As our analysis of the play centers on the interplay between fortune /fate and character, today we parsed a number of speeches evidencing that Macbeth ,in the final analysis, appears to be responsible for his own inevitable tragic downfall. Joshua parsed and explained an extended metaphor wherein Macbeth describes the deceased Duncan as a snake whose remaining tooth(his son) can still endanger Macbeth as well as passages evidencing that despite his plagued conscience Macbeth is intent on perpetrating more murders to maintain power. We further continue to note the ongoing motif of reality vs appearance. During the second half of the session, we viewed a portion of Act I of The Royal Shakespeare Company's performance of the play.
We examined Macbeth's deteriorating moral character as evidence that this play is more a tragedy of character than of fate or fortune. Joshua discussed how it is Macbeth alone, without any encouragement. or knowledge of Lady Macbeth, who meticulously plots the murder of Banquo. We noted how this directly contrasts with the murder of Duncan and explored how Macbeth's description of " blackened night overcoming the day" metaphorically describes the decline of Macbeth's moral character. We then reviewed Joshua's study guide answers examining Banquo's suspicion that Macbeth had played "foully" for the crown, again invoking the "fair is foul and foul is fair" motif established in the play's opening scene.
In preparation for tomorrow's test on Acts I and II, I reviewed the dramatic tensions in the play between the role of Fortune and Character i.e. "to what extent is Macbeth's downfall a result of free will or mere bad luck?" I outlined passages from the first acts suggesting both interpretations. We then examined one of Macbeth's soliloquies after he murders Duncan wherein Macbeth offers a bleak view of all life as a meaningless trifle . Last, we reviewed the use of imagery specifically blood and water. I elaborated on the theological implications of this imagery in terms sin /blood and redemption/ water and baptism.
Initiated a literary quiz. Then analyzed The Charge of the Light Brigade. Discussed line by line analysis and began a questions activity based on the poem.
We continued to study the blood and water imagery in Act II as well as the psychological impact of guilt on both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Further, we studied the dramatic function of the comic relief of the porter scene . I provided historical background on some of the Porter's allusions to the trials of those involved in the Gunpowder Plot . I further assisted Joshua in interpreting the extended metaphors in the soliloquies .Last, we reviewed Johua's revised homework answers based on my comments to his study study guide questions.
We continued to examine gender fluidity in Shakespeare's portrayal of Lady Macbeth as the assertive violent gender while Macbeth remains hesitant to commit regicide. Additionally , we studied how Lady Macbeth is able to sway Macbeth by insulting his masculinity. I noted how manhood will become a more prevalent motif in the play. Next, we examined Macbeth's famous soliloquy "Is this a dagger I see?" I noted the use of imagery and symbolism in the soliloquy as well as the recurring motif of reality vs. appearance .
