...In the second scene Macbeth and his friend Banquo, two captains, are described indirectly by another soldier praising their brave deeds during the battle and we´re informed about a traitor, the Thane of Cawdor, who assisted the enemy albeit in vain. King Duncan decides on the spot to have him executed, ´Go pronounce his present death/And with his former title greet Macbeth.´ So Macbeth is promoted for his bravery, but gets the title of a traitor!
... ...encounter the witches who hail Macbeth with the words ´Thane of Glamis´, the title he had before the battle, ´Thane of Cawdor´, the title the King has bestowed on him and ´king hereafter´. For Banquo the witches have the words ´Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.´
When Macbeth learns about the promotion he knows that the witches´ first address was a prophecy which has been fulfilled, does he now see the second as a prophecy, too, pointing ...
MALU 19.05.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: Teaches a lot of lessons. Disadvantages: The language is hard to understand at times.
...it is often debated whether Macbeth was evil or whether he was just a victim of his own ambition. It is clear at the beginning, Macbeth is a brave and loyal soldier but tragedies unfold and one death quickly leads to another. Carried along by the persuasion of his wife, Macbeth gets deeper and deeper into his own guilt, struggling to make the witches prophecies come true. He realizes that the witches have tricked him and the play ends in a disastrous ... ...psychic skills to toy with Macbeth and play a part in his insanity. Prior to his meeting with the witches, Macbeth appears content with his status in life. However, he foolishly believes what they have told him, and genuinely thinks that these predictions are inevitable. Once he believes he will be king, he strives to destroy all obstacles in his path. Striving to make their prophecies come true, Macbeth starts on a murderous rampage, killing anything ...
Doni07 03.04.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: strong straightforward plot Disadvantages: some people will find the language hard going.
Macbeth is one of my favourite Shakespeare plays, probably because it was one of the first ones I encountered. I think it could be argued that the popular concept of witches comes largely from this play, with lines in it being frequently quoted "hubble bubble, toil and trouble" and of course those gloriously strange spell sessions. The plot: Macbeth is on his way home from fighting, and meets three witches on the road. They tell him he will be made ... ...thrown. The violence drives Lady Macbeth from her wits. The witches tell Macbeth he cannot be killed, save by one not of woman born. He thinks this means he is imortal, but he is wrong. High Burnham wood, as the witches fortell, does march upon his stronghold, or seem to, and Macbeth must reap as he has sown. It is easy to trace the influnces of the three witches through every event, as they push Macbeth onwards towards his fate. A few years ago ...
Bryn_Pearson 13.09.2001
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Malcolm refers to Macbeth and his wife as “this dead butcher and his fiend-like Queen.” Both characters mentioned in this quotation are dead by the end of the play. Their deaths are both a result of their scheming to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth killed herself because of her guilt. Macbeth was killed by Macduff as he had had his family slain. In Act One, Scene Five, Lady Macbeth is reading the letter that her husband had sent her concerning ... ...prospect of Macbeth becoming King. She is so caught up in the thought that she begins to think of killing Duncan in order to get Macbeth the kingship. Even though there is no way to condone killing the King, she is only thinking of what is best for Macbeth himself. At this point, she has no intention of killing anyone else apart from the King. Lady Macbeth thinks that once they have committed this one crime, the whole matter will be over and Macbeth ...
bobcatpeace 26.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: Brilliant characterisation Disadvantages: Bit difficult to read at points
Macbeth by William Shakespeare is one of my fav plays by Shakespeare. The characters and language are brilliant and although at times the play s difficult to read it is actually one of Sahkespeare's easiest plays. And much easier compared to King Lear or Julius Cesar etc. The story is based around the Scottish monarchy when King Duncan was in power. Macbeth then kills Duncan to gain the throne. It is a story based on power and is gripping throughout. ... ...macbeth.
Lady Macbeth is often described as the most evil woman in literature. Throughout the play, I found it easyt o dismiss this fiend-like queen. My interpretation and understanding of her character is that there is more to Lady Macbeth than pure wickedness.
In her first scene, Shakespeare uses phrases to conjure up images of spirits. He adds to her evil characterisation with careful word choice used in association with her ‘chastise with ...
beckymilar_4 15.11.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: Great acting in the film version. Great story line by Shakespeare Disadvantages: Story a little blunt at times?
