Student
Conflict in The Stone Angel and Macbeth Developing Theme
Imagine a world where you were destined for a dramatic downfall. It is such a world that becomes the fate of a tragic hero. A tragic hero possesses a tragic flaw, which ultimately leads to their downfall. Within both selections, the tragic Shakespearian play Macbeth, as well as, the dystopian novel The Stone Angel, by Margaret Laurence, the audience is revealed to two themes that relate not only to the play and novel, but to life in general; the destruction of vaulting ambition, as well as, hubris can lead to a downfall. Such themes were clearly portrayed through the use of the tragic heroes, and their decisions, in both Macbeth and The Stone Angel. Within Macbeth, the protagonist, Macbeth, is introduced in the play as being the bravest, most selfless Scottish general in Duncan’s army. Though he admittedly had many deep and dark desires, it was not natural for him to commit evil deeds. However, over time, as his ambition grew, it caused Macbeth to make bloody, murderous decisions igniting his conflicts with King Duncan, his best friend Banquo, and within himself. Slowly, his once perfect image crumbled apart portraying the corruption of vaulting ambition. Similarly, Hagar Shipley, the proud protagonist of The Stone Angel faces a similar fate, as her pride consumes her 90 years of life. Brought up to believe showing emotion is a sign of weakness, Hagar transforms into the stone angel, herself. Although she knows that she treats others with irreverence and cruelty, her pride disenables her from apologizing for her actions. This decision of pushing those away from her not only creates a conflict with her ex-husband Bram Shipley, ruining their marriage, but also her son, John, resulting in his death, both conflicts resulting in her having internals conflicts. Though created thousands of years a part, both selections use the protagonists’ decisions caused by their ambition and hubris to shed light to the theme
Imagine a world where you were destined for a dramatic downfall. It is such a world that becomes the fate of a tragic hero. A tragic hero possesses a tragic flaw, which ultimately leads to their downfall. Within both selections, the tragic Shakespearian play Macbeth, as well as, the dystopian novel The Stone Angel, by Margaret Laurence, the audience is revealed to two themes that relate not only to the play and novel, but to life in general; the destruction of vaulting ambition, as well as, hubris can lead to a downfall. Such themes were clearly portrayed through the use of the tragic heroes, and their decisions, in both Macbeth and The Stone Angel. Within Macbeth, the protagonist, Macbeth, is introduced in the play as being the bravest, most selfless Scottish general in Duncan’s army. Though he admittedly had many deep and dark desires, it was not natural for him to commit evil deeds. However, over time, as his ambition grew, it caused Macbeth to make bloody, murderous decisions igniting his conflicts with King Duncan, his best friend Banquo, and within himself. Slowly, his once perfect image crumbled apart portraying the corruption of vaulting ambition. Similarly, Hagar Shipley, the proud protagonist of The Stone Angel faces a similar fate, as her pride consumes her 90 years of life. Brought up to believe showing emotion is a sign of weakness, Hagar transforms into the stone angel, herself. Although she knows that she treats others with irreverence and cruelty, her pride disenables her from apologizing for her actions. This decision of pushing those away from her not only creates a conflict with her ex-husband Bram Shipley, ruining their marriage, but also her son, John, resulting in his death, both conflicts resulting in her having internals conflicts. Though created thousands of years a part, both selections use the protagonists’ decisions caused by their ambition and hubris to shed light to the theme