1983. From a novel or play of literary merit, select an important character who is a villain. Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of the character's villainy and show how it enhances meaning in the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.
When a criminal is charged with a punishment, it is under the belief that society has the responsibility to provide a just punishment for the perpetrator’s crimes. However, if the responsibility to create such a punishment fell instead to the criminal, would the offense all but be forgotten? Shakespeare explores this topic in his play Macbeth through the use of the villain, Lady Macbeth. In the play, Shakespeare uses details and language to illustrate that evil deeds must always be atoned for.
At the play’s opening, three witches predict that Macbeth will one day become King of Scotland. Skeptical, Macbeth returns home to his wife who understands that the prophesy can be realized through the murder of King Duncan. Standing as a foil to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is ambitious and strong. The moment she learns of the prophesy, ambition sets ablaze in her heart and she schemes a way to become Queen. She attempts to dash away her womanly inhibitions and to become a person capable of murder. Macbeth on the other hand, is wary, and does not want to kill the king despite the temptation of becoming king himself. Despite this, Lady Macbeth easily manipulates her husband by challenging his manhood when he doubts her plot. Even after seeing his bloodstained hands, Lady Macbeth tries to sooth her husband by stating “a little water clears us of this deed”. Throughout the work, the detail of bloodstains become synonymous for the guilt of murder. This line therefore, illustrates that Lady Macbeth initially believes that the murder can easily be forgotten. Her only focus remains on the prize of becoming Queen of Scotland and she is determined not to let her mind wander to the weight of her actions.
However, as Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s evil deeds start to mount, Lady Macbeth can no longer use “a little water” to clear her mind of the Duncan’s murder. Soon afterwards, the murder of Duncan drives Lady Macbeth drives into a state of sleepless rage. Shakespeare provides of the imagery of a tortured woman walking endlessly in the night attempting to find rest by continuously washing her hands of imaginary stains that will not leave. “ Out, damned spot; out, I say”! she cries as she attempts to wash away the guilt. The stains will not subside however, and she is forced to commit suicide by the torture and madness driven by her guilt.
Soon afterwards, she is forced to commit suicide driven by the torture and madness of her guilt-ridden conscience .
Lady Macbeth’s demise is clearly the result of her original crimes. Therefore, Macbeth reminds readers that wrongdoings cannot always be forgotten. Instead, guilt stains the conscience permanently becoming the ultimate way all crimes are expiated.
When a criminal is charged with a punishment, it is under the belief that society has the responsibility to provide a just punishment for the perpetrator’s crimes. However, if the responsibility to create such a punishment fell instead to the criminal, would the offense all but be forgotten? Shakespeare explores this topic in his play Macbeth through the use of the villain, Lady Macbeth. In the play, Shakespeare uses details and language to illustrate that evil deeds must always be atoned for.
At the play’s opening, three witches predict that Macbeth will one day become King of Scotland. Skeptical, Macbeth returns home to his wife who understands that the prophesy can be realized through the murder of King Duncan. Standing as a foil to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is ambitious and strong. The moment she learns of the prophesy, ambition sets ablaze in her heart and she schemes a way to become Queen. She attempts to dash away her womanly inhibitions and to become a person capable of murder. Macbeth on the other hand, is wary, and does not want to kill the king despite the temptation of becoming king himself. Despite this, Lady Macbeth easily manipulates her husband by challenging his manhood when he doubts her plot. Even after seeing his bloodstained hands, Lady Macbeth tries to sooth her husband by stating “a little water clears us of this deed”. Throughout the work, the detail of bloodstains become synonymous for the guilt of murder. This line therefore, illustrates that Lady Macbeth initially believes that the murder can easily be forgotten. Her only focus remains on the prize of becoming Queen of Scotland and she is determined not to let her mind wander to the weight of her actions.
However, as Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s evil deeds start to mount, Lady Macbeth can no longer use “a little water” to clear her mind of the Duncan’s murder. Soon afterwards, the murder of Duncan drives Lady Macbeth drives into a state of sleepless rage. Shakespeare provides of the imagery of a tortured woman walking endlessly in the night attempting to find rest by continuously washing her hands of imaginary stains that will not leave. “ Out, damned spot; out, I say”! she cries as she attempts to wash away the guilt. The stains will not subside however, and she is forced to commit suicide by the torture and madness driven by her guilt.
Soon afterwards, she is forced to commit suicide driven by the torture and madness of her guilt-ridden conscience .
Lady Macbeth’s demise is clearly the result of her original crimes. Therefore, Macbeth reminds readers that wrongdoings cannot always be forgotten. Instead, guilt stains the conscience permanently becoming the ultimate way all crimes are expiated.
Good, now so what? What does this have to do with my life and humanity on the whole? What lesson can be learned? You hint at it but it isn't ever explicitly stated. Other than that, this is a good essay with a lot of good evidence. Everything else is here.
ReplyDelete“No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity.” -James Madison
ReplyDeleteThe only thing missing here is meaning. Other than that, good structure.
You might want to consider toning down the number of adverbs. It might make you seem more clear to an AP reader.
You've written a brilliant summary. The prompt calls for analyzation, which you did to an extent, but not far enough in my opinion. I feel like I know Lady Macbeth quite well based off of your essay, but I'm not so clear on how I'm supposed to feel about her actions. You, as the writer, have a responsibility to take a view and express it to the reader, acting as the gateway so that he might understand your view as well. As of now, you're a distanced reporter. A good one, to be sure, but the essay could use less summarizing and more answers to the famous "So what?" question.
ReplyDeleteCassidy Murphy