Macbeth
William Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in 1605 or 1606. It was first preformed at the Globe Theatre in 1606, although some suggest that it was first performed for King James I at Hampton court. What is indisputable is that it was written for the pleasure of King James I. Macbeth is considered one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies. That it is considered a tragedy and not a historical play has been disputed. Many of the Characters in the play were historical figures from Scotland in the mid 1000's. What makes it a Tragedy and not a History Play is the liberties that Shakespeare takes in embellishments and exaggerations of the Characters. Shakespeare also bases Macbeth, not only on historical characters, but also like his other tragedies, it is based on the human condition, which is not bound to any historical era, but can be seen as timeless. This play evolves around fate, perceived fate, ambition, and guilt. Many can also argue that this play could have just as easily been named "Lady Macbeth". Lady Macbeth plays a leading role in this Play. Here ambition and her guilt over her action in many ways overshadow those of Macbeth.Macbeth: Starts the play off in battle defending the Scottish
Lady Macbeth: Married to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth compels Macbeth to ensure his destiny through murder and deceit. Lady Macbeth is seen as a villainous character that though she states that she will not be feminine in her pursuit for power, uses her sexuality and sexual relationship with Macbeth to press forward her plans for him to be king. Her relationship with Macbeth is a complex one. She at times pushes him talking of his weaknesses. At other times she realizes that she is alone with only her husband as company. Although she is a villain, again like Macbeth, she does retain her conscience which in the end drives her to obsessive nightmares famously thinking the blood of King Duncan will not come off of her hand, shrieking, "Out damn spot", revealing her guilt to her doctor. Ultimately she commits suicide when she is overcome with that guilt. Macduff enters the castle as Macbeth contemplates ending his life. His faith in the oracle keeps him from killing himself. He will not play the "Roman fool". As Macbeth and Macduff begin to fight tells Macduff that he is wasting his time trying to kill him he cannot be killed by woman born. Macduff tells him that he was ripped from his mother's womb before he was born. Macbeth realizes all is lost but will not cede, wishing to do by the sword than to bow to another man. Macduff puts an end to Macbeth's murderous reign; Macduff brings Macbeth's head to Malcolm. The true lineage of the crown has been restored and Malcolm is king.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Lady Macbeth, Thane Cawdor, Birnam Wood, King Duncan, Weird Women, Macbeth Banquo, Act Banquo, Lady Macbeth's, Conclusion Macbeth, Fate Unlike, lady macbeth, macbeth beginning, son duncan, thane cawdor, king scotland, born woman, malcolm son duncan, macbeth seen, woman born, birnam wood, banquo's children kings, damn spot, king lady macbeth, cawdor king scotland, wife lady macbeth,
Approximate Word count = 2750
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)
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