Dulce_Et_Decorum_Est

MACBETH Macbeth is one of the most famous play and a great tragedy of Shakespeare. It is also known as ’The Scottish play’. The title itself suggests the name of the protagonists, or the leading character. The whole play revolves around the protagonists Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth. Comprised of five acts, it starts by predicting tragedy, as three witches agree to meet up again after a battle is fought; setting the context for the play. The themes that are depicted in the play are of that of fate, ambition, treachery and deception. The drama is rich in imagery and with the idea prevalent that the state of nature affects the state of the world, where there is thunder, lightning, doom and gloom. Macbeth starts off being portrayed as a hero, having led the Scottish King Duncan’s forces successfully in battle, and hence will get a new title. The book starts with the brief appearance of the three witches and then moves to a ’military camp’ where the Scottish King Duncan hears the news that his generals, Macbeth and Banquo, who defeated two separate invading armies; one from Ireland, led by the rebel Macdonald and the other was from Norway. While returning home from battle. Macbeth and Banquo encountered the witches as they cross a moor. The witches predict that he will become a king one day by killing Duncan. From then on, Macbeth become ‘evil’ and pursue the witches’ prediction , and plot to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth accompanies him in his plan. They have become greedy from the prediction. Like her husband, Lady Macbeth’s thirst for power leads to practice an unnatural, phantasmagoric realm of witchcraft, insomnia and madness. The book then follows their corruption, the murders they commit, and their ultimate downfall The first kill, the King at his visit to their castle. The crown passes to Macbeth; the prophecy is realized. Banquo too is killed to reduce the threat of Macbeth’s kingship; even his once good friend id not safe.These murders ensue that the bloodied ghost of Banquo appears to Macbeth. Macbeth is told by the witches to be wary of Macduff. Macduff is urging Duncan’s son, Malcolm to reclaim the throne. In revenge, Macbeth has Macduff’s son and wife murdered. An army is gathered is by Malcolm and Macduff to defeat Macbeth. Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth has gone totally mad. Her conscience tortures her. Consumed with guilt from her evil deeds and plotting. She visualizes blood everywhere, which leads her to commit suicide. Finally, the great battle starts. In a hand-to-hand combat with Macduff, Macbeth is confident that he will win the day because “none born of woman” can harm him, as he is told by the witches. Ultimately Macbeth is killed by Macduff who was not “of woman born” but was “untimely ripp’d” from his mother’s womb. The witches prediction proves true. Malcolm becomes king and the order is restored. Good wins over evil and corruption and human greed were slain.