Shakespeare's Macbeth, Why We Still Study This Play in Present Day?
Georgia O’Neill
Year 11 essay: Macbeth
WHY DO WE STILL STUDY THIS PLAY IN 2012?
The legendary tale of Macbeth has endured the test of time and is still a largely studied and watched play in 2011. There are numerous reasons why this is, not only does this classic play have a fascinating story and characters, it also has countless themes that still present valuable lessons to be learnt in this day and age.
One of those important lessons shown in this dramatic play includes the deceptive nature of appearances. The deceptive nature of appearances plays a very big part in this tragedy as it is the base on which at first no-body expected it to be Macbeth who committed the deed. The opinion people have of Macbeth is very different compared to his true nature and character. By his companions he is seen as loyal, brave and trustworthy... ‘Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly/and we shall continue our grace towards him.’ However no-one can see the true intent that lies beneath Macbeths smile, as Lady Macbeth said... ‘play the innocent flower/ But be the serpent under‘t’.”
In addition to this, after speaking of the old thane of Cawdor’s betrayal, King Duncan himself claims that it is impossible to judge anyone by their outward appearance... ‘There’s no art to find the minds construction in the face.’ Almost directly after he states this, he warmly welcomes Macbeth calling him his worthiest cousin and claiming there is no way he can thank him properly and repay him to what he rightly deserves. Shakespeare cleverly used this as an ironic juxtaposition. The irony in this is that Macbeth has just received the prophecies from the witches and was plotting how he was going to conduct Duncan’s murder, so that he can fulfil the prophecy and become king, disrupting the chain of being.
Another strong theme that presents itself in Macbeth is the importance of order in life. Order in life was, and still is, crucial in maintaining social and natural bonds within society.
Year 11 essay: Macbeth
WHY DO WE STILL STUDY THIS PLAY IN 2012?
The legendary tale of Macbeth has endured the test of time and is still a largely studied and watched play in 2011. There are numerous reasons why this is, not only does this classic play have a fascinating story and characters, it also has countless themes that still present valuable lessons to be learnt in this day and age.
One of those important lessons shown in this dramatic play includes the deceptive nature of appearances. The deceptive nature of appearances plays a very big part in this tragedy as it is the base on which at first no-body expected it to be Macbeth who committed the deed. The opinion people have of Macbeth is very different compared to his true nature and character. By his companions he is seen as loyal, brave and trustworthy... ‘Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly/and we shall continue our grace towards him.’ However no-one can see the true intent that lies beneath Macbeths smile, as Lady Macbeth said... ‘play the innocent flower/ But be the serpent under‘t’.”
In addition to this, after speaking of the old thane of Cawdor’s betrayal, King Duncan himself claims that it is impossible to judge anyone by their outward appearance... ‘There’s no art to find the minds construction in the face.’ Almost directly after he states this, he warmly welcomes Macbeth calling him his worthiest cousin and claiming there is no way he can thank him properly and repay him to what he rightly deserves. Shakespeare cleverly used this as an ironic juxtaposition. The irony in this is that Macbeth has just received the prophecies from the witches and was plotting how he was going to conduct Duncan’s murder, so that he can fulfil the prophecy and become king, disrupting the chain of being.
Another strong theme that presents itself in Macbeth is the importance of order in life. Order in life was, and still is, crucial in maintaining social and natural bonds within society.