In this paper I am going to analyse the influence of evil on the mainprotagonist of
Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth”. In order to do this it is necessary to point out the
way of analysis I prefer. First I will present some needed background information about
the author himself and the Elizabethan World Picture. The next part introduces the
reader to the play “Macbeth” and its actions. This is in order to lead over to the proper
analysis where I will try to identify the play’s spirit of evil with its personifications in
nature and other protagonists and special regard to its influence on Macbeth until he is
finally destroyed by it. This analysis will be supported by further focus on the imagery
and the language which Shakespeare has used. To understand and to be able to interpret Shakespeare it is necessary to know some
important facts about the way of life and thoughts at Shakespeare’s lifetime.
The Elizabethan Era was characterised by hierarchy and thoughts of extreme order.
People thought that everything in the universe had got its own specific position in their
strict order. You can find this world of ideas in the assemblage of the universe as well.
This cosmological constellation hasn’t told only about the order and the position of the
human being in this cosmos but also about the relations of the interconnected creation
and the relation between cosmos and God (cf. picture 1 on p. 15)
The ideas of this world picture can already be found in the antiquity but it was improved
in all its details by the scholastic philosophy.
In this chapter of my paper I am going to introduce you to one of the three main forms
of the Elizabethan World Pictures: the chain of being.
The whole universe is divided into a ladder. At its ground there are the non-living
elements and at its top there is God. At first you can find the elements, liquids, metals,
then vegetation and the animals. The human beings stand over the animals because
of their reason. The angels follow the human beings as non-materialistic and spiritual
creatures. God is at the top as the creator of this chain. [...]
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Background Information
- 2.1 Elizabethan World Picture
- 2.2 Shakespeare's biography
- 2.3 Introduction to Shakespeare's Macbeth
- 3. Characterisation of Evil with regard to special aspects
- 3.1 How does the play portray evil as a perversion of human nature?
- 3.2 How is Macbeth finally destroyed by evil?
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the influence of evil on Macbeth, the protagonist of Shakespeare's tragedy. The analysis begins with background information on the Elizabethan worldview and Shakespeare's life, followed by an introduction to the play itself. The core of the analysis focuses on identifying the manifestations of evil within the play and its impact on Macbeth, supported by an examination of Shakespeare's imagery and language.
- The Elizabethan World Picture and its influence on Shakespeare's work.
- The portrayal of evil as a perversion of human nature in Macbeth.
- The different forms of evil presented in the play (witches, Lady Macbeth, supernatural events).
- The connection between Macbeth's ambition and the destructive power of evil.
- Macbeth's ultimate destruction at the hands of evil.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter lays out the paper's objective: to analyze how evil influences Macbeth. It outlines the analytical approach, beginning with background information on Shakespeare and the Elizabethan era, followed by an introduction to Macbeth, leading to the core analysis of evil's portrayal and its impact on Macbeth, supported by an examination of Shakespeare's imagery and language.
2. Background Information: This chapter provides crucial context for understanding Shakespeare's Macbeth. Section 2.1 details the Elizabethan World Picture, emphasizing its hierarchical structure and the belief in a cosmic order. The disruption of this order is presented as a key theme, foreshadowing the chaos caused by Macbeth's actions. Section 2.2 summarizes key biographical details of Shakespeare's life, highlighting the scarcity of reliable information. Finally, Section 2.3 introduces the plot of Macbeth, setting the stage for the subsequent analysis of evil's influence on the main character. The chapter successfully establishes the historical and cultural context necessary to fully appreciate the complexities of Shakespeare's work.
3. Characterisation of Evil with regard to special aspects: This chapter delves into the core analysis, examining how Shakespeare portrays evil and its effect on Macbeth. Section 3.1 explores the various forms evil takes within the play—visions, natural disorder, the appearance of Banquo's ghost—arguing these are metaphors reflecting Macbeth's inner turmoil and desires. The significance of the witches' introduction and the thematic importance of the antithesis "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" are highlighted as establishing the play's atmosphere of chaos and deception. The chapter aims to unpack the multifaceted representation of evil within the play and its impact on the protagonist’s actions and downfall.
Keywords
Shakespeare, Macbeth, evil, Elizabethan World Picture, tragedy, ambition, guilt, supernatural, witches, Lady Macbeth, perversion of human nature, chaos, destruction.
Shakespeare's Macbeth: A Comprehensive Language Preview - FAQ
What is this document?
This is a comprehensive language preview of an academic paper analyzing Shakespeare's Macbeth, focusing on the portrayal and influence of evil. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main objectives of the paper?
The paper analyzes how evil influences Macbeth. It examines the Elizabethan worldview and its impact on Shakespeare's work, explores the portrayal of evil as a perversion of human nature, identifies different forms of evil in the play (witches, Lady Macbeth, supernatural events), investigates the connection between Macbeth's ambition and the destructive power of evil, and ultimately analyzes Macbeth's destruction at the hands of evil.
What topics are covered in the Background Information chapter?
This chapter provides context by detailing the Elizabethan World Picture (its hierarchical structure and belief in cosmic order), summarizing key aspects of Shakespeare's biography, and introducing the plot of Macbeth.
How does the paper analyze the characterization of evil?
The paper examines how Shakespeare portrays evil and its effect on Macbeth. It explores various forms evil takes in the play (visions, natural disorder, Banquo's ghost) as metaphors for Macbeth's inner turmoil. The significance of the witches and the theme "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" are highlighted.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the Elizabethan World Picture, the portrayal of evil as a perversion of human nature, different forms of evil within the play, the connection between Macbeth's ambition and evil, and Macbeth's ultimate destruction.
What are the chapter summaries?
The document provides summaries for each chapter: an introduction outlining the paper's objective and analytical approach; a background information chapter providing context on the Elizabethan era and Shakespeare; and a core analysis chapter examining the portrayal of evil and its impact on Macbeth.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include Shakespeare, Macbeth, evil, Elizabethan World Picture, tragedy, ambition, guilt, supernatural, witches, Lady Macbeth, perversion of human nature, chaos, and destruction.
What type of audience is this preview intended for?
This preview is intended for an academic audience, providing a structured overview of the paper's content for scholarly review or analysis.
Where can I find the full paper?
The full paper is not included in this preview. This document is solely a summary and overview for academic use.
- Quote paper
- Jessica Hecht (Author), 2002, Shakespeare's "Macbeth" - Analysis of the influence of evil on the mainprotagonist Macbeth, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/12642
