Discuss the presentation of the supernatural in 'Macbeth'. What part does it play in the drama?
Macbeth coursework essay Discuss the presentation of the supernatural in 'Macbeth'. What part does it play in the drama? 'Macbeth' is a play full of darkness and horror, to which the supernatural plays an important and necessary role. 'Macbeth' was written at the time that King James the first of Scotland was on the throne. Some people believe that the play was written for him, this is due to his extreme fascination with witchcraft. This is not the only thing that links King James to the play; he was also a real-life descendant of Banquo, Macbeth's best friend in the play. The people of England throughout King James' reign were Christian, both Catholic and Protestant. The Jacobeans believed in Heaven and Hell and lived in fear of eternal damnation, a severe consequence of witchcraft. Practising witchcraft was seen as being sinful and ungodly and not a positive and normal way of society. The Jacobean audience would have been somewhat intrigued and interested in a play with such characteristics like 'Macbeth'. They would have also been curious of Shakespeare's exploration of the supernatural, especially the aspect of Witchcraft. The play opens with three Witches, this sets the entire theme for the play as being dark and evil due to the language used and also the setting. This scene also mentions the aspect of good and evil, "Fair is foul and foul is fair." This quote is
Romeo and Juliet as a tragedy of fate.
Romeo and Juliet as a tragedy of Fate It has always been the dearest hope of mankind that the twists and turns of life, a seemingly random progression of sheer coincidence, are in fact a part of the designs of some higher order. Somewhere, we reason, there must exist an emergent pattern to the chaos of our existence. To this intangible being who directs our course we have assigned the name of fate. It is fate, and not humble human choice or character, that steers Romeo and Juliet to the tragedy of their deaths. Shakespeare creates a clear path for us to follow, as omniscient spectators, to watch as fate manifests herself through a tightly knit web of chance events. Shakespeare makes it clear on several occasions that fate is in control, and that destiny and not flaw in character directs the tragedy. Fate controls the destiny of Romeo and Juliet through a series of coincidences, which is set into motion by the opposition of the houses of Montague and Capulet. Fate leads the plot from one "chance event" to the next in a closely related sequence. The illiterate servant by pure chance asks Romeo to read him the invitation to the Capulet masque. Romeo and Juliet are joined in union just as Paris coincidentally begins to take an interest in Juliet. Mercutio dies for honor, forcing Romeo to avenge him. By chance Friar John is detained at Mantua, and equally by coincidence
'How is Love Presented in Romeo and Juliet in Acts - 1 Sc 5; 2 Sc 2 and 3 Sc 5.
"Romeo and Juliet" By -William Shakespeare In this essay I will concentrate on the love aspect in one of William Shakespeare's most popular tragedies, written during the 16th century - Romeo and Juliet. This essay will mainly concentrate on three key scenes and these are as follows - Act 1 Sc 5; Act 2 Sc 2 and Act 3 Sc 5. In these scenes I will show how Shakespeare portrays the love aspect in Romeo and Juliet - and in these scenes it is shown in a clear, clever and coherent way. Shakespeare shows this cleverly by the use of stage-craft and dramatic irony to show clear organisation of characters on stage when the play is being acted to a large number of audience. Even the structure in which the scenes are organised can be interpreted,noticed and referred to by the audience as the play graduates. Not only this; the ingenious linguistic features that Shakespeare uses can be used to show tension,timidness, love and even happiness. This essay will give a thorough analysis of the three ways in which Shakespeare portrays the love aspect. Structure, stage-craft, language and some cultural issues that might can show this. During Act 1 Sc 5, in terms of structure, Shakespeare has the audience waiting until this scene to introduce Juliet and the two lovers together. Shakespeare does this in order to inform us, the audience, about the history of both the Montagues and Capulets
Romeo and Juliet - how Juliet develops through the play.
