Violence Flashcards
Battle - Violence
1.2 - M&B are celebrated for having “doubly redoubled strikes upon the foe”
called “brave” “valiant” and “worthy” - these values are associated with masculinity (particularly bravery)
Violence was necessary for approval - even if this was seen as good violence it still shows how a lot of society for M was centred around proving yourself through the downfall of others
“Bellona’s bridegroom” - married to war
Regicide - Violence
1.7 D’s murder referred to as “his surcease” or “his taking-off” - euphamistic expressions as M cant even speak his evil thoughts about D - surely not prepared to commit murder. “dashed its brains out” “dagger of the mind”
M is convinced as he equates being masuline with being strong and valiant “art thou afeard?”
2.2 After the act, M&LM speak in fractured syntax to convey their panic after their ultimate act of violence “when?” “now.”
Regicide is the ultimate act of violence and begins the downfall of M&LM, showing that the majority of violent acts end in more death and disruption
Banquo’s murder - Violence
3.1 M convinces the murderers to kill B by implying they are weak and not manly - enacting on them what had been done on him. Comparing them to “greyhounds” - equates violence to basal animalistic tendencies
3.3 M uses them as a tool to “strike out the light” of B, similar to how LM used him as her “keen knife” - doesnt have to be directly involved in the physical violence.
Macduff - Violence
MD was not thinking about the consequences of his actions and this leads to the death of his family - if he was there he could have protected them - tradeoff for the greater good.
“savagely slaughtered” “murdered deer” - tragic waste, the loss of innocent lives. M causes unneccessary and unintended violence throughout all of Scotland.
MD wants to “dispute it like a man” - revenge (violence can only be solved by an equal or greater response?) - but also wants to “feel it like a man” - sees people as people (contrasts to M) and needs time to mourn.
“Great revenge to cure this deadly grief”
Downfall of Macbeth & Lady Macbeth - Violence
LM sees the consequences of her own violent acts in 5.5 and commits suicide by “self and violent hands” (cannot spare even herself from her rampage) - punishing herself to eternal damnation for her misdeeds.
M is pessimistic “she should have died hereafter”
The final act of revenge and violence restores order (like the first act of violence) “we’ll have thee… painted upon a pole” (another parallel to MacDonald’s treatment for treachery at the beginning of the play).
