Asher Period 1 - Isabel Koo

In Macbeth by Shakespeare, there are numerous examples and situations where certain characters’ actions and commentary affect their fate. One character that Shakespeare uses the device of characterization on is Lady Macbeth. She has shown many faults, reactions, consequential thoughts during the play towards herself and others such as her husband, Macbeth.
In Act 1, Lady Macbeth performs her soliloquy. She talks about the supernatural knowledge that the three Weird Sisters have and how the letter she is reading speaks of the crown Macbeth is to gain over Glamis and Cawdor. However, she questions if Macbeth can go through with her plan so that he may become King. Eventually, Lady Macbeth is able to use sexuality to persuade Macbeth into doing what she wants him to do – to murder Duncan. Her comments when finding out that her very own husband is to become a powerful man over the land of Cawdor, excites her. She shows a strong desire for power over not only Macbeth, but also what Macbeth owns and can control once he inherits the throne over Cawdor. Her thoughts drive the action of this story forward because she is pushing Macbeth into something which will enable him to become a king, yet cause an irreversible consequence to both of them all because of the fate they must entail.
Macbeth begins the wicked plan, it seems, with chills running down his spine and sweat pouring down his face. Evidently, Macbeth is in a constant struggle between his sense of right and wrong and his thirst for power, which feeds off Lady Macbeth’s own desires. Fate comes in once again, and uses a hallucination of a dagger pointing straight to Duncan’s bedroom chamber in order to lead the way for Macbeth. Once Macbeth finally creeps into Duncan’s sleeping chamber, he hesitates to use the dagger on him, but manages to follow through. Now the deed is done, and this part shows a point of no return for Macbeth and his dear wife, Lady Macbeth.
Although Macbeth succeeds in seizing the crown, there is still a feeling of danger due to the line of men that are able to possibly overpower Macbeth and steal his position. Furthermore,since it is far too late for him to back down, he feels the need to get rid of all possible heirs of the throne; Lady Macbeth encourages him to do so. This decision results in the deaths of Duncan’s servants, Banquo, Lady Macduff, and her son. It seems like a never-ending murder scandal that only causes more chaos and corruption. As the play goes on, Lady Macbeth faces a challenge for herself. She is diagnosed with mental instability and sleep walking because her actions have racked an immense amount of guilt. Ultimately, she becomes insane and admits to her faults while the Doctor and his nurse listen to her.The Doctor speaks of how he regrets hearing of her guilts and actions because they are so gruesome and murderous. Lady Macbeth ends up dying and Macbeth is slain by Macduff in his own castle. This shows the end for the both of them as fate truly produces its ultimate result. Both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth were destined from the start, to brutally fail.
Accepting the moral of this play created by Shakespeare, one learns that the actions they take drivestheir own fate into a direction that has already been mapped out. Generally speaking, Shakespeare created an idea of this unchangeable journey that one will take whether it be their will or not. He appropriately uses devices of characterization to clarify the perception of fate by the characters’’ actions, comments, other characters’ comments on them, and their thoughts.

Asher Period 1 -Macbeth Essay- JUSTINE TURRIETTA

The perception of fate perpetually knocks upon man’s door, and strives to take over life. Consequently, fate succeeds in manipulating an individual’s actions and words. This supremacy displays itself in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In Macbeth, Shakespeare utilizes the device of Lady Macbeth’s and Macbeth’s characterization to elucidate and drive man’s perception of fate forward. Through the characters’ actions, comments, reactions, comments made outside him/her, and personal thoughts, Shakespeare thrives in demonstrating Lady Macbeth’s and Macbeth’s perception of fate. The tool of characterization is what flourishes this insight to his readers.

