The 6th soliloquy of Macbeth provides the answer to the question, "Is Macbeth truly insane?"
I believe the answer is no. Macbeth's self-aware attitude and obvious remorse prove that he is not insane. "My way of life, has fallen into the sere". Macbeth realizes that his time has come. He has failed as a king and abandoned a wonderful life for a fear of missing out on the power of being king. "And that which should accompany old age..., I must not look to have." Macbeth sees he can't live his life like this. An insane man would not think so lucidly.
The third scene, I feel, was included mostly to drum up excitement for the upcoming battle (you've got t o love violence) by setting the scene, but also sort of wrapping up Macbeth's character, and cementing him as the remorseful villain.d
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Macbeth's 5th Soliloquy
The soliloquies of Macbeth are incredibly important elements in the class Shakespeare tragedy. Explicitly stating the thoughts and mental state of their characters, they offer insight, set the stage for dramatic irony, and can mark turning points in the movements of the play.
For me, the perfect turning point in Macbeth comes from the 5th soliloquy, of Act 4, Scene 1, performed following the witches second prophecies for Macbeth. The 5th soliloquy shows us a drastically different Macbeth from the one we were introduced to, twisted by guilt and sleepless nights, haunted by his justiceless deeds. To understand this transformation, we have to remember how we first saw Macbeth.
The first soliloquy centered around Macbeth's fear for the prophecy. How could he become king when Duncan still sits on the throne? Asking himself this question, he found darker answers than he bade for. He does not wish to reconcile this thought (almost a desire) with reality, and dismisses it. In the second soliloquy, the thought has not left him (as he wouldst it could) he ponders the ramifications of his actions, and it becomes more real, more possible, teetering on the edge of plot of treason, and yet again dismisses Macbeth the thought. These soliloquies show how Macbeth thinks over his actions, carefully and, I would even say, wisely.
By the fifth soliloquy, this Macbeth cannot be found. Macbeth lets go of the very notion of such pathetic consideration. Killing becomes nothing to him, his wants and desires shall be acted without second thought. Macbeth has become hopeless, and in so finds ruthlessness. The fifth soliloquy explicates the metamorphosis of Macbeth, from loyal, just Thane to cold, murderer King.
For me, the perfect turning point in Macbeth comes from the 5th soliloquy, of Act 4, Scene 1, performed following the witches second prophecies for Macbeth. The 5th soliloquy shows us a drastically different Macbeth from the one we were introduced to, twisted by guilt and sleepless nights, haunted by his justiceless deeds. To understand this transformation, we have to remember how we first saw Macbeth.
The first soliloquy centered around Macbeth's fear for the prophecy. How could he become king when Duncan still sits on the throne? Asking himself this question, he found darker answers than he bade for. He does not wish to reconcile this thought (almost a desire) with reality, and dismisses it. In the second soliloquy, the thought has not left him (as he wouldst it could) he ponders the ramifications of his actions, and it becomes more real, more possible, teetering on the edge of plot of treason, and yet again dismisses Macbeth the thought. These soliloquies show how Macbeth thinks over his actions, carefully and, I would even say, wisely.
By the fifth soliloquy, this Macbeth cannot be found. Macbeth lets go of the very notion of such pathetic consideration. Killing becomes nothing to him, his wants and desires shall be acted without second thought. Macbeth has become hopeless, and in so finds ruthlessness. The fifth soliloquy explicates the metamorphosis of Macbeth, from loyal, just Thane to cold, murderer King.
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