Macbeth

 Macbeth’s Screening 

Hello everyone, I’m sharing Macbeth's screening and  I'm trying to discuss Macbeth in a better way. This blog is a response to a thinking activity task given by Dr. Dilip Barad click here for further information.

Macbeth is a tragic play written by william shakespear in 1606. It was published in 1623 by john hemings and henry condell  members of shakespear’s theatrical company. Its tone is dark and ambitious, an unnatural crime.  

Full title:- ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’.

Genre:- Tragedy.

Time :- Middle age, 11th century, dark age, before renaissance time.

Place:- Scotland, some part of england 

About author: william shakespear 

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s greatest dramatist.

He was born and raised at Stratford-upon-Avon. He is often called England's national poet. Shakespeare produced most of his known works between 1589 and 1613.Shakespeare's work has made a significant and lasting impression on later theater and literature. In particular, he expanded the dramatic potential of characterization, plot, language and genre. He wrote 37 plays, 154 sonnets.

#while viewing task:

Opening Scene: The Witches' Prophecies 

sets the tone for the play by introducing supernatural elements and foretelling Macbeth's future actions. The witches' prophecies plant the seeds of ambition and power in Macbeth's mind.

This pictures is playing performance of Macbeth in globe theater’s opening scene is started with some musical scenes and performers are dancing and singing 

Macbeth's Soliloquy "If it were done when 'tis done":

 In this soliloquy, Macbeth reveals his internal conflict about murdering King Duncan. He acknowledges the consequences but also examines the rewards. This scene delves into the themes of ambition and morality.

Banquet Scene - Macbeth's Hallucinations: 

The banquet scene showcases Macbeth's growing guilt and paranoia. His hallucination of Banquo's ghost reflects his unease and fear of being discovered, highlighting the psychological toll of his actions. 

Lady Macbeth's Sleepwalking Scene:

 Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene provides insight into her guilt and weakening of mental state. She reveals secrets and relives the murder, underscoring the psychological impact of their actions on both characters.

This picture symbolized Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking.

Macduff's Grief and Resolution to Avenge His Family:

 Macduff's grief over the murder of his family intensifies his determination to seek revenge against Macbeth. This scene highlights the personal toll of Macbeth's absolute power on innocent lives.

Scene:"Out, out, brief candle!" - Macbeth's Reflection on Life's briefness:

Macbeth's soliloquy reflects on the fleeting nature of life and his realization that his ambitious pursuits have led to emptiness and despair.

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#MCQ

1. What is the genre of Shakespeare's play "Macbeth"?

- Tragedy

2. Which of the following best describes Macbeth's tragic flaw?

-Ambition

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

             -Power

4. Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene is a turning point in the play. What emotion

is she struggling with during this scene?

-Guilt 

#short question

1. Describe the symbolic significance of the opening scenes in Act I & IV

involving the three witches in the play "Macbeth.

 In the play "Macbeth" the opening scenes involving the three witches hold great symbolic significance. Act I, Scene I portrays the witches with thunder, lightning, and a desolate heath, setting a dark and ominous tone. But in the play on the stage there is some different entry. Let's see it through the picture  given below .

This scene serves to tell the evil and chaos that will unfold throughout the play. The witches, also known as the Weird Sisters, are supernatural beings and represent the forces of darkness.

Their presence in the opening scenes of Act I and IV highlights the theme of fate and the supernatural. The witches are often associated with manipulating events and prophecies, suggesting that the actions of the characters are predetermined and controlled by external forces. 

Moreover, the setting of the Act I symbolizes the desolation and disorder that will plague the story. It creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and instability, reflecting the moral and political chaos that will ensue as Macbeth give in to his ambitions.

In Act IV, the opening scene once again involves the witches, this time in a dark cave. This setting increases the sinister atmosphere and intensifies the sense of evil. It also represents the depths of Macbeth's descent into darkness and his increasing distance from the natural order of things.

  

2.How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his moral deterioration throughout the

play? Provide examples from the play to support your answer.

Macbeth's ambition drives his moral decline in "Macbeth." At first, he's hesitant about killing King Duncan, but his desire for power overpowers his morals. He murders Duncan and spirals further by ordering deaths of Banquo and Macduff's family. His ambition blinds him, making him disregard guilt and commit atrocities. He even becomes paranoid and hallucinates due to guilt. Lady Macbeth's ambition initially influences him, but later, he's consumed by his own ambitions. This deterioration shows how unchecked ambition can corrupt, leading to tragic consequences.