Lady Macbeth’s characterization illuminates and displays her perception of fate assertively to her readers. In the play, Lady Macbeth is found lecturing and persuading Macbeth to murder King Duncan with vicious words and scathing questions concerning his masculinity. Her comments are very bitter and stinging to Macbeth in order to persuade him that King Duncan’s murder is for the better and not for the worse. In addition to her comments made in the play, her actions also speak for her perception. When Macbeth is unable to leave the daggers of the sleeping chamberlain in Duncan’s room, Lady Macbeths takes it upon herself to perform his deed. She is utterly disgusted by Macbeth’s cowardice and says that she would be embarrassed to be Macbeth at that moment. Lady Macbeth’s action stands forth amongst her characterization. In addition to these other devices, Lady Macbeth receives comments and observations from other characters in the play. For example, when Lady Macbeth has finished scolding Macbeth into killing King Duncan, Macbeth says to him that Lady Macbeth is like a man. He also believes that she will only bear boys and not girls. This demonstrates her assertiveness when it comes to her fate. Lady Macbeth characterization clarifies to the readers that she can achieve anything with a hard heart and willing hands to conquer her fate. Her characterization throughout the play drivers her insight forward unfortunately to its tragic end. Her ill believed view surreptitiously fails for the rest of the play in order to demonstrate her cruelty. Lady Macbeth’s characterization drives man’s awareness of fate forward in Macbeth.

Macbeth is another potent character in Shakespeare’s Macbeth to demonstrate fate through classification to his readers. Macbeth is initially strong and confident when it came to him achieving his desired fate. This is demonstrated in his monologue in Act I Scene VII of the play. In this scene, he comments to himself that he has second thoughts about killing King Duncan. His words were like loops, they traveled from one conclusion to another conclusion. His self doubt and his so called cowardice came about when he believed that by killing the King, this would result in injustice. In addition to his own comments to himself, his reactions demonstrate his taking on of fate. When Macbeth sent his servants to murder his own friend, Banquo, Macbeth was on the edge. This intensified even more when during his first dinner as King, he sees the ghost of his past friend Banquo. Macbeth immediately panics and yells at the ghost frantically to leave his sight. His reaction is so sudden and dramatic that Macbeth’s guests are confused and in awe of his strange behavior. Macbeth’s guilt and self doubt buries him when he sees the ghost. With Macbeth’s characterization, the audience is easily capable in elucidating his perception of fate. His fate consists in believing that he can achieve his future through willing hands and violence. Although he may believe this in the beginning, he later on realizes through his actions and comments that his philosophy is false and is crumbling due to his self-doubting and his wrong doing. Macbet h’s characterization throughout the play drives his perception forward repetitively through his own words and beliefs.

Shakespeare’s utilization of characterization proves to succeed when it comes to clarifying and driving man’s insight of fate forward in his play Macbeth. Without his elaborate characterization, it would be impossible for the readers to define Lady Macbeth’s and Macbeth’s belief of fate. His profound care to meticulous character detail helps the audience fully understand the characters. Shakespeare’s key to perception of fate comes from his proficiency in characterization.

Asher per. 2 Misanthrope Essay [Mei Chung]

Throughout The Misanthrope the focus of the play is on Alceste, his character's development, and his reactions in the face of conflict. He is quickly established as one of the most witty characters of the play, and yet his irrational devotion to Celimene, who is unfaithful to him, make that reader question the origins of his wit along with his rationale and lack thereof. This odd dynamic between Alceste's sharp words and conflicted actions causes the audience to find humor in his role, but this humor is not unrefined; because Alceste contradicts his apparent scorn and harsh words with his love for Celimene, the audience considers the humor of his appearances onstage with thoughtfulness, and does not value Alceste's witty remarks for surface worth alone.

When confronted with new and different scenarios Alceste seem to treat circumstances and people with a certain amount of default snappiness. When Oronte presents his sonnet to Alceste, Alceste and Philinte have a fast-paced side conversation in which Philinte praises the sonnet and Alceste responds with distaste. Alceste's responses are immediate and unrestrained and, often, true to the rhyme scheme set by Philinte's lines. This onstage interaction is funny and exhibits Alceste's quick, harsh thinking. However, though Alceste is adamant in his dislike of Oronte's overly emotional and superficial-sounding poem, Alceste himself later waxes poetic in his attempts to gain Celimene's exclusive favor in a way very reminiscent of Oronte's poem-emotionally and in an unsophisticated matter. This causes the harsh words Alceste used to address Oronte to become even more comical, but only after some thought; the humor of the situation is not meant to be regarded at face value alone, but meant to be both subtle and thought-provoking as the play continues.

