship. Banquo's kid, probably Malcolm, will inevitably assume the throne, and Banquo, if he had lived, would have been able to indulge in a kind of selfless power as opposed to Macbeth's selfish power.
DeleteI really like the concept of Banquo being the alternate choice, stories that tell of tragic downfalls are definitely magnified in emotional connectivity when there is an obvious representation of what COULD have happened present in the story.
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ReplyDeleteMacbeth Journal #5
ReplyDelete- Dear Diary (6th period Honors)
Tis' a woeful day, in my pursuit for my kingship I had to slay not one but two of my brothers; Duncan and Banquo. One of them was my friend, my brother, my comrade in arms, The other my king. All in order to fulfill this damned prophecy, made by those accursed witches. Curse the day that I met them, curse them and their fortune! If not worse enough, my eyes doth dare play a farce to make me see the ghost of my fallen comrade, Banquo, in my own home no less! Mirages of the devil hath come to me, haunting me for my deeds and to avenge his death, curse the ghost that haunt my home and all others that come to me hence! This hell seemingly will not end till I atone for my crimes, and their deaths avenged. How I fear how this will end, my resolve has weakened greatly knowing what I've done. I pray now that this hell end for its torture shall end me just as soon!
Period 1
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good joirnal! The language you used made it seem as if you were really a man of Shakespeare's time.
Riley Edwards (1st Period) Reigning of the King
ReplyDeleteIn older Chinese culture, there was a mandate of heaven placed on the king. The gods themselves anointed the emperor of China to be part man, part god. After all, if the ruler is a god, how can any peasant think to be superior to him. Macbeth sort of gets at that point by causing events in Scotland as a whole to fall into a state of disarray briefly after usurping the throne. He has broken the holy bond between King and G-d, and thus, Scotland has been dealt a horrible blow. One other possible consideration is the specific circumstances surrounding Duncan's death. High treason could simply have tainted the country, spreading its corruption among the hilly terrain. Perhaps only a clean rebellion can cure that ill.
Meredyth Albright - Second Period
DeleteI think it's really cool how you related WHAP and Manifest Destiny to Macbeth. Good job!
Divya Agarwal Pd 1 Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteDear Diary,
I must say that the past few days have thrown my soul into a place of turmoil. I may act strong and decided on the outside but I still have the ability to experience emotions- I am feeling traces of guilt in regards to my part in the murder of King Duncan. I know that it was me who encouraged my husband go through with this plan but I am wondering if I made the correct decision. I have always wanted more than I could get- I remember when I married Macbeth, I was disappointed because I was interested in men with higher positions. I have been consistently putting in effort now to make him who I always wanted him to be. This is why I need him to become king- I need him to be someone in power so I can rule from the sidelines. However ever since the murder of Duncan, it hasn't only been my soul that is turmoil. The kingdom is falling to pieces as well. The natural course of events are shifting. Perhaps God did not intend for this to happen. It was witches that prophesied that Macbeth would become king and they are definitely not in favor with God. Perhaps none of this was meant to happen and perhaps I will be going to hell. I just hope I can take solace in the face that I was not the one who plunged the dagger into Duncan's heart, it was my coward of a husband. If anyone deserves punishment, it is he.
Truly,
Lady Macbeth
Quinton Champitto Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteMacbeth
I still cannot sleep, and every night my visions and terrors grow stronger. Last night I even find myself trying to wipe the blood from my already clean hands for a matter of hours. No matter how hard I try I still see the stains of blood on my hand and I know no matter how hard I try to clean them I know that God will always be able to see the blood. my wife is the only one who I can trust anymore, I question whether or not the guards outside my own room are plotting against me.
God if you're reading this know that I only did what was my destiny, if it was wrongful then why would you make it my destiny. Why is it my fate unless it is truly something you would make my destiny.
I think you really captured Macbeth's downward spiral and his worsening madness.