3.In what ways does the motif of ‘blood’ serve as a symbol in "Macbeth"?

Explain its significance in relation to guilt and violence.

The motif of 'blood' in "Macbeth" is a powerful symbol. It represents guilt and violence. As characters commit crimes, they feel guilt, and this guilt is likened to bloodstains that can't be washed away. For instance, after Macbeth murders Duncan, he says, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" Here, blood represents the unshakable guilt he feels. Additionally, Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene shows her obsessively trying to wash imaginary bloodstains, revealing her guilt and mental anguish. Overall, 'blood' symbolizes the inescapable consequences of violence and the haunting nature of guilt throughout the play.

4.Discuss the impact of the supernatural elements, such as the witches and

prophecies, on the plot and characters of "Macbeth."

The supernatural elements in "Macbeth," like the witches and their prophecies, have a big impact on the story and characters. The witches predict Macbeth's rise to power, planting ambition in his mind. This makes him think about doing bad things to become king. The prophecies affect his decisions, leading to murder and chaos. Lady Macbeth is also influenced by the supernatural, asking spirits to make her more ruthless. These elements add tension and uncertainty, showing how external forces can shape human actions. The witches' appearances and prophecies create a sense of mystery and fate, making "Macbeth" a spooky and complex tale.

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 and Lady Macbeth are different from each but their role is most important in this tragedy. Macbeth’s starting is good but when move further in tragedy his ambition makes him bad and his downfall starts. He was hesitant to kill but his wife Lady Macbeth pushed him to kill. Lady Macbeth is strong willed and she argues to act. Through her role she is known as the fourth witch.Lady Macbeth is portrayed as ambitious and ruthless, willing to do anything to achieve power. Unlike Macbeth, her motives are fueled by a desire for control and a thirst for power. She actively manipulates Macbeth, questioning his masculinity and pushing him to commit regicide.  

Here i’m sharing some interesting thing is about ‘Globe Theater’.

The Globe Theatre was a theater in London associated with William shakespear. It was built in 1599 at southwark. close to the south bank of the Thames, by Shakespeare's Playing company , the. lord chamberlain’s men.  It was destroyed by fire on 29 June 1613. A second Globe Theatre was built on the same site by June 1614 and stayed open until the London theater clouser 1642.. As well as plays by Shakespeare, early works by Ben Johnson, Thomas Dekkar and John Fletcher were first performed here.

Thank you 

Reference: 

Screening of macbeth 

Barad, Dilip. “(PDF) Worksheet - Screening Shakespeare's Macbeth.” ResearchGate, 29 August 2023, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373482185_Worksheet_-_Screening_Shakespeare's_Macbeth . Accessed 26 August 2024.

Some videos for better understanding,

Dryden's essay on dramatic poesy

 Dryden’s Essay on Dramatic Poesy

Hello everyone, here I'm discussing some questions about Dryden's essay on dramatic poesy.  It is a response to a task given by Dr.Dilip barad sir, click here for more information.

 John Dryden 

 (9 August 1631 – 1 May 1700) 

Introduction: 

Dryden was a prominent English poet, critic, translator, and playwright who dominated the literary life of the Restoration Age; Therefore, the age is known as the Age of Dryden. He is regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 17th century. He was considered ‘The father of English criticism.’ Dryden lived through a turbulent period in English history, including the English Civil War, the Interregnum, and the Restoration. His works often reflect the political and social issues of his time.

He was a critic of contemporary reality. In an essay presented in dialogue forms in An Essay on Dramatic Poesy. In An Essay on Dramatic Poesy there are four speakers. Each one argues strongly as to which one is better, “Ancient or Modern, and French or English.In An Essay of Dramatic Poesy, Dryden discusses the merits of various dramatic forms and genres. He defends the use of rhyme in English drama and argues for a more flexible approach to the classical unities of time, place, and action.

#Discuss any differences you observe between Aristotle's definition of Tragedy and Dryden's definition of Play.

Aristotle’s definition of tragedy and Dryden's definition of play represent the two perspectives of dramatic literature.

According to Aristotle, a tragedy typically involves a protagonist (the tragic hero) who experiences a reversal of fortune, often due to a tragic flaw (hamartia). This reversal leads to the hero's downfall, which evokes feelings of pity and fear in the audience.

Aristotle emphasized the importance of unity of action, time, and place in a tragedy, as well as the concept of "catharsis"  or emotional purification. He believed that tragedy should evoke feelings of pity and fear in the audience, which would then lead to a cathartic experience, purging these emotions and providing emotional clarity and relief.