The effect of this sophisticated sort of humor on the play and its audience is that both become more sophisticated- the shall or humor and comical characters of The Misanthrope are looked upon with more consideration, and the members of the audience, those of which who take the time and mental effort anyway, become enriched by dwelling on the play's hidden humors. This make The Misanthrope favorable to a more intelligent audience and in turn allows its author to distribute his underlying messages to a more refined audience- these messages in question include the satirical nature of the lawsuits in the play and the irrationality of love, which are better suited to more intelligent people

The laughter of the audience witnessing the words of Alceste and other characters onstage may be immediate, but the laughter that requires thought is meant to be savored and to leave a lasting impression. This is the intent of The Misanthrope and a goal accomplished quite effectively by the character Alceste.

Wylie Period 6 Team 8 Daphne Liu Misanthrope Essay

The Misanthrope Essay

Moliere’s comedy, The Misanthrope, details the courtship of Celimene by Alceste, who becomes the vehicle on which Moliere translates the message of “thoughtful laughter.” Alceste functions as Moliere’s channel through which he broadcasts the irony in Alcete’s behavior and criticisms. Because Alceste’s purpose reaches beyond simply being a misunderstood protagonist, Alceste simultaneously acts as a representation of the time period’s oftentimes ridiculous popular modes of thought and a misanthropic judge of France’s legal disarray, Moliere effectively parodies France’s legal system during the Enlightenment period and commonly associated French aristocratic society. By way of introducing a symbol of the disparity between society and individuals, Moliere incorporates the legal court system in The Misanthrope not only as a method of continuing the comedic storyline, but also to demonstrate Alceste’s physical and mental detachment from society as a product of his characteristic immobile mores.

By venturing beyond characterizing aloof and critical Alceste as a misanthrope who unwittingly becomes a reflection of all things he spurns, Moliere is able to transform his comedy into a loose mockery of the laughable French legal system. Alceste awakens thoughtful laughter because of how there are two layers to Moliere’s parody of a faulty legal system. First is the situational irony behind Alceste’s criticism of an unsuccessful legal system and how he subsequently becomes the victim of legal disagreements and petty fights. As a motif for Alceste’s involvement in not one, but two lawsuits — one with Oronte and the other that is tightly kept under wraps and about which the reader knows nothing of except for a few details.

The Misanthrope directly mocks and scorns a bygone French era by replicating a similarly disjointed society and drawing parallels between a passé French society and one in which Alceste demonstrates thoughtful laughter by creating humor in the play with his unrealistic expectations of society and rigid morals. Alceste’s key defining personality of having strong standards of honesty and being cynical is ironic and laughable because of how Moliere primarily uses Alceste as a satirical device. Moliere underlines that Alceste’s stringent ethical code absolutely cannot withstand the pressures of the society he clearly loathes and satirizes. By allowing a glance into a thoroughly derided period through the lens of lawsuits and a fragmented legal system, Moliere accurately captures the power struggle amongst the nobility by showing them humorously spouting nonsense while trying to justify their unlawful actions. What remains after the laughter that is drawn out by Alceste’s ironic and idealistic perceptions of society, despite sorely apparent problematic hypocrisies of French aristocratic society, is the reflection of The Misanthrope’s underlying symbolism.

In displaying France’s old legal system as a failed attempt at shortening society’s distances, Moliere illustrates the colorful history behind what exactly it is that evokes thoughtful humor. The convenient convention of lawsuits play an integral role in Moliere’s secondary message of describing why Alceste vehemently despises society and moreover, mankind and that commonly abused lawsuits were at the root of France’s legal trouble and headaches during the Enlightenment. Furthermore, Moliere questions the truth in human interactions and the unbalanced nature of lawsuits by showing how everyone is in a legal battle for their own greed while simultaneously pleasing other by conforming to what was decreed socially acceptable.

