In Macbeth by William Shakespeare, a variety of themes are explored.
In an essay of 500-600 words discuss how the themes of good versus evil, magic and the supernatural, fate versus free will, appearance versus reality and the corrupting power of unchecked ambition are explored, and what impact they have on the lives of the characters.
You need to refer to specific characters and events. Quotations from the play are essential.
Your essay must include an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Exploring Themes in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
In William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth,” a rich tapestry of themes is interwoven throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the characters and their actions. The themes of good versus evil, magic and the supernatural, fate versus free will, appearance versus reality, and the corrupting power of unchecked ambition are prominently featured in the play, shaping the lives of the characters and driving the dramatic tension. Through a close examination of specific characters and events, we can delve into how these themes are explored and the impact they have on the unfolding tragedy of “Macbeth.”
Introduction
“Macbeth” delves into the eternal struggle between good and evil, encompassing themes of ambition, deception, and the consequences of one’s actions. The interplay of supernatural elements, moral dilemmas, and human frailties sets the stage for a riveting exploration of the human psyche.
Good Versus Evil:
The theme of good versus evil is central to “Macbeth,” as exemplified by the titular character’s descent into darkness. Initially portrayed as a noble and valiant warrior, Macbeth’s ambition and thirst for power lead him to commit regicide and descend into tyranny. The witches’ prophecy that he will become king ignites the latent evil within him, as seen in his soliloquy: “Stars, hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires” (Act 1, Scene 4). Lady Macbeth, consumed by her own ambition, further fuels Macbeth’s ruthless pursuit of power through manipulation and coercion.
Magic and the Supernatural:
The presence of magic and the supernatural in “Macbeth” adds an eerie and foreboding atmosphere to the play. The three witches, or Weird Sisters, serve as agents of chaos and catalysts for Macbeth’s downfall. Their prophecies ignite his ambition and ultimately seal his fate. Banquo’s ghost, appearing at the banquet scene, symbolizes the repercussions of Macbeth’s treacherous actions and haunting guilt.
Fate Versus Free Will:
The theme of fate versus free will is a recurring motif in “Macbeth,” highlighting the characters’ struggle with agency and predestination. While the witches’ prophecies set the events of the play in motion, Macbeth’s choices and actions ultimately determine his tragic fate. Macbeth grapples with his conscience and wrestles with his destiny, reflecting on his internal conflict: “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me / Without my stir” (Act 1, Scene 3).
Appearance Versus Reality:
The theme of appearance versus reality underscores the deceptive nature of power and ambition in “Macbeth.” Characters often present a façade to conceal their true intentions, leading to betrayal and moral ambiguity. Lady Macbeth’s outward display of strength masks her inner turmoil and guilt, while Macbeth’s false bravado belies his growing paranoia and insecurity.
The Corrupting Power of Unchecked Ambition:
Unchecked ambition emerges as a potent force in “Macbeth,” driving characters to commit heinous acts in pursuit of power. Macbeth’s insatiable ambition blinds him to the consequences of his actions, resulting in a spiral of violence and betrayal. His soliloquy reveals his inner turmoil: “I am in blood / Stepped in so far that should I wade no more” (Act 3, Scene 4).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the themes of good versus evil, magic and the supernatural, fate versus free will, appearance versus reality, and the corrupting power of unchecked ambition intertwine to create a compelling narrative in “Macbeth.” Through the exploration of these themes and their impact on the lives of the characters, Shakespeare delves into the complexities of human nature, morality, and the consequences of hubris. “Macbeth” stands as a timeless exploration of power, ambition, and the destructive forces that lurk within us all.
