Post view tasks: MACBETH

 Here I am writing a blog on post viewing tasks of Macbeth. 

1. HOW FAITHFUL IS THE PLAY PERFORMANCE TO THE ORIGINAL PLAY?

∆> The play performance is partially faithful to the original play. At the end some dialogues were changed.

2. HOW HAS WATCHING THE PLAY INFLUENCED YOUR PERCEPTION OF THE CHARACTERS, SITUATIONS OR THEMES? 

∆> According to me characters were well performed in all the situations and the major theme was tragedy. 

3. DID YOU EXPERIENCE AESTHETIC DELIGHT  WHILE WATCHING THE PLAY? WHEN AND WHY? 

∆> No I didn't experience aesthetic delight while watching the play. 

4. DID YOU EXPERIENCE CATHARSIS WHILE WATCHING THE PLAY? WHEN AND WHY? 

∆> Yes I experienced catharsis when Lady Macbeth was rubbing her hands sorrowfully to remove her guilt. 

5. HOW DID THE SCREENING OF THE PLAY ENHANCE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE PLAY COMPARED TO READING THE TEXT? 

∆> I didn't read the text so I'm not able to compare both the things.  

6. IS THERE A PARTICULAR SCENE OR MOMENT IN THE PLAY THAT WILL STAY WITH YOU? 

∆> Yes there is a one scene of Lady Macbeth when she was washing her hands again and again for the remove of her guilt. 

7. IF YOU WERE DIRECTOR WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU BE CONSIDER MAKING IN A SCREENING OF THE PLAY PERFORMANCE ADAPTION OF MACBETH? 

∆>

8. SYMBOLISM OF THE SCENES INVOLVING THE WITCHES IN RELATION TO MACBETH'S AMBITIOUS ACTIONS AND THE  PLOT OF THE PLAY. 

∆> The witches in "Macbeth" are important because they provide Macbeth's primary call to action. The witches' prophesies also affect Lady Macbeth, albeit indirectly when Macbeth writes his wife about seeing the "weird sisters," as he calls them.

# MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS:-

1. What is the gener of Shakespeare's play  MACBETH? 

A. Comedy

B. Tragedy

C. Romance

D. History

∆> TRAGEDY

2. Which of the following well describes Macbeth's Tragic flaw? 

A. Ambition

B. Kindness

C. Honesty

D. Patience

∆> Ambition

3. The witches prophecies play a significant role in macbeth's downfall. What is the primary theme associated with these prophecies? 

A. Love

B. Power

C. Justice

D. Friendship

∆> FRIENDSHIP

4. Lady macbeth's sleepwalking scene is a turning point in the play. What emotion is she struggling with  during this scene? 

A. Joy

B. Fear

C. Guilt

D. Anger

∆> Guilt

# Open ended short questions:-

1. Describe the symbolic significance of the opening scenes in Act I & IV involving the three witches in the play "Macbeth."

> In Act 1 & 5 those three witches pulling Macbeth's ambition. 

2. How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his moral deterioration throughout the play? Provide examples from the play to support your answer. 

>unnecessary murder of Macduff's wife and his children clearly showed that Macbeth lost control over his ambition.

3. In what ways does the motif of ‘blood’ serve as a symbol in "Macbeth"? Explain its significance in relation to guilt and violence. (‘Blood’ is mentioned around 40 times in the play). 

> Blood is an important motif constantly shown throughout the play. Macbeth, the main character, thinks he can advance to the throne without any consequences. Blood exemplifies the guilt he is now stuck with, and due to Macbeth's excessive ambition, and overwhelming guilt, he is now faced with the consequences.

4. Discuss the impact of the supernatural elements, such as the witches and prophecies, on the plot and characters of "Macbeth." 

> Prophecies and Fate: The supernatural elements in the play are used to predict the future, specifically the witches' prophecy that Macbeth will become king. This prediction leads Macbeth to believe that he is fated to rule, which in turn drives him to pursue power through any means necessary.

 5. Compare and contrast the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. How do their personalities and motivations contribute to the unfolding of the tragedy? 

> Macbeth, although ambitious, suffers from self-doubt which impairs his strength of character and resolve. Whereas Lady Macbeth is confident and ruthless in her ambition and therefore appears more powerful than Macbeth. Shakespeare's play The Tragedy of Macbeth explores the tension between power and gender roles.

# Literature Worksheet: Exploring Macbeth:-

1. Soliloquy Analysis:

   - Explain the soliloquy from Shakespeare's "Macbeth": 'Tomorrow, tomorrow… tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.' Provide insights into its context, significance, and its impact on the character of Macbeth.

Ans. "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day

To the last syllable of recorded time;

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing."

Context:

This soliloquy takes place near the end of the play, when Macbeth is in a state of despair and disillusionment. He has just learned of his wife's death and is facing imminent defeat in battle against the forces of Malcolm, the rightful heir to the throne. Macbeth's ambition and ruthlessness have led him to commit terrible deeds, including murder, to gain and hold onto power. Now, as his world crumbles around him, he reflects on the futility and meaninglessness of life.

Significance:

This soliloquy is significant because it encapsulates Macbeth's psychological journey throughout the play. At the beginning, he is ambitious and willing to do anything to become king. However, as he achieves his goals and becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia, he descends into madness and nihilism. The soliloquy reflects his utter hopelessness and despair as he realizes that all his efforts and the violence he has committed have ultimately led to nothing.