He also discussed in his work “Poetics”.

According to John Dryden, he believes in primary purpose of the play is entertain and engaged  to audience. His definition ended with the word ‘delight and instruction of mankind’ which means The idea is that the enjoyment of a well-crafted story or poem should go hand in hand with its ability to teach and enlighten the audience.

In summary,  Aristotle Focused on the structural and formal elements of tragedy, with an emphasis on achieving catharsis through the evocation of pity and fear and dryden focused on flexibility in form and content, including the use of rhyme and the violation of classical unities.

#Evaluate whether the arguments presented in favor of French plays and against English plays are appropriate. (For example, consider the portrayal of death, duel fights with blunted swords, the representation of large armies by a few actors, the mingling of mirth and serious tones, and the use of multiple plots.)

During Dryden's time, there was a heated debate regarding the merits of French and English drama. Several arguments were made in favor of French plays and against English ones. Let's examine some of these arguments:

*1. Portrayal of Death: 

  One argument was that death should not be portrayed on stage as it neither presents a "just" nor "likely" image. This reflects the French classical unities, which emphasized a strict adherence to properties and the avoidance of shocking or unrealistic scenes. English drama, in contrast, often embraced the sensational and tragic.

*2. Duel Fights with Blunted Swords:

French play: Use stylized, less violent duels with blunted swords to avoid real danger and maintain decorum. In English play:  Have more energetic and realistic fight scenes, even though safety measures were used.

*3 Representation of Large Armies by a Few Actors:

French Plays: Use fewer actors to represent large armies, focusing more on dialogue. And  In English Plays: Use creative staging to suggest large armies with just a few actors.

 

*4. Mingling of Mirth and Serious Tones:

The mingling of mirth and serious tones in English plays can enhance the depth and appeal of the drama by providing contrast and balance. French classical drama’s separation might be seen as restrictive but consistent with classical ideals.

*5. Use of Multiple Plots:

 English drama allows for a more complex and engaging storytelling experience. French plays’ focus on a single plot might be seen as limiting but aligns with classical principles of unity.

In summary, These arguments were appropriate within their respective cultural and theatrical contexts. French drama was rooted in neoclassical principles that sought order, decorum, and moral instruction, while English drama often celebrated the richness of human experience, embracing diversity and complexity.

References :

vallath, Kalyani. A Contemporary Encyclopedia of British Literature Volume 1.

 Bodhi Tree Books and Publications, 2015. 1 vols.

Here I'm sharing video for better understanding,

William Wordsworth's philosophy on poet

  William Wordsworth’s

Philosophy on Poet

“In nature there is nothing melancholy.”

 (7 April 1770 – 23 April 1850)

Introduction 

William Wordsworth was an English poet of the romantic age. Wordsworth's philosophy towards human life is very simple: man is not apart from nature. He started writing from 1797 to 1799 a very short period but very important in his life and for the romantic period, and from 1799 he has taken retirement from his work of writing and spent time in between the nature at northern lake region where he was born, he was very close to the nature which experience has reflected in all his poetry.

I heard among the solitary hills

Low breathings coming after me, and sounds

Of undistinguishable motion.

#Wordsworth’s preface of lyrical ballads

In 1798 lyrical Ballad was first published with his friend Samuel Taylore Coleridge. Wordsworth comes to add a short advertisement on it. And he added more detail about poetry, poetry  diction, definition of poetry; it was revised in 1800. It was modified in the 1802 edition of lyrical ballads to give the name Wordsworth's preface. 

#How does Wordsworth defined poetry? Discuss this definition in relation to his poetic philosophy.

According to Wordsworth,  “poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feeling.” poetry has origin internal feelings of the poet. It is never an immediate expression of such powerful emotions. Poetry has its origin in emotions recollected tranquility. Poetry subject matter of passion, mood and temperament. Poetry can not be produced strictly; it flows out naturally from the soul of the poet .

Wordsworth noted ‘it is the honorable characteristic of poetry that its materials are to be found in every  subject which can interest the human mind.’. In the words of Wordsworth,” poetry has its origin in emotions recollected in tranquility.”

# What is poetic diction, and what type of poetic diction does Wordsworth suggest in his ?

Poetic diction means choice of words. It basically  depends on the poet how the poet chooses their own style, language, place, time etc.