Romeo and Juliet The Elizabethan society was patriarchal, meaning that men were considered to be the leaders and women their inferiors. Women were regarded as "the weaker sex", not just in terms of physical strength, but emotionally too. It was believed that women always needed someone to look after them. This is when our play is set so in theory Juliet should obey rules, but as we find out she does not always obey the times of the day just because she is a woman. Throughout this essay, I am going analyse the transformation of Juliet. The Prologue tells us that the prince is effectively wasting his time even thought he does not know it. So this shows the theme of destiny, linking to the prologue: "star cross'd lovers." This tells the audience that the pair of lovers are not meant to be together even before the play starts. We know from the start that she is going on a journey that will result in her transformation Juliet's character in the beginning of the story conveys that she is a very obedient child, this is illustrated by, "Madam, I am here what is your will?" This conveys that Juliet is devoting herself to whatever may be asked of her. Also, the word "Madam" tells us that her family is of higher status in her house than others, so she is respectful and selfless. In this scene Juliet is also referred to as a lamb: "I bade her come, what lamb." This reference to a
Much Ado About Nothing - Which man would you prefer to marry? Benedick or Claudio? Consider the ways in which each is presented before coming to a decision.
Laura McPherson 11.4(7) Shakespeare Coursework - Much Ado About Nothing Which man would you prefer to marry? Benedick or Claudio? Consider the ways in which each is presented before coming to a decision. Benedick and Claudio are the main male characters in the play. They are very contrasting in their action, words and approaches to love, which is shown throughout the play. The first impressions we have of each are derived from their entrance and first words from Act1, Scene 1, when the soldiers have returned from war. Benedick shows he is a witty and somewhat cocky character from even his first line, in which he and Leanato are joking about the fact that Hero is Leanato's daughter. Leanato says 'Her mother hath many times told me so,' Benedick's reply being 'were you in any doubt, sir, that you asked her?' (1:1:79), showing his quick-witted and light-hearted nature. Claudio's first words however, speak of Hero, 'the daughter of signor Leanato' and he makes known to Benedick that he thinks she is a 'modest young lady' (1:2:119-121), meaning she is sweet and he likes her a lot. As the play continues we begin to establish more of the men's characters. The remainder of Act 1, Scene 1 shows Benedick's objections to love, for example his comment 'shall I never see a bachelor of three score again' (1:1:147) suggests that to him it seems all young men decide to get married
How far are the witches responsible for Macbeth's downfall?
How far are the witches responsible for Macbeth's downfall? The witches are quite a main part in the play 'Macbeth' and are seen as the main or only contributors towards Macbeth's downfall. However, I believe that there are other possible contributors including Macbeth himself. Lady Macbeth can also be seen as a possible contributor as she thought of the evil plan by herself without conferring it with Macbeth. The weird sisters would be seen as 'evil' in the play especially for the contemporary audience. This is because in Shakespeare's day, they were all Protestants so thought that witches were evil and should be damned to hell. They were seen worse than rebels. They were not only political traitors, but spiritual traitors as well. When we first see the witches (weird sisters) in Act One Scene One, we as the audience do not know what they are or where they have come from. However, because of the surroundings and the atmosphere we see them as 'evil' and keep this assumption throughout the play, '...the fog and filthy air.' Even Macbeth and Banquo are unsure about the sisters' identity when they meet them on the heath in Act One Scene Three, 'That look not like th' inhabitants o' th' earth...' Macbeth is given three prophecies when he first meets the weird sisters, 'All hail Macbeth...Thane of Glamis...Thane of Cawdor...King hereafter!'(Act One Scene Three) At first, he
Is Prospero a power obsessed tyrant or an egalitarian?
Is Prospero a power obsessed tyrant or an egalitarian? The play 'The Tempest' portrays one mans fight to bring justice to those who have betrayed him in life. This character, Prospero, once the rightful duke of Milan, was overthrown by his brother, Antonio, and is now hell bent on seeking revenge. Throughout the play, there are elements of tyranny, egalitarianism and autocracy. Although these three elements are present, it is my opinion that Prospero is overall an autocrat. I will now explore the character of Prospero and show why I believe this. Prospero and his daughter Miranda where set adrift into the Mediterranean Sea after he was overthrown. Once Prospero arrived on the island, he immediately imprisoned two people, Ariel, an airy spirit, and Caliban, a monstrous creature. Ariel her self had already been imprisoned by Sycorax, an evil witch, when Prospero reached the island. When he found her, Prospero freed her but in return made her his magical slave. Although Prospero has imprisoned Ariel he is not tyrannical in his nature. He has not used force or death to manipulate her and cannot therefore be branded a tyrant. Prospero also says 'I will discharge thee', when his work has finished. If he is willing to free Ariel after her purpose is served then he is not being tyrannical in imprisoning her as a tyrant would not free one of his captives. He cannot be an egalitarian
Prospero is a powerful character. What impression does the audience get of Prospero in Act 1, Scene 2?