Impact on the Character of Macbeth:

This soliloquy showcases Macbeth's transformation from a confident and power-hungry figure into a broken and defeated man. It reveals the full extent of his moral and emotional decay. The "tale told by an idiot" line suggests that Macbeth sees life as meaningless and chaotic, with no purpose or order. This reflection on the emptiness of existence serves as a tragic climax to Macbeth's character arc, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrupting nature of power.

In summary, the soliloquy in "Macbeth" reflects the character's despair, the consequences of his actions, and the overall theme of the play regarding the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition. It is a powerful moment that underscores the tragedy of Macbeth's downfall.

2. The Great Chain of Being:

   - Define the concept of the "Great Chain of Being" as it relates to Shakespeare's "Macbeth." How does this concept influence the characters and themes in the play?

Ans.  The "Great Chain of Being" was a medieval and Renaissance concept that depicted a hierarchical order of existence with God at the top, followed by angels, humans, animals, plants, and inanimate objects. This concept influenced Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in several ways:

1. Divine Order: 

In "Macbeth," the Great Chain of Being is disrupted when Macbeth and Lady Macbeth commit regicide. They challenge the natural order by usurping the throne, which was believed to be a violation of God's divine plan.

2. Supernatural Elements:

 The play incorporates supernatural elements like witches and prophecies, which reflect the belief in a spiritual realm interconnecting with the human world, further emphasizing the idea of the Great Chain of Being.

3. Ambition and Hubris:

 Macbeth's ambition drives him to break the chain, leading to his downfall. His unchecked ambition disrupts the natural order, and this theme underscores the consequences of human ambition.

4.Themes of Disorder and Chaos: 

As the play progresses, Scotland descends into chaos and disorder, mirroring the disruption of the Great Chain of Being. This turmoil highlights the consequences of defying the established order.

In summary, the Great Chain of Being is a central concept in "Macbeth," influencing both the characters' actions and the overarching themes of the play, particularly in the context of ambition, divine order, and the consequences of disrupting the natural hierarchy.

3. Film Adaptation Analysis:

   - Choose a film adaptation of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" (or mention a specific adaptation by name) and explain why you believe it is the best adaptation. Discuss its fidelity to the source material, directorial choices, and any unique interpretations that make it stand out.

Ans. One of the standout adaptations of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is Roman Polanski's 1971 film, simply titled "Macbeth." I consider it one of the best adaptations for several reasons:

1. Fidelity to Source Material: 

Polanski's adaptation stays remarkably faithful to Shakespeare's original text, preserving the essence of the play's language and themes. It captures the dark and brooding atmosphere of the Scottish tragedy, maintaining the integrity of the source material.

2. Gritty Realism: 

This adaptation distinguishes itself through its gritty and realistic portrayal of the violence and brutality within the story. Polanski's background as a director known for exploring darker themes lends itself well to depicting the gruesome aspects of Macbeth's rise to power.

3. Strong Performances: 

The film boasts exceptional performances, particularly by Jon Finch as Macbeth and Francesca Annis as Lady Macbeth. Their chemistry and portrayal of the characters' descent into madness are memorable.

4. Cinematic Techniques:

 Polanski uses his directorial skills to create a haunting and atmospheric film. The cinematography, settings, and use of natural landscapes contribute to a visually stunning interpretation of "Macbeth."

5. Unique Interpretations:

 Polanski's adaptation offers a unique interpretation of the play's supernatural elements, grounding them in a more eerie and unsettling way. This adds depth to the story and enhances the sense of impending doom.

Overall, Roman Polanski's "Macbeth" is widely regarded as one of the best adaptations due to its faithfulness to the source material, gritty realism, strong performances, and unique directorial choices that bring out the darker aspects of the play.

4. Feminist Reading:

   - Define what a "Feminist Reading" of a literary text involves. Can you apply this approach to analyze the character of Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth"? Explain how her character can be viewed from a feminist perspective.

Ans. A "Feminist Reading" of a literary text involves examining the text through a feminist lens, with a focus on gender roles, power dynamics, and the portrayal of women. It seeks to uncover how the text reflects or challenges societal norms and expectations related to gender.

Analyzing Lady Macbeth from a feminist perspective in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" can be done by highlighting several key aspects:

1. Gender Roles: 

Lady Macbeth defies traditional gender roles of her time. She is ambitious, ruthless, and desires power, qualities typically associated with male characters. A feminist reading would explore how her character challenges and subverts these gender norms.

2. Ambition and Agency: 

Lady Macbeth is a driving force behind Macbeth's actions, manipulating him to seize power. A feminist analysis would emphasize her agency and assertiveness, questioning how society responds to women who pursue their ambitions assertively.

3. Motherhood vs. Ambition: 

Lady Macbeth's famous lines about being willing to "dash the brains out" of her own child to achieve her goals highlight the tension between motherhood and ambition. A feminist reading would delve into the complexities of her character, considering how her ambitions clash with societal expectations of maternal instincts.

4. Vulnerability and Madness: 

As the play progresses, Lady Macbeth's mental state deteriorates, leading to her eventual madness. A feminist analysis might explore the portrayal of her vulnerability and how it relates to societal pressures on women to conform to certain roles.

5. Power and Downfall: 

Lady Macbeth's pursuit of power ultimately leads to her downfall, reflecting a cautionary tale. A feminist perspective could discuss how her character's fate serves as a commentary on the limitations placed on women who seek power and influence.

In summary, a feminist reading of Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth" involves examining her character's defiance of gender norms, her agency and ambition, the tension between motherhood and ambition, her vulnerability, and how her character's arc reflects broader societal attitudes toward women and power.