The Shakespeare play Macbeth is the only shakespeare play that I have actually read and seen (as a film version). I have to say that it is actually pretty good. When you think how much time Shakespeare must have put into the play you'll soon understand why he was and is one of England's greatest playwrites. The most impressive aspect about the play, In my opinion, is the use of Dramatic irony. I f you have read the book, then you'll know how important ... ...the Thane of Glamis - Macbeth - to Thane of Cawdor because of how well he did in the battle. However, Macbeth was told this was going to happen by 3 witches who predict his future (for some reason or other) and he was also told he would become King. Macbeth at first thinks this is all crazy, and doesn't believe it, but soon he begins to dwell on the possibilities of becoming King - this happens mainly after he becomes Thane of Cawdor. So, Macbeth, ...
D1A1UK 16.11.2000 (10.12.2000)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: A great story & superb imagery Disadvantages: Language may take some work
...is surely about ambition.
Macbeth is a Scottish nobleman who is told that he is destined to be king of Scotland. As a result of this prophesy, he murders the current king and takes his place. In attempting to consolidate his rule, Macbeth commits various unpleasant deeds until he eventually gets his come-uppance at the end of the play.
The story unfolds at a cracking pace and explores some fascinating issues. One of these is the difference between ... ...of guilt and self-reproach. Macbeth fears that by murdering Duncan, he will no longer be able to sleep and his wife, who incited him to commit the deed, ultimately goes mad from guilt, hallucinating that her hands are constantly stained with blood. A lot of the imagery in the play relates to night and darkness – the time when unnatural acts are committed. Whereas day is equated with the natural, ordered world.
As always, Will’s language ...
Amadahn 03.03.2001
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Advantages: Gets straight into the story; the action never stops Disadvantages: Kinda 'whoosh' the first time
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, set in pre-medieval Scotland. Macbeth is a thane, which is the equivalent to a duke, when the play starts. He's a good guy, but things start to turn around.
He's just come from battle against the Norwegians, which the Scots won, and Macbeth is undoubtedly the best warrior. His cousin, King Duncan, decides to promote him from Thane of Glamis to Thane of Cawdor, but Macbeth doesn't yet know this.
... ...of Cawdor and then King.
Macbeth doesn't know what to believe, but then he meets some messengers from the king how say that he is now Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth writes to his wife to tell her about the witches prophecies, and she starts to plot a way to kill the king so Macbeth can take over.
Later Duncan comes to stay at Macbeth's castle and Lady Macbeth persuades him to stab Duncan and blame his guards. He does the deed and people aren't sure what ...
reh 09.09.2000
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Advantages: shakespeare was a true genius Disadvantages: there are none
As many people kno Macbeth is a story of a Loyal servant of teh scottish king that betrays and murders his friends and king for the want of power. Here are some of my opinions of some of the main characters in Shakespeares most gruesome play.
Macbeth_ he is a mighty and ambitious warrior who leads one of king duncans armies. Macbeth hears a prophecy that one day he will be king of scotland. This leads him to be more ambitious but also more willing ... ...end of the play as macbeth murders him. Diuncan is portrayed as a true and gracious king and is almost considered to be divine.
Malcolm_ Malcolm is king duncans eldest son, Duncan names him as the next king of scotland. After duncans murder malcolm and hisyounger brother donnelbaine flee scotland in fear of their lives. He takes refuge in England until he is able to raise an army against Macbeth. He is the character crowned king of scotland at the ...
mcfish 18.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: A simple play Disadvantages: Quite long and bits are confusing
...gruesome tale.
THE PLOT~ Macbeth the main character is a nobleman and fights for his country. One day on the way back from winning a battle with his best friend Banquo 3 witches appear in front of them and tell the couple their futures. Banquo's is unfortunate, his children will get the luck but young Macbeth is told that he will recieve 3 titles. He will become the Thane of Cawdor, the thane of Glamis and become king of his country, Scotland!
... ...so let's just say that Macbeth recieves the first two titles but awaits to become king! So basically the play is all about Macbeth being forced by ambition with the help off his wife, Lady Macbeth to kill their very own king. He has been told that he will become king so surely he can do it.