DeleteKadijah Holder (1st period)
DeleteI really enjoyed reading this diary entry! It sounded exactly as Macbeth and I could really picture him writing this.
Your journal entry is a really accurate portrayal of Macbeth's downfall in modern English. I like the use of imagery incorporated in your diary entry. It enhances the emotions behind the tragedy.
DeleteMorgan Coyle (2nd)--Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteDear Diary,
I cannot believe that the man I married is more feminine than I. After I FINALLY convinced him to take what was rightfully his, he became paranoid and delusional. He even killed the guards we were supposed to be framing! He is too impulsive--I'm worried that we will be discovered.
What does it say about a man when his wife is more malicious and masculine than he? We cannot have a man for king who cannot even rule his own life. However, I thought he would be fine, as I have been able to whisper in his ear and control his actions for our entire marriage. Unfortunately, he has behaved erratically recently, killing or sending an assassin after many people, including his friends. If he continues this downward spiral, I will fear I have misjudged him.
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth
Kadijah Holder (1st period)
DeleteYour first paragraph didn't seem like it was written in old english or with the same syntax as Shakespeare would write it. However, in your second paragraph, your words become a little less modernized.
Erin Eichenberger, p6- I like how you acknowledge that Lady Macbeth's grip on Macbeth seems to be slipping towards the end of the Act III. He's stepping out on his own now, and Lady Macbeth doesn't know what to expect from this man who is hallucinating and hiring assassins all over the place. There's some good foreshadowing you've set up.
DeleteKadijah Holder (1st period) - False Friends
ReplyDeleteMacbeth and Banquo’s relationship has drastically changed throughout the play. In the beginning I believe they each had a mutual respect for one another especially when banquo says, “Good sir, why do you start; and seem to fear Things that do sound so fair?” showing that Banquo genuinely cares about Macbeth and the respect he has for him when he calls him, "Good sir." Macbeth and Banquo's relationship is drastically affected by the witches' prophecy because both of them become ambitious for the prophecy to come true. I do believe that Banquo doubts Macbeth's loyalty to his country, king, and fellow soldiers. Banquo says, "As the weird women promised, and, I fear,Thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said It should not stand in thy posterity,” Banquo suspects that Macbeth has done something in order to gain the throne instead of inheriting it naturally. Another factor that increase the distrust between the two are Macbeth setting up the assassination of Banquo and his son, Fleance. Banquo cries out, “O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst revenge. O slave!” when he was killed by the murderers. Banquo knows that he was set up and betrayed by Macbeth.
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Delete(2nd Period)
DeleteI like that you pointed out that as Banquo dies, he knows he was betrayed by Macbeth. I didn't notice that as I was reading the play, but it is the best explanation for Banquo's last words.
That does make much more sense. Do you think Banquo knew prior to his death that Macbeth was only acting as a false friend?
DeleteJames Morton (6th period) Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteDear Diary,
When I married my husband he came off to me a strong-willed and powerful leader of his subjects. He continued to be a great man throughout this time, but refused to strive for greater things, and I am beginning to see why. After finally convincing him to ascend to the throne of King Duncan by murdering him, this man immediately turned to an emotional wreck and is in no state to rule this kingdom. This usurpation has certainly been a solemn affair for me, I do not wish for anyone to consider me a bad person or anything for taking part in this killing. I simply wanted what was best for my husband. I live for him, and I assure that the power of being queen is simply an added gratuity to doing what was right. Despite these clear and concise views on the situation, I still do not sleep easy. My husband recently murdered the two guards we were planning on framing for Duncan's death and also considers the possiblity of killing off Banquo due to his place in the second part of the prophecy. These erratic and suspicious behaviors were not those I expected from him, even after his sudden emotional switch. I will continue to support him however, speaking for the people because he surely cannot.
