Macbeth Essay (Ben Lee, P2 Asher)

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth’s innate character leads him to his own demise. However, the way in which he chooses to have his character manipulated is what accelerates him to his ultimate fate. Because Macbeth relies on three witches for the interpretation and foreknowledge of his fate, the reader can see the character that Macbeth truly plays – one that realizes fate yet interferes with the natural path of it by intervening himself. Because Macbeth does not know the actual track of how is fate will occur, his actions are tragically affected in such a way that brings about his own death. Shakespeare purposefully utilizes characterization in many different methods to reveal the process of Macbeth realizing his fate and instinctively acting to take control of it to drive the plot forward.

Macbeth is most visibly characterized through his words which reveal his inner thoughts and perceptions. They not only exemplify curiosity in dealing with his fate that was recited to him by the witches, but also a growing desire to be the absolute controller of his fate and become the King of Scotland at his time. With the knowledge of his prophecy and the assistance of his Lady Macbeth, Macbeth’s dialogue with his wife shows how his future actions and current thoughts are affected: “That is, if the deed were really done, if that were the end of it, the quicker it is done the better.”Shakespeare continuously shows the reader Macbeth’s true and rapidly developing character – a character whose actions are absolutely consumed by the obsession over the witches’ prophecies. Every moment that Macbeth exists to the reader’s eye, his every action seems to be revolving around the thoughts of first being King of Scotland, having his throne taken over by Malcom, and all of the events that the witches had told Macbeth. It is only through his perception of his fate that he kills King Duncan as well as Malcom and Banquo – without this kind of perception of fate that he had regarding his prophecy, Macbeth would have probably acted very differently.

Macbeth is also clearly characterized by the actual actions he commits which prove the control that his perception of his fate has on his whole being. His first action which becomes the catalyst to all proceeding actions is his decision to murder King Duncan. Upon receiving his prophecy, Macbeth was consumed by the obsessive idea that he would one day be king – thus, his instincts acted upon his actions and led him kill the king in order to bring about his supposed fate to become king. Once Macbeth is in this position, the perception of the fate that he had locks him into his actions that occur for the rest of the play. He indeed kills many more people, including Banquo and Macduff’s family. His actions thus show Macbeth’s terrifying character. It is one that has revolved around only a single prophecy.

Macbeth is revealed through his words and actions – in essence, his single experience with perceiving the first news of his fate that he would become the king of Scotland drives the whole play. Had he perceived his fate differently – perhaps in a skeptical matter – Macbeth’s actions would not have been so influenced by what he heard. The characterization of Macbeth that occurs all throughout the play show precisely the thoughts and effects that this perception had on him – ultimately, it led to his own death.

Amber Austin's Misanthrope Essay

This Misantrope In-Class Essay
In The Misanthrope by Moliere many different elements and characteristics of society and relationships are explored. This not-so-modern French play unveils many issues in today’s society. The work as a whole touches on universal issues of many relationships or societies; like jealousy, lack of communication or double standards.
In this instance, the relationship between Celimene and Alceste contributes to the thoughtful laughter of this play. As individual characters, Celimene is a woman of independence and she often in portrayed and reminded as the woman with many suitors. Alceste on the other hand, doesn’t appreciate all of her suitors and tries to make them go away. This creates a gridlock in their relationship. In modern day relationships this happens often, one not knowing the extent or just not wanting to go further in the relationship. This can also happen in parental relationships when a child doesn’t agree with the parent. In this case, there’s a gridlock. Alceste’s jealousy of her many suitors created a gridlock in their relationship.
Just like today, that could have been avoided if it ha not been for their lack of communication. In the beginning it wasn’t mentioned much that Celimene had many suitors, but throughout the play it was mentioned more and more. So it must be an important characteristic. Today, like in many relationships in Misanthrope there are relationships due to lack of communication; like Celimene and her other suitors or Alceste and the people involved in his court case. The irony in this situation is the problems in Moliere’s fictional creation many years ago are still persistent in today’s society.
Lastly, Misanthrope’s thoughtful laughter evokes a realization of a double standard within this play. Starting with Celimene’s problem with many suitors – it is thought as a disgraceful characteristic in many societies to have multiple suitors. However in many societies men have multiple wives and even multiple children from many different women; that wouldn’t be accepted in certain societies. Women could be killed, but not even in most, multiple love interests are societal looked down upon.
Like in many societies, Misanthrope touches on and mentions double standards, lack of communication, and jealousy. There are thoughtful laughter points that Moliere creates. Many of these are ironically issues of today’s societies, from an not-so-modern point of view.

