Macbeth is Shakespeares classic tale of human evil, best enjoyed in performance and not as a book read to oneself though I read it, since Im hoping to direct it in the next two months.
Most people are familiar with the plays bloodiness, and its themes of seeming-fair and being-foul. Reading it this time, I am struck by the ironic heroism of its titular protagonist.
Macbeth embodies many personality traits that we value as a culture, particularly his determination to be captain of his own fate. Determined to be king but impatient to wait upon the vagaries of others to secure the throne, he claims it by bloody murder. Warned that Macduff is a threat to him, he sends lieutenants to slaughter Macduff and his family. And what embodies our hopes for the future better than our children?
With no children of his own to secure a dynasty, but unwilling to let Banquos descendants rule Scotland, Macbeth orders Banquo and his son murdered.
In true tragic style, Macbeth not only is powerless to avert fate, his actions help to bring it about. (I should note its Macbeths determination and strength of purpose that our culture often finds praiseworthy, not his cold-blooded murderousness.)
Its a great story, and an excellent play.
Most people are familiar with the plays bloodiness, and its themes of seeming-fair and being-foul. Reading it this time, I am struck by the ironic heroism of its titular protagonist.
Macbeth embodies many personality traits that we value as a culture, particularly his determination to be captain of his own fate. Determined to be king but impatient to wait upon the vagaries of others to secure the throne, he claims it by bloody murder. Warned that Macduff is a threat to him, he sends lieutenants to slaughter Macduff and his family. And what embodies our hopes for the future better than our children?
With no children of his own to secure a dynasty, but unwilling to let Banquos descendants rule Scotland, Macbeth orders Banquo and his son murdered.
In true tragic style, Macbeth not only is powerless to avert fate, his actions help to bring it about. (I should note its Macbeths determination and strength of purpose that our culture often finds praiseworthy, not his cold-blooded murderousness.)
Its a great story, and an excellent play.
Just as disturbing and infuriating as the first time I read it.