Lady MacBeth
Kayla Curry pd. 2 False Friends
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo’s relationship was genuine to me. They were traveling together and seemed to be more like family. I think that after the sisters gave the prophecy to Banquo and Macbeth that a rift came between them. Now they were both power hungry and could not wait for their prophecies to be fulfilled. Macbeth now is willing to do whatever or anything his wife tells him to do to get the crown he was promised. First, he kills his cousin Duncan and then he starts to plot on how to kill Banquo. This is just a horrible ending to the friends relationship. This shows that people will do whatever it is to get on the level they want to be on. Now since Macbeth has killed Duncan, he just thinks that he can go on a killing spree to get what he wants, but he is going about it all the wrong way.
Leslie Castro 2nd Period False Friends
ReplyDeleteMacbeth and Banquo are bounded by war. They are genuinely happy for each other after they hear of the prophecy from the witches. It's great that Macbeth is going to be king, and, later down the line Banquo's children will have the honor. But as Macbeth's ambition grows his feelings for Banquo turned into jealousy. Any king wants his reign to be long-lasting. Yes, Macbeth might have access to the throne at the present, but what does it mean if he knows someone else will come along and take it from him? He can't focus on the present if he is constantly safe-guarding it from someone else. Also, Banquo is very smart. Macbeth fears Banquo is suspicious of him in terms of Duncan's murder. This, along with the eventual kingship of his children, causes Macbeth to order Banquo's murder. Wipe out all of the suspicion and you will be safe, or so Macbeth thinks. The prophecy spoiled a good friendship.
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Delete(2nd Period)
DeleteIt makes sense that Macbeth and Banquo would be friends because they are fellow soldiers, and your insights on Macbeth's jealousy of Banquo are really interesting.
Vickie Wang (2nd Period) - False Friends
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo are really friends. After the witches make their prophecy and disappear, Macbeth turns to Banquo and says, seemingly in awe, "Your children shall be kings (1.3.89)". Banquo responds, with equal awe, "You shall be king (1.3.90)". However, when the King's messengers reveal that Macbeth is now the Thane of Cawdor, as the witches prophesied, Macbeth begins to give in to his ambition, pondering how he can become King to make the witches' final prophecy come true.
After Duncan is murdered, his sons flee Scotland, and Macbeth becomes King, Banquo begins to doubt Macbeth's innocence because of the short timeframe in which the witches' prophecies came true for Macbeth. Macbeth, too, realizes that though he has murdered Duncan and defiled his own soul for the crown, he will have no heir. Instead, it will be Banquo's sons who will overthrow Macbeth and become King. Macbeth then plots Banquo and Fleance's deaths.
Their last interaction, in Act 3 Scene 1, shows both of them hiding their true intentions, pretending nothing is different but each secretly plotting against the other.
Elizabeth Vicario, pd. 2
ReplyDeleteThis is beautifully written! The alliteration of the w's in the second paragraph is just like Shakespeare's writing and the imagery really brings the senses alive.
Elizabeth Vicario, pd. 2
ReplyDeleteThis is beautifully written! The alliteration of the w's in the second paragraph is just like Shakespeare's writing and the imagery really brings the senses alive.
(2nd pd) False Friends
ReplyDeleteIn the story we notices that Macbeth and Duncan are good friends later we see them together when the prophecy was being given to them by the three witches. After the prophecy was told to the Macbeth when home and told his very ambitious wife, who encouraged him to kill king Duncan because she felt that the only way that Macbeth could be king is to get rid of what's standing between him and his fate. Macbeth then killed Duncan which left great tension and suspect In act 2 scene 1 line 24-28 "Banquo: All's well I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters.To you they showed some truth. Macbeth: I think not of them ". This was the fist time Banquo question Mabeth loyalty and felt that he might have something to do with Duncan being dead.
