1982. In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose a work of literary merit that confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the complete work. Avoid plot summary.
Violence has been an unavoidable cause of conflict in the world of royalty. These acts of violence are not erratic, but happen for numerous reasons. In literature specifically, violence adds and contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole. In Shakespeare's famous work, MacBeth, the violence greatly adds to the overall idea that for those in power, the temptation of evil overpowers the sense of duty to do good.
The first scene in which MacBeth is introduced is shortly after the fighting and killing of invaders, which brings the reader into the idea of violence as a typical occurrence. MacBeth and Lady MacBeth also start to work on a plan to kill the current king, in order to obtain the throne themselves. At this point in the play, the reader sees MacBeth as a tragic hero. The diction and details used to describe their plan gives the reader an uneasy feeling, because it is somewhat dark and gruesome. MacBeth also constantly hallucinates about a bloody knife, reinforcing the violent aspect of the play.
MacBeth eventually becomes power hungry as time goes on and he becomes more and more powerful. He has everyone who could take away his kingship killed. He violently murders friends, women, and children, and does not care about how it affects their families. Kings are usually seen as firm but fair human beings who serve the best interest of their people. MacBeth, although a king, now is not seen in this manner. He is selfish and tyrannical. His major killings and acts of violence contribute to his reputation as a tyrant.
Throughout Shakespeare's famous play, Macbeth, the character MacBeth displays violence and evil over the sense to do good as a king. These violent acts and murders throughout are specifically directed at those who test his power. The killing of multiple people in order for MacBeth to keep his power greatly supports the theme of evil overpowering the duty to do good.
You included more unnecessary adverbs in this piece.
ReplyDeleteThe phrase "MacBeth is power hungry and wants all of the power to himself" is rather redundant.
I think something you could mention here is the progression of violence in Macbeth. Macbeth at the play's beginning is not a power-hungry monster, but a tragic hero. The more power he gains, the more insecure he becomes until he is forced to commit greater acts of violence.
You conclude the essay by stating Macbeth displays insanity but do not support that anywhere in your essay.
You also fail to show how the violence contributes to the theme of the play.
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ReplyDeleteYou open well with your first sentence.
ReplyDeleteI think your essay might lack some focus. You could have avoided some of the problems Jessi mentioned in her comment by focusing your statement of theme. You can express theme by making a specific statement of a theme instead of expressing a general idea.
So "tyranny versus kingship" could become "For those in power, the temptation of evil conquers the sense of duty to do good."
This kind of thing can narrow down your essays and make them more manageable.