Luke Fortuna

Macbeth

Summary

Macbeth

The play Macbeth starts off in a military camp where the Scottish King Duncan, was informed that Macbeth and Banquo have defeated the Ireland and Norway army. After the battle, Macbeth and Banquo came across a trio of witches. The witches foretold that Macbeth will become thane of Cawdor and soon, the King of Scotland. Macbeth writes to his wife telling her what has happened. His wife, Lady Macbeth, admires the role of being king and wants Duncan killed in order to for Macbeth to obtain the role. In order to achieve this, Macbeth hires a group of murders to kill Banquo and his son Fleance as Macbeth fears that they will seize his throne. They manage to kill Banquo on his way to a royal feast but fail to kill his son as he escapes. As long as Fleance is alive, Macbeth still remains insecure.  Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth has woken up will bloodstains on her hands. She has realized that on that night, she had sleepwalked and killed an innocent person. She couldn’t handle this and decide to kill herself. Macbeth becomes overwhelmed and sinks into despair. He awaits the arrival of the English army and prepares to defend himself. Macbeth is immersed in battle and encounters Macduff. Macduff tells him that he was not of woman born but was ripped out of his mothers womb. He realizes that he is inevitably doomed and  continues to fight. Macduff kills and beheads him Macbeth.

Themes

The destruction made when ambitions got to far and beyond moral limitations

This is the main universal theme shown in Macbeth. An example of this theme shown in the play is when Macbeth kills the Scottish King Duncan. Macbeth was a courageous, determined person who had know intention of preforming evil deeds. Yet, deep inside, he had a strong demand for power and authority. He could of proved himself worthy to the throne but instead, he used violence. The theme allows the reader (YOU) to assess their own ambitions and their means of achieving it. This is why it is a universal theme.

The power of bribery/manipulation

Throughout the play, their are many examples of bribery. An example in the play is when Lady Macbeth bribes her husband to kill Duncan. She does this by questioning his manhood. Also, when the witches tell their prophecies, they bribe Macbeth to follow them. These are further expressing to the reader that each of you have a decision in what you do. Each of you have free will and don’t have to give into bribery or peer pressure.

Characters

Macbeth

When we are first introduced to Macbeth, we think that he a brave warrior. When he visits the three witches, we see couple more characteristics such as self-doubt, bravery and determination for achievement. Shakespeare showcases the negative effects of these characteristics which can lead to horrible endings.

The Three Witches.

The three witches possess dark thoughts that could lead to evil temptations. The witches take full control of peoples ambitions like puppeteers. They used their prophecies to convince and take control of people doubt. These witches posses similar qualities to the fates, which are three european goddesses who could control the lives of every mortal from birth to death.

Modern Day Adaptations

Scotland, PA

Scotland, PA is a modern day adaption of the shakespeare play, Macbeth. This award winning film shares similar character qualities and themes to the original play. Instead of Macbeths ambition, it was the need for money and instead of following the three witches prophecies, he listens to a fortune teller who tells him that he will own a drive-thru style restaurant in his future as management.

Romeo and Juliet

Summary

Romeo and Juliet

The play, Romeo and Juliet takes place in the beautiful city of verona, where a long-lasting hatred between two families break out into violence. Their two children take their own lives in a attempt to stop their parents feud.

Themes

Unavoidable Fate

In the opening verse (Prologue), Romeo and Juliet are described as “star-crossed” which refers to a romantic relationship ending with a horrible tragedy. The characters in the play are completely aware of this as Romeo and Juliet have already predicted their fates due to their parents strife. When Romeo believes that Juliet is dead, he is determined to complete their fantasy by being together for eternity. He does this by taking his life as well. This theme can still be relatable as couples can be torn apart due to troubles with the law such as being sentenced to life in prison.

Individuals Versing Society

Much of the play involves Romeo and Juliet constantly facing public and social verbal abuse. It makes them fell like its them against the world. They have know one that understands their situation and know one to turn to for help. Examples of this theme in present life are families and their placement in society, law and the desire for public order, social importance and religion.

Characters

Romeo

Romeo shows great passion and love for his lover, Juliet. When he believes that Juliet is dead, he has such purity in his heart that he would kill himself to be her for the rest of eternity. With the amount of love that he possess can also have negative effects. He is blinded with love and can not relate with  his inner emotion. An example of this is when he lashes out in violence and kills his wife’s cousin to avenge his friends death.

Friar Lawrence

Friar Lawrence is a cleric who helps Romeo and Juliet throughout the play. He provides them with advice and even performs the marriage. Friar Lawrence is a figure of religion in the Play. He performs the marriage for Romeo and Juliet in order to stop the violence in Verona and even prepares a plan to reunite Romeo and Juliet through a magical sleeping potion. When you are in doubt, always look to God. 🙂

Modern Adaptations

There are many modern adaptations as Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous plays ever written. Examples that share same themes and characters are:

– Gnomeo & Juliet

– Romeo Must Die

– Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride

– Love Is All There Is

Is Shakespeare Still Relevant Today?

YES HE IS!!

Shakespearian themes are being interpreted and understood by many readers across the world, allowing Shakespeare’s plays to be remade in the form of Movies and TV series. His themes are also seen in the media and politics. Some of his plays have been modernised, allowing future students to easily understand the plays. This also makes it a lot easier and enjoyable for us. Shakespeare’s texts were not only used to communicate what was happening in the plays, it was also used to convey the audiences reaction and mood.

Shakespeare’s texts have not been lost but merely adapted to make it more suitable for the younger years.

Common Shakespeare Saying/Phrases:

– All’s well that ends well

– Be-all and the end-all

– Brave new world

– Catch a cold

– Heart of gold

– In a pickle

– Knock knock! Who’s there?

– Love is blind

– Melted into thin air

– Naked truth

– Star-crossed lovers

– Seen better days