Macbeth Not A Rare Monster - 1832 Words

Macbeth: Not a Rare Monster Many directors, actors, and audience members have different opinions regarding the titular character of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Harold Bloom, author of Bloom’s Guides: Macbeth, states that â€Å"Macbeth is a villain, indeed a monster of murderousness† (Bloom 7). Even Macbeth’s rival, Macduff, calls him a â€Å"rare monster† (Macbeth 1.5.76-8). Macbeth is not a rare monster, he is human. In fact his humanity is a major theme in both Shakespeare’s script and in many film adaptions done centuries later. For Macbeth had a dream that we may occasionally dream, to become the leader over all of a land. But unlike us, Macbeth has told through a prophecy that he will become such a leader someday. It is how†¦show more content†¦Lady Macbeth may be just as envious of the throne as Macbeth, and is quick to tempt Macbeth in murdering King Duncan. In reference to preparing for Duncan’s arrival she suggests, â€Å"Bear welcome in your eye†¦Look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it† (1.5.75-8). Macbeth seems to brush off Lady Macbeth’s ‘command’ by commenting that they would speak later. Perhaps this is when Macbeth first struggles with his conscience. He recognizes that he is morally obligated to protect King Duncan as both his kinsman and host. Besides, in his mind King Duncan â€Å"Hath borne his faculties so meek†¦that his virtues will plead like angels† (1.7.17-9). When he no longer wants to pursue this fantasy of becoming King through murder, Lady Macbeth decides to attack his manhood, and in some interpretations attempts to subdue Macbeth by becoming upset. She accuses him of, â€Å"Living like a coward†¦letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would’ like the poor cat in the adage† (1.7.46-9). It is here that Macbeth’s innocent barrier was breached, for his response is, â€Å"If we fail† (1.7.68)? But it is not until he was tempted by himself that he discards any consideration as to the consequences that will come if he went through with the murder. Take for example the dinner scene with King Duncan and company. Though Shakespeare does not have much to say as to the events ofShow MoreRelatedCritical Analysis Of Macbeth767 Words   |  4 Pagesargue that Macbeth begins to lose his courage to an extent. He fears for the future. Take Macbeth’s final duel with Macduff for an example. He is all too confident when the duel with Macduff began, for he still thinks that he is invincible since he believes that all men are women born. But when Macduff announces that he was â€Å"from his mother’s womb untimely ripped† Macbeth lets his guard down (8.19-20). In director Robert Goold and Bogdandov’s interpretations, both directors show Macbeth lowering hisRead MoreComparing Beowulf And William Shakespeare s Macbeth1554 Words   |  7 Pagesfamous literary works such as Seamus Heaney’s Beowulf and William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Key characters in these epics often rose to the occasion and made a positive impact on the society with their exceptional bravery, selflessness, moral courage, and steadfastness of character. There were also instances where the same characters didn’t exercise the best judgement. Although Beowulf had many more heroic moments than Macbeth and Macduff, each of them had their virtues and flaws that surfaced at differentRead MoreHow Women Are Portrayed Within Macbeth Essays2682 Words   |  11 Pagesleading ladies while others are just supporting characters that help move the story along. 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