Macbeth
War: What is it Good For, Perhaps More than NothingContrary to wishful thinking, force has solved more human disputes than any other factor. The disputes between nations are more often than not solved by the modern expression of the same rage that motivated Cain to slay Abel: war. War can be seen as a good thing, a bad thing, or something in between. Contrast of hawkish gung ho and sobered realization is presented by the Shakespeare play "Macbeth" and the Wilfred Owen poem "Dulce et Decorum Est" ( Derived from a quote Roman poet Horace, "Dulce et Decorum Est pro patria mori", meaning "It is sweet and proper to die for one's country") Owen's poem, which vividly describes the horrors of WWI trench warfare, implies that war is to those who have not experienced it a misconception, that there is no honor and no glory in its fury. He contends that war is purposeless and futile, leading only to the shortening of already short lives. Carefully reviewing the poem, it is obvious that the poet was overwhelmed by what he saw, and perhaps as much as civilians cannot comment on the nature or life in war, veterans cannot comment on its validity, for sometimes they lose sight of the larger goal, the reason for their suffering.
However, Shakespeare in his play Macbeth offers a counter-argument in defense of the unfortunate necessity of war and holds up the adage "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori". Ross, an English soldier, informs the English general of his son's death in the battle, Act 5 Scene 8, line 45: "Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier's debt. But there is no victory without sacrifice, and those that must make the sacrifice do so in tranquility knowing that they die so as to prevent the children of their kin and friends from experiencing similar tribulation. His death was surely not futile, for all who remember him will say his name with respect and awe. The play opens with a victorious Macbeth returning from the field of battle against a rebel and his foreign helpers. A battle ensues in which many die but Malcolm emerges victorious. This vastness of scope in the play lets the reader focus more on the reasons and necessities of the war being fought rather than its tragic consequences for the individuals involved. The play of Macbeth, a story of a Scottish usurper and tyrant of that name and his wife, Lady Macbeth's rise to power and subsequent demise. War is hell, and because Siward is proud does not mean he will not grieve. The which no sooner had his prowess confirmed in the unshrinking station where he fought, but like a man he died" The response is not desperate and pining; rather it is one of pride and fulfillment (Act 5 Scene 8 Line55) Siward exclaims: "Why then, God's soldier be he! Had I as many sons as I have hairs, I would not wish them to a fairer death; And so his knell is knolled. In all it can be said that Owen thought war was an ultimate crime and any death in war is a murder committed by uncaring and remorseless rulers. e, incurable sores on innocent tongues,- my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old lie: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" This quote from the poem illustrates Owen's passion and resentment for the great forces that pushed him and his comrades into something they did not bargain for.
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