This analysis essay entails the play Macbeth by Shakespeare. It was accessed on YouTube, and its associated script was downloaded for analysis. Macbeth is a classic tragedy in which the protagonist embarks on a dark path of betrayal and bloodshed that leads to his ruin and death (Shakespeare, 2009). Macbeth is first depicted as a kind person, but as his desire gets the best of him, he performs his first act of betrayal, and he transforms into the play’s principal source of evil (Baxter, 2019). Although Macbeth is eventually killed for his misdeeds, he remains an extraordinary tragic protagonist. He actively embraces evil from the start of the play, although he knows it would lead to his tragic end.
The staging entails various elements such as the scene, background, costumes, and lighting that are unique to a play. Although there is no mention of a particular venue, the historical setting for the play is estimated to be the 16th and 17th centuries. Shakespeare creatively constructs his scenes to depict similarities and differences to modern theatres. Regarding lighting, most scenes in Macbeth take place inside castles that are dimly lit (Baxter, 2019).
This compares with most plays of the time in which candlelight was used for scenes acted at the night. Some scenes, such as the first entry of the three witches, are staged in bad desert weather, as shown by the script “Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches” (Shakespeare, 2009, scene 1). As the witches enter the venue, the lighting changes from the abundant light outside to a dimly lit interior.
Costumes are used in plays to distinguish between various characters and indicate the play’s historical setting. In Macbeth, the characters are clothed in simple robes and tunics, synonymous with the Scottish dressing code in medieval times (Baxter, 2019). The male characters in the play are dressed in military costumes, which match their roles and cultural expectations. The clothes worn by characters depend on the weather and the specific roles played. For example, Macbeth’s banquet clothing and coronation costumes are different, although worn by the same person. Macbeth’s boots are a significant symbol of the setting. In essence, different costumes depict the author’s intentions and perceptions of each character.
Character choices are essential in a play since they set the direction, mood, and themes. In Macbeth, there are five main characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, the three witches, Macduff, and Malcolm. Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth, are the most prominent characters who display the play’s main theme: ambition (Shakespeare, 2009). They are portrayed as greedy, brave, and tyrannical as they use every means to achieve their goals. The three witches set the direction of the play by determining the characters’ behavior. Macduff is a loyal servant to King Duncan, who supports Malcolm, King Duncan’s son, in his pursuit of vengeance.
A play’s mood and tone impact the audience’s attitudes toward the play. Macbeth’s mood is predominantly tragic and dark, expressing fear and sorrow. In scene IV, the words “blood will have blood” set the dark mood associated with the expected murder (Shakespeare, 2009). The play’s tone is elegiac, depressing, and eerie, as shown by the words “Tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace from day to day,” giving a negative perception of tomorrow in a depressive tone (Shakespeare, 2009, Scene V). The interaction between the gentlewoman and the doctor is easier to understand in the play as Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking details are seen clearly. I feel that the performance is an accurate depiction of the original script. My key takeaway is that evil is always punished no matter how long it takes.
References
Baxter, J. (2019). Macbeth [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Shakespeare, W. (2009). Macbeth. Random House LLC.