Violence in Macbeth

Violence in MacbethBy Jacinta Eliot

Define ViolenceA behaviour involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or somethingThe unlawful exercise of physical force or intimidation by the exhibition of such force.Strength of emotion or of a destructive natural forcerough or injurious physical force, action, or treatment

Violence in the Jacobean/Elizabethan EraViolent society compared to todayEnjoyed displays of violence, e.g. bear bating, cock fighting, violent plays with gruesome murders, public hangings/ witch trialsSociety was desensitized to violence, hence why they enjoyed watching it.A time of many battles Many torture devices used during interrogations/ executions iron maiden, thumbs screws, the rack.Sports of this era where extremely rough and violent- bear foot football, hunting, fencing.

Violence in MacbethThe first violent act we hear of is Macbeth in the war: Macbeth is commended for his bravery- murder during was is viewed as heroic Macbeths next violent encounter is the murder of Duncan: Macbeth feels guilt- personal murder is viewed as wrong, although he has killed hundreds of men in war, Duncan is still confronting to him.His next murder of Banquo has the most repercussions. This murder is a turning point in the book. Macbeth was able to murder his closest friends, hence leads on to his ability to kill Macduffs wife and childrenAlthough we do not hear details of Lady Macbeths suicide, it is a repercussion of the murders of Duncan and Banquo she is not aware of the Macduff murders.Macbeths murder of Young Siward is not discussed in depth, as it is a murder in war. This almost justifies the murder.The final death of Macbeth is the climax of the play. The audience has been waiting for his death, and it becomes justified after all the murders he has committed.

Types of Violence in MacbethJustified murder: Murder during war- accepted by societyUnjustified murder, assassination and/ or execution : Murder for ones own benefit or personal vendetta- frowned upon in society- illegalRevenge: Murder against someone who has wronged against you although still wrong, people usually sympathise. Suicide: murder of ones self

Violent Language in MacbethUse of metaphors and stage directions most of the violence is not described directly, it is described using metaphors or is mentioned in the stage directionsSome of the violence is too gruesome to take place on stage hence has to be told through the actors speech or is implied through stage directions. Metaphor example: I am in blood Stepped in so far, that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go oer. Act 3 , Scene 4Stage Direction example: MURDERER: stabbing him- Act 4, Scene 3Off stage death told by actor: SEYTON: The Queen, my Lord, is dead Act 5, Scene 5.

How the element of violence is helpful in an essayMacbeth Essay Introduction, by Jacinta Eliot It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood Act 3, Scene four, spoken by Macbeth. Translated into modern English, this quote reads People say that those who commit bloody deeds will be victims of bloody deeds; blood will have blood. The quote is saying that violence leads to nothing but more violence, and that is basically the whole plot of William Shakespeares play, Macbeth. The play begins with Macbeth benefitting from the violence of war, but he then becomes corrupt when violence offers him the opportunity of kingship. The plot then snowballs from there, resulting in about 8 deaths across the whole play, ending finally in the death of Macbeth. Throughout the play, Macbeth develops an obsession with violence, which leads only to more and more murders, resulting in an increasing amount of blood on his hands. Macbeth is a play displaying the notion that nothing good ever comes from an act of violence.

The EndThankyou for watching

It will have blood, they say; blood will have bloodReferenceshttp://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1171&context=ur_symposium, May 20th, 2014http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/violenceinshakespeare.html, May 20th 2014.http://resources.mhs.vic.edu.au/macbeth/theplay/imagery.html, May 22nd, 2014http://www.litcharts.com/lit/macbeth/themes#violence, May 25th, 2014http://www.litcharts.com/lit/macbeth/quotes#theme-violence, May 25th, 2014http://www.litcharts.com/lit/macbeth/act-3-scene-4, May 25th, 2014