| Play of the Month Macbeth |
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| In 1606 William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, wrote a play for his new patron, James I (James VI of Scotland), following the death of Queen Elizabeth. James was interested in witchcraft and Scotland, hence the themes in the play. Banquo is James's ancestor. The play itself tells the story of a man, urged by his wife and foretold by prophecy, who commits murder in order to gain power. |
| . . . but only, Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself, And falls on the other. (Act 1, scene 7) |
| According to G.R. Elliot the theme of Macbeth is that a "wicked intention must in the end produce wicked action unless it is not merely revoked by the protagonist's better feelings, but entirely eradicated by his inmost will, aided by Divine grace." Click here to read an essay about this interesting theme. Do not use this essay as your own. Thank you. |
| Themes in Macbeth |
| Wicked Intention, Wicked Action |
| Ambition |
| Basically, this means that appearances can be deceiving. What appears to be good can be bad, and this is seen in such things as the deceptive facade of Lady Macbeth and in the predictions of the witches. |
| "Fair is foul, foul is fair" |
| Click here for a humorous look at the play Macbeth. |
| For the ultimate web site experience, in my humble opinion, visit the site Enjoying "Macbeth", by Ed Friedlander, M.D. |
| MACBETH ONLINE |
| The force is with Macbeth! Visit this action packed site today "Star Wars meets Macbeth" |
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| Lady Macbeth, painting by Sargeant, 1889 |
| Lady Macbeth is one of the most fascinating characters ever created. She is very modern considering she has been around for over four hundred years.In this play, she is a woman who is, if not moreso, as ambitious as her husband. He wants to be KING, she wants to be QUEEN. If it takes a wicked action to see this dream come true, so be it! |
| Macbeth, the Unlucky Play? Many people, especially those involved in the theatre, believe this play is cursed. Strange events have occurred during productions of the play; therefore, actors do not pronounce Macbeth's name backstage during either a production or a practice. Despite this curse, many actors want to direct or act in this play. Ken Branagh wants to direct the movie, and Keanu Reeves would like to play Macbeth (stated in an interview with Charlie Rose). I guess we will just have to wait and see. |
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| The Three Witches, by William Blake |