Misanthrope Essay-Nicole Lussier P1 Wylie

"The Misanthrope" by Moliere elicits thoughtful laughter through Alceste, a brutally honest suitor of Celimene, a very flirtatious woman. Through Alceste's actions the reader is able to thoroughly understand the irony of the nouveau riche society in which these characters inhabit. This is achieved particularly through Alceste's relationships with Celimene and Oronte.

Alceste's intense and unwavering attraction towards Celimene throughout the work is a display of true irony. Alceste constantly expresses his desire to always be truthful no matter the brutality or harsh nature of his words. Celimene, the object of his affection, seems never to be honest or forthcoming. She is flirtatious with other men with whom it is later revealed she has romantic relationships with. Even after her infidelities have been unmasked to all Alceste still has a strong desire to remain with her and even considers marrying her. One can see the absolute humor in their relationship. Alceste's life philosophy and intimate principles in the end amount to very little.

Through Alceste's relationship with Oront, another one of Celimene's suitors, the reader witnesses the irony Moliere strives to communicate. In one scene, Oronte presents a sonnett authored by him to Alceste requesting critique. When Alceste shares his disdain and ultimate disgust for it, Oronte is filled with anger. So much so in fact that he files a lawsuit against Alceste and is prepared to pursue strong litigation. While the reader may find this humorous Moliere has achieved his goal of accurately portraying society. He displays the shallow nature of humankind in pursuing and wasting one's self over trivial matters.

Overall, the absolute irony and ridicule of society is awakened through Moliere's employment of thoughtful laughter. Through this toll one can witness society's weak grip on reality and its fleeting stance on the truth.

Macbeth Essay - Christina Yang

Christina Yang

Period 2

Macbeth Essay

In Macbeth, Shakespeare demonstrates that one's perception of fate affects his actions through the use of the character's reactions, actions, and thoughts.

The main character Macbeth reveals his emotions that later affect the actions in the play through his reactions to various events. When he and Banquo first encounter the witches, they are informed of their future. Macbeth is dubious of the credibility of the witches at first; however, his perceptions of them immediately change when Ross and Angus announce that he has become the thane of Cawdor. Macbeth then states,“two truths are told, as happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme” (40). His reactions show that his perception of his own fate has begun to change. In reality, only one truth is told, because he has only become the thane of Cawdor. The statement shows his ambition and excitement to be crowned in the near future, which certainly drives the action forward. Later in the play, the main character reunites with his wife, who plans to murder King Duncan. Macbeth does not object to the crime he is about to commit, yet he does not agree with it. His reaction to Lady Macbeth further moves the plot along.

Macbeth’s actions also allow him to believe that he will become the king. In Act II, he stabs Duncan to death. By committing such a crime, he has made himself the successor of the throne. His own actions ultimately contribute to his downfall, and drive the action forward. Furthermore, he kills the two servants of Duncan as well. He reasons that no man“can be wise, amazed, temp’rate and furious, loyal and neutral, in a moment”(94). With the deaths of the servants, his ambition and sins are almost hidden. Macbeth now perceives himself as the new king. However, one character still holds the power to possibly accuse him as the murderer and expose his evil actions to the public.

Ultimately, the main character’s thoughts compel him to perceive his fate differently, which contributes to his downfall. After Macbeth has become the king, his characteristics change drastically; he is much more absolute, irritable, and arrogant. He does not desire to be defeated by anyone. Later in the play, he desires to “cancel and tear to pieces that great bond” (126). Macbeth thinks about his plan, but does not inform Lady Macbeth of it. After Banquo is murdered, he becomes somewhat delusional and fearful of the spirits of his victims. His houghts that his former companion must be killed eventually cause his death. Macbeth’s own perceptions of fate and thoughts greatly influence his actions and drive the play to its tragic end.