In the preface of lyrical ballads  Wordsworth mentioned that the way of writing addiction was inane. According to him poetry should be for rural area countryside people. Basically it depends on the common people.

Coleridge raised the  first controversy with his own friend in Biographia literaria- his disagreement of poetic diction also questioning Wordsworth what do you mean by language really used by men, which men, which reality, which style etc.

Wordsworth gave an answer in his preface of lyrical ballad, he finds humble and rustic life, tone with emotions therefore he is trying to capture which  is really used by men. He also finds it to be closer to genuine.

#functions of poetry: 

In the words of wordsworth poetry is the breath and finer spirit of all knowledge the impassioned expression that is in the countenance of all science. Its revolt against moral ideas is a poetry of revolt against life. 

View of the moralist:- 

• Writer can influence the lives and characters of his readers and therefore should try to be a good influence for them. Art is food and poison. It was called Art for life’s sake.

View of the aesthetics:- 

• Function of poetry is to give pleasure to its readers irrespective of the moral ideas for them art is wine. It was called Art for Art’s sake.

Balancing instruction and pleasure:-

• While Wordsworth emphasized poetry's instructive role, he also recognized the importance of making it enjoyable. He aimed to present moral lessons in a "sugar-coated form," making the learning process "implied and plausible."

#What is a poet? 

  According to William Wordsworth ‘A poet is man speaking to men, endowed with more lively sensibility more enthusiasm and tenderness who has a greater knowledge of human nature and a more comprehensive soul, who rejoice more than other men in the spirit of life, habitually impelled to creative volitions, passions and situations where he does not find them.’

#first critic of his own poetry: 

 William Wordsworth was a  first critic of his own poetry because he was giving a concrete shape to his idea of poetry, there is difference between what he theorized and what he practiced in his awareness is a contradiction of organic unity

#Conclusion:

William Wordsworth wanted to tell the readers  this kind of poetry written in the lyrical ballad, it was different from that kind of poetry. poetry is the moral guide that imparts moral lessons.

References:

Wordsworth, William. “Lyrical Ballads, With a Few Other Poems (1798) by Wordsworth and Coleridge.” Project Gutenberg, https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/9622 . 

Wordsworth, William. “Lyrical ballads, with other poems. In two volumes : Wordsworth, William, 1770-1850 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming.” Internet Archive, 8 January 2013, https://archive.org/details/lyricalballadswi04word .

Jane Austen

 Jane Austen

’Indulge your imagination in every possible flight.’ (Austen #)

Hello everyone,

Thinking activity task of The Romantic Age’s novelist Jane Austen given by Megha ma'am.

Introduction

Jane Austen was an English novelist of the 19th centurey.  She was born on 16 December 1775. She was one of eight children of a clergyman and grew up in a close-knit family. She began to write as a teenager. In 1801 the family moved to Bath. After the death of Jane's father in 1805 Jane, her sister Cassandra and their mother moved several times eventually settling in Chawton, near Steventon.

Life :-

father of Jane’s biographer, is described as well read in English literature, writing readily and happily both in prose and verse.

Her 1st published work was issued anonymously. An anonymous article in the quarterly review, following the appearance of Emma in 1815-16. It was dedicated to the prince regent, an admirer of her work.

“Pride and Prejudice” was not published till sixteen years after it had been composed; “Sense and Sensibility,” the first published of Jane Austen’s novels, not for thirteen years after the first time it was re-written. “Northanger Abbey” was the first sold of these earlier novels, but it cannot be considered more lucky than its predecessors.  

Jane's brother Henry helped her negotiate with a publisher and her first novel, 'Sense and Sensibility', appeared in 1811. Her next novel 'Pride and Prejudice', which she described as her "own darling child" received highly favorable reviews. 'Mansfield Park' was published in 1814, then 'Emma' in 1816. All of Jane Austen's novels were published anonymously.

Jane Austen’s life is not well-documented, as much of the material that could have provided a more detailed memoir was destroyed, and most contemporary memories of her were lost.The relatives who wrote a biography of “Aunt Jane,” whom they remembered fondly for her kindness and were proud of her growing fame, were older and not professional writers like she was. However, any drawbacks of their writing are made up for by the genuine affection and emotion in their storytelling.

 It is a few years that it was learned that the friendly and discerning critic was Walter scott he continued to be her admirer until her early death but these two greatest writers of fiction in their age.

Passed her life very quietly, cheerfully in the doing of small domestic duties which love to plant the magic lamp that makes all the things beautiful. Her life was unexciting; and she died in middle age before her merits had received anything like adequate recognition.