AMBITIN AND WITCHCRAFT~ These two things play a strong role in the play because when Shakespeare's play was performed these were two main points that the audience ...
emu128 10.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: This is a thoughly good read and can be set in any time Disadvantages: some may find the language a bit hard to grasp
...one of king duncans armies. Macbeth hears a prophecy that one day he will be king of scotland. This leads him to be more ambitious but also more willing to undermine people, this lieads to him murdering his cousin duncan. He is then elected king of scotland but becomes a cruel and sadistic man who is an unjust and untrustworthy king. He is throughout the play concious of his guilt and never knows a moments peace after he kills duncan. Duncan_ Duncan ... ...end of the play as macbeth murders him. Diuncan is portrayed as a true and gracious king and is almost considered to be divine. Malcolm_ Malcolm is king duncans eldest son, Duncan names him as the next king of scotland. After duncans murder malcolm and hisyounger brother donnelbaine flee scotland in fear of their lives. He takes refuge in England until he is able to raise an army against Macbeth. He is the character crowned king of scotland at the ...
Rolf_harris 02.07.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: Action-packed and bloody Disadvantages: contains the most boring scene in english theatre
...to begin growing uncontrollably when Macbeth and his pal meet three witches on their way back from hacking the heads off a few Norwegians. (Aside: what was Shakespeare's problem with the Norwegians?? He's always having battles with them in plays - check out 'Hamlet' and you'll see what I mean!)
The witches tell Macbeth he will become King of Scotland. Instead of doing a Prince Charles, he decides to take matters into his own hands and murders the ... ...who get in his way, Macbeth seems unable to stop - he even murders his best mate!! Not to mention a mother and her children, just because the husband happened to not be around to get hacked into tiny pieces by Macbeth's hired assassins. The pace of the play means that in no time at all Macbeth is:
'... in blood stepped so far, that, should I wade no more,
Retuning were as tedious as go o'er.'
Of course, it all ends badly for Macbeth and Mrs Macbeth, ...
Medusa 07.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: Very entertaining and cunningly deployed by Shakespeare Disadvantages: Difficult to understand in places
William Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in 1605, however we have no proof of the exact dates. In this tragedy, I will try to answer the question is Macbeth Evil, or Weak and Easily Led. I will write on how Macbeth’s characters changes and develops in this 'Scottish Play', as it is known to many, and how he dramatically changes from hero to villain. Due to his change of character from good to evil, Macbeth's attitude towards other characters, specifically ... ...there is clear influence on Macbeth by his Lady. The history of Macbeth does indicate that he is evil, as it states that in 1040, Macbeth possibly murdered the unpopular Duncan (a difference in the play as Duncan was popular). Shakespeare was not, however much historical knowledge he had acquired, a historian. In the play, Macbeth’s attitude towards people, four in particular- Duncan, Banquo Lady Macbeth and the witches, change. I will attempt to ...
ChrisCooper 28.12.2000 (29.12.2000)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: A fascinating and powerful story. Disadvantages: The language might take a bit of getting used to, but it's worth it.
...witchlike women tell the nobleman Macbeth that he will be king one day, his mind starts to play tricks with his imagination, and when his beautiful but fiercely ambitious wife hears what the women told him, his fate is sealed. I would go anywhere to see this brilliant play, and have three different productions on DVD. It is good for reading too - my advice is not to be put off by the old-fashioned language. It is worth putting some effort into it, ...
homelyn 31.05.2009
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Review of Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Advantages: A classic Disadvantages: Some may find it hard to read
...fate is also mentioned in Macbeth “which fate and ”. The theme of ambition is first displayed when Macbeth and Banquo are walking back from the battle and the three witches approach them. These witches prophesy that Macbeth will be successful “All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be king hereafter”. This intrigues Macbeth as he has recently been thinking about political success. Once these witches, or “weird sisters”, ... ...throne, or are they?
Macbeth is full of “vaulting ambition” obviously willing to fulfill his ambitions by any means necessary and it is likely that he has thought of murder when he confesses to having “black and deep desires”. When king Duncan announces that he will spend a few days with Macbeth in his castle in Inverness, Macbeth writes a letter to his wife telling her this. This is significant as it shows hoe close Macbeth ...
tabbyshar 07.04.2004
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