Supernatural Shakespeare (Macbeth - William Shakespeare)

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	Macbeth - William Shakespeare
Date:	28/10/09 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: well written

Disadvantages: ghost stuff

Of all of Shakespeare's numerous plays, Macbeth seems to me to be one of the weakest. There's something about it (maybe the way it is always taught to young age groups at school), that makes it an almost childish play.

Set in Scotland, the play revolves around the ambitious Macbeth, a famed warrior. On the way home from battle he bumps into three witches who tell him he will end up gaining various titles, eventually becoming King. Startled by this, he tells his wife, who sets in motion a killing spree that will ultimately force him into the positions prophesied, and unleash all types of hell as he does so.

As always, Shakespeare's language and imagery is world-class. You can't help but picture the scenes in your mind, and of course that's where his massive appeal comes from. At the time it was written, the play would be performed on a stage with no changing scenery, with an all male cast.
Imagine, then, how much this work is indebted to the penmanship of Shakespeare: a lot!

The thing I don't like about this play is the supernatural element, which is not something I personally enjoy reading about or watching. There's a tendency to make it so childlike that people miss the reality of a harmful spiritual world that really does exist out there. The play offers some interesting psychological issues for debate: was Macbeth destined as the witches said, or was it their prophecies that made Macbeth act in the ways that brought it all around.

Similarly, the role of women and their influence over men is explored through the character of Lady Macbeth, with a feminist reading proving very fruitful.

All in all, this is an interesting play, well written but not really my cup of tea with the supernatural element.

Summary: up to you