Features of her works: 

1. Her character 

2. Her plot 

3. Her style 

4. Master of realism.

5. Humor

6. Satirist as well as moralist 

7. Dramatic nature of her art 

8. Lack of passion 

According to W. L. Cross ,

“She was a realist who gave a new to the novel an art and style, which it one had particularly in fielding but which it had since lost.” 

Jane Austen's story turns on personal relationships between friends, between parents and children, between men and women in love.

Sir Walter Scott wrote in his diary that the talent of Jane Austen as a realist was ‘ The most wonderful.’ that young lady had a talent for describing the involvements ,feelings and characters of ordinary life.

*Humor:-

 Jane Austen's toward life as presented in her novel “humorist”. At the end of her life humor is an integral part of her creative process.

She described voice sets in reality, dancing and speaking with comic vision.

“I dearly love a laugh” (Austen #)

She creates comic characters which produce nothing but laughter and folly is the chief source of laughter in her novels.

*Her  Characters:-

Jane Austen has an earring eye for the surface of personality and records accurately the mannerisms, tricks of speech etc of her character. She avoided jarring characters. ‘One of the greatest qualities of a novelist was her power to create living characters. She also possesses this quality. She doesn't idealize her characters.

According to Walter Allen “Austen is never angry with her characters.” she found them the less funny the older she grew for the tone of contempt becomes drier in each succeeding books.

In pride and prejudice, Mr. Collins and lady de bourgh are figures monstrous of silliness and snobbery to be laughed at as something like affected . Mrs. Norris in Mansfield park.

*Her plot:-

Jane Austen's great skill lies in plot construction; it was the highest object of artistic perfection. her plot was constructed severely unromantic. Her work beginning as a burlesque of the horrible in fiction, finishes by being an excellent example of her ideal novel. Most of her work is based on common life. For example, pride and prejudice become rarer with the result that later novels such as Emma are pictures of everyday life. 

*Her style:-

‘It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us.’

The style of Jane Austen can’t be separated from herself or method. It’s particularly her own. We didn't find her for the course of her reading. 

Observation on ‘nice’ in Northern Abbey, the sky is nice, the walk is nice , young ladies are very nice.

She attained great skill and she had an ear for the aesthetic values of a pleasing rhythm.

Her works :-

The chronology of Jane Austen's novel is not easy to follow, her works not published in their order of composition.

Austen takes particular care in writing her novels. She constantly revised them and before sending them for publication. She made herself sure that everything in her novel - plot, dialogue, humor, and character are perfect in every possible way.

Her major works are ‘Pride and Prejudice’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’, ‘Mansfield Park’ , ‘Emma’ , ‘Northanger Abbey’ , ‘Persuasion’ .

*Pride and Prejudice 

-It was written in 1796-97 , published in 1813

-It was widely regarded as a classic story set in    common society of the early 19th century. 

-Primarily follows the life of Elizabeth bennet.

-Novels express themes of love, class, marriage     and social expectations.

Inspired numerous adoption across reflecting its relevance notable adaptations.

 * Bride & Prejudice (2004)  was based on this novel.

 

* Sense and Sensibility

• It was written in 1797-98, published in 1811

• Novel is satirical in tone and here in subdued ironical tone she ridicules sentimentalists.

• Elinor represents sense and her sister Marianne stands for sensibility depicted in the character of marianne.

•  The style is forcefully ironic and the dialogues through which the comedy is represented are trenchant.

Between 1798-1811 she paused writing, then after her three novels had great success - Mansfield Park (1811-13), -Emma (1815) it was published in 1816. - Persuasion (1815-16) published in 1818.

Conclusion

In conclusion Jane Austen's novels, despite their seemingly simple plots, have endured as classics of English literature. Her works skillfully combine romance with social critique, using wit and irony to comment on the society of her time. Austen's focus on realistic characters, everyday life, and the challenges faced by women in the early 19th century continues to resonate with readers today.

References :-

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice (World Classics, Unabridged) . Vij Books India Private Limited, 2017.

Austen, Jane, and David Widger. “The Complete Project Gutenberg Works of Jane Austen by Jane Austen.” Project Gutenberg, 25 January 2010, https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/31100 .  Accessed 23 August 2024.

Tytler, Sarah. “Jane Austen and her works by Sarah Tytler.” Project Gutenberg, 20 May 2023, https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/70809 . Accessed 23 August 2024.