Prospero is a powerful character. What impression does the audience get of Prospero in Act 1, Scene 2? Prospero throughout the entire play has the power over everyone on the island. He maintains this power through the use of his magic and thus gains supremacy over the natural world. He also has a parental authority over his daughter, and this is illustrated in Act 1, Scene 2 when he tells her about how they came to be on the island. Prospero also has control over Ariel, due to his magical powers and also due to the fact that Ariel feels indebted to him for rescuing him. Prospero's authority could lead the audience to see him as a dictator. However, it is important to analyse Prospero's power to gain a balanced view of what the audience would conclude. At the beginning of Act 1, Scene 2 we find Miranda and Prospero on the shore of their island, looking out to sea at the recent shipwreck. Miranda asks her father to do anything he can to help the poor souls in the ship. Prospero speaks gently saying, "tell your piteous heart there's no harm done", and then assures her that everything is all right and that he has done "nothing but in care of thee". He goes on to tell her that it is time she learned more about herself and her past, saying "'Tis time I should inform thee further". He reveals to her that he orchestrated the shipwreck and tells her the lengthy story of her past.
What are your first impressions on Hamlet in Act I scene II?
What are your first impressions on Hamlet in Act I scene II? The first impressions on Hamlet vary with the audience, as some people see him as a misanthropic character, whereas others see him as a character of dignity, intelligence and sensitivity, also someone beyond his time. The atmosphere he provides though is very distressing, not only towards the audience but towards the characters, especially his rival Claudius. He can be seen as someone who separates the idea of reality and appearance. Everyone sets the allegiance towards Claudius their king, except Hamlet, when everyone has removed their mourning clothes except Hamlet, who is still wearing his "nighted colour," and Gertrude asks "Why seems it so particular with thee?" Hamlet responds to her question by using the word "seems", which Shakespeare used to represent appearances, and Hamlet says it twice in a single sentence, and he says he cannot pretend, but rather, must be what he is. Shakespeare might have intended to use "seems", because the idea of appearances is important, as I mentioned, but to show how Claudius might be the antagonist. His mood shows how misanthropic he can be, but also can be seen as sensitive by other people, as he has taken the 'forms, moods, shapes of grief' which are true for him. Though his emotions may seem to be those of an actor due to Gertrude's viewpoint, he is not acting at all,
How do Hamlet's Soliloquies reveal his Changing thoughts and Moods throughout the play?
How do Hamlet's Soliloquies reveal his Changing thoughts and Moods throughout the play? The play Hamlet is basically about life and death. We see this through the character Hamlet. Hamlet's character is not one dimensional, their are many sides to his personality. We can tell this by the way his mood varies throughout the play. Only in the soliloquies does Hamlet reveal his true self, and we 'the audience' begin to develop a better understanding of his complex character. A soliloquy is a speech in which a character (in this case Hamlet) reveals to the audience his thoughts and feelings which he is unable to express to other characters in the play. So in other words, soliloquies give a voice to Hamlet's thoughts. This is why soliloquies are so important, because a character can express his most inner thoughts with out judgement from fellow characters in the play. The three soliloquies I have studies are like signposts in the play. They guide us through Hamlet's mind at different points in the play. The main focus of my analysis will be on different actor's interpretations of this play, as well as the actual content and language of these three different soliloquies. The first soliloquy I am studying is in act one scene two. In this first soliloquy Hamlet talks about how if it wasn't for god's laws (sixth commandment, a religious law), he would committee suicide. This is due to