In Act 3 scene 1 show that they both had turned against each other, this this was when Banquo then realized that he can't trust Macbeth . Banquo then decide to leave the country with is son , while leaving they were caught by the person Macbeth sent to kill Banquo only Banquo wa killed his son was unharmed . Reflecting back to the beginning of Act 2 scene 1 Line 14 when Macbeth answered Banquo question with "A Friend" foreshadow the betrayal that was to come between Banquo and Macbeth. this proves that even people that call themself your friend will betray you when is comes down to choosing themselves or you.
I like how you mentioned the foreshadow showing that Banquo is going to be killed soon.
DeleteWell written love the way you used his language you are an amazing writer.
ReplyDeleteFalse Friends (2nd)
ReplyDeleteInitially, Macbeth and Banquo were good friends and fought in the war together. They were both happy until the were told the Prophecy from the three witches. This made them both happy since Macbeth is going to become king while Banquo's sons is going to be kings also. When Macbeth sent a letter about the prophecy to Lady Macbeth, she felt that the only way that this can occur is if they kill Duncan.
Once Duncan is murdered, his sons leave in fear allowing Macbeth to take the throne. Since Macbeth became king shortly after the prophecy was told, Banquo became suspicious and decided to flee the kingdom. SInce Macbeth is aware that Banquo's son is going to become the next king by overthrowing him, he decides to send three assassins. The assassins were able to successfully kill Banquo but failed to kill his son since he fled from the scene.
In Act 1, Scene 1 it shows how Macbeth and Banquo are carefully doubting each other and watching each other closely. This was all due to the murder of Duncan creating doubt from Banquo toward Macbeth.
This is a really accurate representation of shakespearean language while also incorporating aspects of the prompts given.
ReplyDeleteIn the start of the play, Macbeth and Banquo were close colleagues who put a lot of trust into each other's friendship. However, Banquo became suspicious of Macbeth, and later Macbeth murders Banquo. Banquos ghost also haunts Macbeth throughout the play, mainly for betraying him as a friend and as the King. "The instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles - to betrays in deepest consequence"-here Banquo is being a friend and trying to warn Macbeth that the witches were trying to make Macbeth do something bad.The prophecies of the witches have an influence on the friendship between the two major characters and caused Lady Macbeth to convince Macbeth to kill Duncan. His guilt and desire to protect his ambitions also led to the downfall of Macbeths character, and may very well have influenced his relations with Banquo. Banquo probably lost trust in Macbeth after seeing how he became king but generally, Banquo and Macbeth were distant with each other.
ReplyDeleteMacbeth's desire to become powerful has now led him to ruthlessly murder two people whom he once admired and respected.
DeleteErin Eichenberger, p6- Reigning of the King
ReplyDeleteIn Act II, and particularly during the murder of the king, the terrible weather is emphasized. Darkness, storm and strife are all associated with Duncan's death, indicative of how it goes against the natural order of things. This motif is continues into Act III, when moment before his death Banquo remarks “It will be rain to-night” (Act III, Scene III.) It happens to quickly to really be considered foreshadowing, but this line cements the connection between bad weather and murder- a rain of blood. Additionally, all the murders have occurred in the night or early morning, in darkness. When Banquo dies, one of the murders says “Who did strike out the light?” (Act III, Scene III,) indicating that the light died with Banquo. Finally, Scene V opens on the witches and Hecate with a stage direction of thunder, connecting storms once again with the unnatural.
Since Macbeth began hacking and slashing his way to the throne, the setting has been dreary and bleak. Shakespeare mentions this repeatedly not to remind the reader of Scotland's weather patterns, but to emphasize that this is strange and out of place. Because Macbeth goes out of his way to fulfill the witches' prophecy instead of allowing it to develop organically, the kingdom is turning on him. This implies that a king should not strive for power; it will fall to him naturally and he will accept it as a weighty responsibility, not a prize to be won and flaunted through the gore of slaughtered competitors.
