violence Flashcards
what are the key ideas for violence?
- Macbeth violence at start
- Macbeth violence at end
- Lady Macbeth
introduction:
In Shakespeare’s tragedy, violence is a critical theme that is inextricably linked with a relentless pursuit of ambition. Violence is presented as an inevitable consequence of unchecked ambition as characters resort to it in their pursuit of power.
topic sentence for paragraph 1 (Macbeth at start)
Firstly, Shakespeare presents violence as an inherent part of Macbeth’s world.
quotes to use in paragraph 1 (Macbeth at start):
“disdaining fortune…smoked with bloody execution”
“valent, worthy gentleman”
paragraph 1 analysis (Macbeth at start):
Firstly, Shakespeare presents violence as an inherent part of Macbeth’s world. In Act 1, the first descriptions of Macbeth are of him fighting with “disdaining fortune…smoked with bloody execution”. The verb “smoked” could connote to heat and hell, foreshadowing his malevolent nature he will later face moral and psychological ramifications for. The phrase “disdaining fortune” depicts a disregard for his fate, and his attempt to manipulate the natural order. This later becomes evident in his disruption of the Divine Right of Kings after he commits regicide. Although he receives commendation for his stoic bravery (“valiant, worthy gentleman”), the syntax implies a symbiotic relationship between his downfall and intrinsic proclivity for violence. Furthermore, the positioning of “fortune” preceding “execution” foreshadows Macbeth’s acquisition of an illegitimate title and wealth through violent means, but how this will also lead to his own eventual “execution”.
topic sentence for paragraph 2 (Macbeth at end):
As the play progresses, Macbeth’s violence highlights the erosion of his morality when power is tangible.
quotes to use in paragraph 2 (Macbeth at end)
“stepped so far”
“blood”
“wade”
“sound and fury- nothing”
analyse “stepped in so far” “wade” “blood”
He has “stepped in so far” that he is at the point of no return. Previously, the motif of “blood” (the consequence of murder) was merely on his hands, yet now it has enrobed his entire body, and by extension his entire sense of being. The fact that he used the metaphor of “wading” in this “blood” exemplifies how he acknowledges his conscience is permanently stained with guilt as a result of his violence, and there is nothing he can do to change that. The verb “wade” implies imagery of struggling through deep waters, further suggesting that this guilt from his violence has engulfed him entirely.
analyse “sound and fury” “nothing”
The play also uses a cyclical narrative, starting and ending with a battle, suggesting that violence and guilt are intertwined and are normalised from the start. This suggests that Macbeth had been so fixated on his hubris that he has missed what really matters, or in a nihilistic interpretation, he never realised that nothing really matters. For all his “sound and fury” (his violence and guilt) he has accomplished nothing everlasting: it signifies “nothing”.
paragraph 2 analysis (Macbeth at end):
As the play progresses, Macbeth’s violence highlights the erosion of his morality when power is tangible. Violence is a way to illegitimately acquire this power, and instead of being horrified, he indulges further in these “deeds”- murder now becomes his means of self-preservation. He has “stepped in so far” that he is at the point of no return. Previously, the motif of “blood” (the consequence of murder) was merely on his hands, yet now it has enrobed his entire body, and by extension his entire sense of being. The fact that he used the metaphor of “wading” in this “blood” exemplifies how he acknowledges his conscience is permanently stained with guilt as a result of his violence, and there is nothing he can do to change that. The verb “wade” implies imagery of struggling through deep waters, further suggesting that this guilt from his violence has engulfed him entirely. The play also uses a cyclical narrative, starting and ending with a battle, suggesting that violence and guilt are intertwined and are normalised from the start. This suggests that Macbeth had been so fixated on his hubris that he has missed what really matters, or in a nihilistic interpretation, he never realised that nothing really matters. For all his “sound and fury” (his violence and guilt) he has accomplished nothing everlasting: it signifies “nothing”.
topic sentence for paragraph 3 (Lady Macbeth)
Alternatively, Lady Macbeth initially embraces violence, stating that she would have “dashed the brains out” of her own child.
quotes to use in paragraph 3 (Lady Macbeth):
“dashed the brains out”
“with a taper”
“come thick night”
analyse “dashed the brains out”
Alternatively, Lady Macbeth initially embraces violence, stating that she would have “dashed the brains out” of her own child. The plosive on “dashed” creates a brutal sound, mirroring her brutal rejection of motherly instincts. Her proclivity for violence takes precedence over motherhood, leading to her unapologetic willingness to extinguish human life in the relentless pursuit of unchecked ambition. As well, the deliberate contrast between the forceful verb “dashed” and the delicate nature of “brains” serves as a poignant symbol of her character. Despite her seemingly fragile exterior, she harbours a strong desire to instigate violence and chaos. Notably, her choice of targeting the vulnerable “brains” signifies a recognition of both the paramount importance and extreme fragility of human existence. Yet this is ironic, as the very organ she seeks to disrupt- the seat of morality and reason- becomes the locus of her own downfall.
analyse “with a taper”
However, in Act 5, the guilt of the violence committed is overwhelming for her. The stage directions mention how she is always seen to be ‘with a taper’, which is emblematic of how she is constantly seeking light, hope and solace in her eternal mental darkness. This motif of darkness and light reinforces how her depraved and dark wants for violence consequently cause her desperation to see the light and seek redemption. This could be considered to be the antithesis to her earlier presentation in Act 1 where she calls upon the night, wanting darkness to help fuel her violent plans: ‘come thick night’.
paragraph 3 analysis (Lady Macbeth)
Alternatively, Lady Macbeth initially embraces violence, stating that she would have “dashed the brains out” of her own child. The plosive on “dashed” creates a brutal sound, mirroring her brutal rejection of motherly instincts. Her proclivity for violence takes precedence over motherhood, leading to her unapologetic willingness to extinguish human life in the relentless pursuit of unchecked ambition. As well, the deliberate contrast between the forceful verb “dashed” and the delicate nature of “brains” serves as a poignant symbol of her character. Despite her seemingly fragile exterior, she harbours a strong desire to instigate violence and chaos. Notably, her choice of targeting the vulnerable “brains” signifies a recognition of both the paramount importance and extreme fragility of human existence. Yet this is ironic, as the very organ she seeks to disrupt- the seat of morality and reason- becomes the locus of her own downfall. However, in Act 5, the guilt of the violence committed is overwhelming for her. The stage directions mention how she is always seen to be ‘with a taper’, which is emblematic of how she is constantly seeking light, hope and solace in her eternal mental darkness. This motif of darkness and light reinforces how her depraved and dark wants for violence consequently cause her desperation to see the light and seek redemption. This could be considered to be the antithesis to her earlier presentation in Act 1 where she calls upon the night, wanting darkness to help fuel her violent plans: ‘come thick night’.
conclusion on how violence is presented in Macbeth:
Therefore, Shakespeare presents the theme of violence as illuminating psychological and social implications. It contrasts from being glorified at the start to becoming detrimental. Perhaps Shakespeare is suggesting that violence is not merely a weapon used for ambition, but a destructive force that consumes all those wield it.
