The first Gothic element we are introduced to is the setting o the play which is a key part as it sets the mood and tone for the audience. Automatically 'Thunder and lightning. Enter three witches.' A ere vibe is given off which leaves the audience to feel uncomfortable and slightly scared. The beginning starts off with the witches which shows mystery an mischief, the way the speak is in a steady rhyming pace which could also suggest the way they connect with each other and it gives the impression of a casting spell. 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair.' The phrase is almost like a tongue twisting spell which conveys death and cruelty. The three witches lurk around like the dark thoughts and temptations to evil. They play upon the ambitions Macbeth has. The audience is left to think at the end of Scene One, are the witches independent agents toying with human life, or agents of fate.
The references to animals are made throughout Act one, though they are animals of strong characters or features. For example in Scene 2, line 36 'As sparrows, eagles, or the hare, the lion. Then we have the Animal reference to the Raven. The raven is a strong symbol in mythology, art and literature. Though in some beliefs it is seen as the spiritual figure of God. The animal interpretations could be highlighting Macbeth's deep and dark character in the play.
The use of foul bitter language also adds emphasis the Gothic elements. Especially from Lady Macbeth, from a woman in the time that this was written, her status would be very little and she wouldn't be mentioned much in the play. she would be seen as an object not a person. Her strive for power, control take lead of her which reveals her masculine side, though it could be argued that Macbeth and Lady M. could be two sides to one body. For example in Act 1 Scene 5 ' unsex me here and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty.' Her desire to have the body of a man and fill her with cruelty, yet she doesn't want to feel guilt for her actions. This is a typical Gothic style in literature, the lust for violence and inhumane actions but at the same time characters gain a thrill.
Key things to remember for this act:
Corrupting power and Ambition- Macbeth's character is over ridden by power, Lady Macbeth, the issue of Morals constrains seems to be ignored.
Loyalty- Macbeth being loyal to the king, as well as being a loyal and devoted husband to Lady Macbeth. Feels a sense of pressure to take the role of a man, when being insulted against his manhood by his wife.
The references to animals are made throughout Act one, though they are animals of strong characters or features. For example in Scene 2, line 36 'As sparrows, eagles, or the hare, the lion. Then we have the Animal reference to the Raven. The raven is a strong symbol in mythology, art and literature. Though in some beliefs it is seen as the spiritual figure of God. The animal interpretations could be highlighting Macbeth's deep and dark character in the play.
The use of foul bitter language also adds emphasis the Gothic elements. Especially from Lady Macbeth, from a woman in the time that this was written, her status would be very little and she wouldn't be mentioned much in the play. she would be seen as an object not a person. Her strive for power, control take lead of her which reveals her masculine side, though it could be argued that Macbeth and Lady M. could be two sides to one body. For example in Act 1 Scene 5 ' unsex me here and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty.' Her desire to have the body of a man and fill her with cruelty, yet she doesn't want to feel guilt for her actions. This is a typical Gothic style in literature, the lust for violence and inhumane actions but at the same time characters gain a thrill.
Key things to remember for this act:
- Introduction to the three witches.
- Macbeth has been given a prophecy by the three witches that he will become king.
- Lady Macbeth is introduced- we see how she is as a character, shes stronger, ruthless and ambitious than Macbeth.
- Plan to kill King Duncan.
- Language used by Shakespeare, Language contradiction is used at times with the witches 'fair is foul, and foul is fair'. Also used by Banquo 'Lesser than Macbeth, and greater'. Adds to a sense of moral confusion that their surroundings seem to be obscure.
- Form- Use of Soliloquy- shows dramatic tension, the focus on one character is a lot more powerful. Portrays more feelings and emotions, especially Lady Macbeth.
- Gothic Links- Can be compared to Modern day Gothic/horror films which we see how gender role have changed, women are more confrontational and out spoken, where as Lady Macbeth is held back a lot because of her role as a female. She wants to take the role of being masculine. 'unsex me'.
Corrupting power and Ambition- Macbeth's character is over ridden by power, Lady Macbeth, the issue of Morals constrains seems to be ignored.
Loyalty- Macbeth being loyal to the king, as well as being a loyal and devoted husband to Lady Macbeth. Feels a sense of pressure to take the role of a man, when being insulted against his manhood by his wife.
This is a good analysis. You make close reference to the text. I like the way you sre considering rhythms and noting the connections between Lady Macbeth and the Witches. Is the double sided nature element one that is clearly established in Act One?
ReplyDeleteThe lust for violence is certainly a gothic element. Does it have to be so obvious? Could there be violence in the text that remains underlying? The nature references are good. Look out for how the natural world is connected to the human world in this text and others.
ReplyDeleteThe setting is certainly gothic. Is the use of foul language necessarily a gothic element? Is it the imagery that makes it such? I agree that the lust for violence makes it gothic.
ReplyDeleteWhat is meant by the double sided nature?
ReplyDeleteI think that the lust for violence doesn't have to be so obvious, but it does depend on character of the play and their importance. For example Lady Macbeth the lust for violence should be made obvious to go against the norms of society and patriarchy of that context.
The foul language acts more of a foundation for the Gothic element,though its the way imagery is created which makes it more Gothic. It adds more texture and layering to the play, which makes the reader think outside the box of what Gothic literature actually is.
You have given some good reasons here. Evidence of clear thinking about the play.
ReplyDeleteGood, concise comments. It's a good idea to use line references to help when finding quotations later.
ReplyDelete