In the play Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the main character’s reactions, actions, and thoughts to demonstrate that one’s perception of fate affects his actions. Macbeth is first influenced by the witches’ prophecy. Then, he begins perceiving himself as the king. To accomplish his vision of himself, he commits many murders, which cause him to feel irritable. Ultimately, he believes that he should not be defeated and kills Banquo. He falls from the social hierarchy due to his own perception of his fate. His ambition eventually causes him to drive the action forward and conclude the play on a tragic note.

~Asher Period 1: Macbeth Essay!~

Ruhi Sharma
Period 1, Team 8 :]

Macbeth Timed Essay

Man is undoubtedly and by-instinct a prisoner of his fate. Exemplified in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, each character is given a distinct fate, directly proportional to their actions and the thoughts of others. These actions and thoughts specifically serve to catalyze and highlight the actor’s self-determined destiny. Macbeth for instance, had no one- but himself, to blame for his inevitable fate – the most brutal and tragic death. Because of his easily influenced demeanor, Macbeth became susceptible towards doing deeds based on the encouragement and force of other, such as Lady Macbeth. Because of his tragic flaw – his desire to gain constant power and notary, Macbeth seals his fate as the king who was never meant to hold true power.

From the play’s beginning, Macbeth was seen to become easily overpowered by his own actions, instilled into him by his own wife, Lady Macbeth. Wanting her husband to become the King of Scotland and earn notoriety, Lady Macbeth slowly yet steadily wound her way into his head, and convinced to commit heinous deeds. On behalf of his wife, Macbeth murders the King Duncan as well as the King’s two guards. Were Macbeth not as gullible, his strive to be king would not have taken such a murderous turn. By this action which was, in all fairness, Lady Macbeth’s doing, Macbeth unleashes the so-called tickling time-bomb, thusly severely endangering his life. After the initial murder of the King Duncan, Macbeth receives instantaneous pangs of guilt – a guilt that urges his wife to respond, declaring that such deeds “must not be thought after these ways; so, it will make us mad.” Not only does Lady Macbeth seem unremorseful for the deed she made her husband commit, but her desire and need of power and authority can be seen vicariously through Macbeth’s power. Power-hungry and filled with greed, Macbeth further seals his own fate by pursuing his once loyal friend, and confidant, Banquo. Because of his fear of Banquo’s claim to the throne of Scotland, Macbeth enters a state of paranoia, even well after Banquo’s murder, claiming to have seen his ghost at one of the dinner parties he hosted. Macbeth’s naivety and sudden thirst for power and wealth rapidly spurred his eventual, yet inevitable downfall.

Furthermore, throughout the majority of the play, Lady Macbeth was seen as Macbeth’s fuel for power. She directed her husband and provoked and coaxed him into committing heinous deeds. Aside from Macbeth’s actions which drastically controlled his fate, Lady Macbeth’s secret thoughts of him helped establish a sense of her ambitious demeanor, which then proved infallible when speaking to Macbeth. Upon reading the letter sent from her husband, Lady Macbeth was overjoyed at Macbeth’s title as Thane of Cawdor. She was aware of his true nature, of what it used to be before she influenced him, and that ‘it is too full o’th’ milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.” Lady Macbeth, although deeply devoted to her husband, knew that he would never be capable of performing any of the tasks she wished him to perform. Lady Macbeth wanted her husband to perform all that she wanted and all that which she was unable to do herself, on account of being a woman. Macbeth served as the pawn in his wife’s game to gain power.

Ultimately, Macbeth’s own choices and actions led him to choose his own fate of pre destined, yet tragic death. Macbeth was afraid to step out of his own shadow, which then easily promoted others around him, such as his very own wife, Lady Macbeth, to take over his mind and control his actions. His gullible and apprehensive character thoroughly catalyzed Lady Macbeth’s strive for power, which fueled the action of this plot. Macbeth’s pre determined fate was sparked by none other than his devoted wife, Lady Macbeth.