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"We feel very little pity for the central characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's play." To what extent would you agree with the above view? Support your answer by reference to the play - Leaving Cert English - Question E - 2003
Question E
"We feel very little pity for the central characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's play." To what extent would you agree with the above view? Support... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:"We feel very little pity for the central characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's play." To what extent would you agree with the above view? Support your answer by reference to the play - Leaving Cert English - Question E - 2003
Step 1
To what extent would you agree with the above view? Support your answer by reference to the play.
Answer
The central characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth can evoke varying degrees of pity from the audience depending on the context of their actions and the tragic consequences that follow.
Lack of Pity
Firstly, both characters demonstrate a disregard for the moral implications of their actions. Lady Macbeth’s ruthless ambition and manipulation drive Macbeth to commit regicide. Her infamous plea to the spirits, "unsex me here," indicates her willingness to abandon her femininity and morality in pursuit of power. This ambition can lead audiences to feel little pity for her demise.
Additionally, Macbeth’s murder of King Duncan, an act driven by ambition and fear, leads many to view him as a villain rather than a tragic hero. The murder of Banquo and the subsequent attempts to secure his throne further solidify this view, showcasing his moral degradation.
Sympathy and Pity
On the other hand, there are moments when the audience may feel sympathy for both characters. For example, as Macbeth contemplates the repercussions of his actions, he wrestles with his conscience. This internal struggle is evident in his soliloquies, particularly when he reflects, "Is this a dagger which I see before me?" This moment of vulnerability allows the audience to empathize with his fear and guilt.
Furthermore, Lady Macbeth's descent into madness illustrates her overwhelming guilt and the consequences of their actions. Her sleepwalking scene reveals her torment, providing a stark contrast to her earlier coerciveness and leading the audience to feel a sense of pity for her tragic fall.
In conclusion, the extent to which one feels pity for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth depends on the perspective taken. While their ambition can initially alienate the audience, their tragic ends can evoke deeper feelings of sympathy and pity, demonstrating Shakespeare's complex characterizations.
Step 2
In Macbeth, Shakespeare presents us with a powerful vision of evil.
Answer
Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" offers a profound exploration of evil, evidenced through the actions of its characters and the play’s dark themes.
The Nature of Evil
The witches serve as the embodiment of evil, with their prophecies unveiling the corrupting potential of unchecked ambition. Their chant, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair," encapsulates the moral inversion that characterizes the play, suggesting that evil is often hidden beneath a façade of goodness.
Impact on Characters
Macbeth’s transformation from a valiant warrior to a tyrant showcases the destructive power of evil. After encountering the witches, he becomes increasingly consumed by ambition, leading him to commit heinous acts. The haunting line, "Blood will have blood," illustrates how violence begets further violence, reinforcing the cyclical nature of evil.
Moreover, Lady Macbeth’s initial invocation of evil forces reveals the psychological aspect of malevolence in the human psyche. Her famous line, "Come, you spirits," demonstrates her rejection of femininity in favor of ruthless ambition, making her a powerful agent of evil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shakespeare communicates a powerful vision of evil through character actions, the influence of supernatural elements, and the overarching themes of ambition and guilt. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of succumbing to one’s darker impulses, prompting the audience to reflect on the nature of evil in their own lives.