Kaitlin Coleman, pd. 6
ReplyDeleteCLASSWORK:
Act III Scene I, Macbeth being insincere: "We hear our bloody cousins are bestowed in England and in Ireland, not confessing their cruel parricide, filling their hearers with strange invention." Macbeth lies about the reality of Duncan's murders. Also when Macbeth refers to Banquo as their most important guest, when later on in scene I he remarks aloud to himself that he fears Banquo's lust for power. "Know that it was he, in the times past, which held you so under fortune, which you thought had been our innocent self." Macbeth pins blame on Banquo by saying that it was not he who made their lives so difficult, and Macbeth uses this excuse to pit the murders against Banquo.
HOMEWORK:
Macbeth and Banquo had a genuine friendship at one time. Unfortunately, after their meeting with the witches that friendship was tarnished by a mutual lust for power. Macbeth laments the fact that he killed the good king Duncan only for Banquo's sons to be kings, just as the witches prophecies predicted. Banquo seems generally in the dark about Macbeth's truly sinister ways, but he is now distrustful of the murderous king nonetheless. Macbeth disregards his friendship because he is being blinded by the opulent allure of being royalty. He further dismembers his relationship with Banquo by turning the murders against him out of fear that Macbeth will not be able to pass the crown onto his own children. Their relationship is now purely one of jealousy and homicidal deceit.
Bettylenah Njaramba - Period 2 - Mask Maker
ReplyDeleteIf I was to create a mask for myself, the first thing I would include is a crown. I've always believed that every female should consider themselves as a queen. I value myself, I treasure myself, I love myself and I believe in myself. A crown would be representative of my mindset.
Secondly, I would incorporate african print, known as ankara, to represent my culture. I was born in Kenya and being African is something that I deeply cherish. My culture plays a huge role in who I am today from my beliefs to the food I eat.
Lastly, I would include glitter to symbolize my positive spirit. There's so many negative influences in the world today that bring people down. For example in the case of Macbeth, he was manipulated by his wife to commit an act that wasn't his character. I strive to spread love and optimism. I love to laugh. I choose to be happy and I want to share that same light with everyone around me. Just like glitter.
JUlio Derteano- False Friends
ReplyDeleteFrom the start Macbeth and Banquo were war friends. They went to war together and fought together against their king's enemies. From this there is is friendship, trust, and respect towards each other. Once the prophecies were told they began to create assumptions of how they could possibly happen. After the death of Duncan, Banquo begins to become more suspicious towards Macbeth expecially since the witches' prophecies are becoming reality. MacBeth begins to kill many people and begins to lose his humanity, thus making it noticeable that MacBeth is not perfectly healthy anymore. Banquo sees that Macbeth is changing and becomes more suspecious from this. MacBeth still thinks about how could Banquo's children ever be king when he was the king previous. This question is continously bothering him until he sends assassins to kill Banquo. This was the point where the trust between two friends werror completely gone.
Meredyth Albright – 2nd Period – Dear Diary
ReplyDeleteDear Diary,
Curse my female form! Oh, I would give my body and my soul to the devil if I could just exchange them both for masculinity! I have more admirable male traits within me than all the men in Europe. “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe topful of direst cruelty!” (Act 1, Scene 5, lines 38–41) My ambition rushes through my veins and pushes out of my pores like a freshly opened bottle of champagne. Sometimes I wonder if I have too much ambition for my female form. “Come, thick night,
and pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, that my keen knife see not the wound it makes, nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark.” (Act 1, Scene 5, lines 40-43) I need more resolve to do the deeds I need to do…If that lousy coward I call my husband would just take control, we could be truly great. I feel like a wet nurse now. He is more oft hallucinating than not, talking about the ghosts and apparitions he sees: what an infant. If I had his body, his position, his fate, I would not dare let it go to waste by wasting away my life in guilt and worry! No, no! I would take control—take power. However, I am forced to stand on the side and play him as my puppet. Too bad he has no brains rather than no courage! Then it would be much easier to manipulate him. Oh, I hear him starting up talking to the “ghosts” again. What a lunatic. I shall write more later, after I tend to him.
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth