Shakespeare and Macbeth
When the plays of Shakespeare are described as "for all time" or "of a timeless quality," they are referring to the accurate description of the human psyche that holds true today. Shakespeare's works were written long ago, and in many cases set even before that. When the reader can overcome the aspects contemporary to the time the plays were written, such as the language and incorporation of the supernatural, he/she will find traits of the characters to carry over to modern times with out an explanation to be necessary. In the play "Macbeth" many of these traits are the only means of relating to the story on any level. To open act I scene 3, the witches sarcastically give praise to Macbeth
Macbeth, through his help in battle, and general willingness to do anything for his king earn him a place among the lords of Scotland. Then and now a man's "manhood" in relation to his sexuality and fearlessness is excessively important. He is praised throughout the beginning, form act I scene1 to scene 4. The need to "be on top" was then, and still is a driving force in the actions we take, and often will lead us to commit horrible acts. Many of Shakespeare's interpretations of human emotion, and the reasons behind our actions were as true then as they are now. Once blame appears around Macbeth, his friends all seem to abandon him. Although he was guilty, merely suspecting him should not have lead to his sentencing. This is why a writer could relate a story from hundreds of years ago to today, Shakespeare being one of the best at examining their qualities among his characters. Abandonment based on circumstances or words out of context is common today. In act I scene 5 Lady Macbeth uses this to have her husband do something he knew was a bad idea. A mans ego, or the threat upon "manhood" has the same effect then as it would now. " This plants the seed of ambition, which in his mind outweighs the risk and moral objection of murder. The fact that a man's sexual identity is at steak will force him to do anything to protect it. , and proclaim "hail, Macbeth that shall be king hereafter.
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