Asher Period 2 Team 6 Alex Park

If ignorance is bliss, than knowledge is despair. In Macbeth’s case, the foresight he is given proves to be his bane, as he paradoxically, tries to make the visions come true, only to lead to his downfall. However, what makes Macbeth a memorable play is how Shakespeare depicts Macbeth’s descent through what we hear from other characters and even the mind of the King of Scotland

Courageous is what subordinates describe Macbeth. In the battle against the rebels, he sergeant refers to his general as “brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name” and says that he was fighting “as cannons overcharged with double cracks”. Shakespeare builds up Macbeth as a noble and brave warrior, reminiscent of the Anglo-Saxon heroes such as Beowulf who is not only a very capable warrior on the battlefield but provides inspiration and leadership among his troops. Even the king of Scotland praises Macbeth for his ferocity and nobility in battle and character in that he says Macbeth “is a peerless kinsman”, that he there is no Scot who is more honorable than Macbeth. With this description, the audience is led to think of Macbeth as a selfless and virtuous general. Shakespeare builds up the audience’s impression because they as they say, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall”.

The three witches address Macbeth as the thane of Glamis, which he currently is, but goes on says calls him the thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Initially, he is baffled of the titles and disregards them as until the thane of Ross arrives and informs him that he has been given the title, thane of Cawdor after his valiant actions in battle. He accepts the prophecies as true but wonders how he will gain the throne. He is unsure of whether or not he should take action as he believes that, “if chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me”, meaning that he should not have to do anything. But when Duncan names his son as heir, Macbeth begins to plot against Duncan and when the King announces his stay at Macbeth’s castle, Macbeth jumps at the opportunity to assassinate Duncan, giving up the morals he believes in to ensure he inherits what he was promised.

When Lady Macbeth first hears about the prophecy and the fact that Duncan is staying over, she says that Macbeth does not have the will to do what needs to be done to fulfill his ambitions. Shakespeare also portrays Macbeth’s reluctance to assassinate Duncan as he weighs both sides and wonders if he should do what he planned. Shakespeare gives the protagonist the opportunity to either stop his plan or to continue along with what he conspired. By choosing to go ahead with the murder, Macbeth seals his own fate, along with guaranteeing Macbeth’s doom.

One of the first things Macbeth does as king is to eliminate his confidante, Banquo, and Banquo’s son, Fleance. He orders three hit men to secure the throne for himself and when they fail, he becomes unstable and paranoid of his demise. He continues to consult the witches although his arrogance prevents him from recognizing the threats and attempting to keep his kingdom under control.

There were many in his ranks, such as Lennox, who were disloyal and criticize Macbeth’s actions and excuses he used to take power. We also know from Malcolm, who is exiled in England that Macbeth is not a benevolent ruler but a mad king more concerned with keeping the power he has. Because he has given up in the values that he cherished, many are discontent with his rule. While his country is falling apart, he does nothing but to hold on to as much of the power he can. The great general that he once was in the beginning of the play is greatly contrasted with the feeble king, attempting to save whatever he can.

Macbeth is given a prophecy and he chooses to zealously fulfill it himself. The harder he tries to become king, the deeper he gets in to his own ambition, willing to sacrifice everything to become king. Through the various vantage points Shakespeare offers in this play, the audience gains a unique perspective in to what knowledge can do to an ambitious man.

Misanthrope Essay Wyl.p6 Trent K

In the satirical play Misanthrope written by Moliere, the characters and their actions within the plot reveal the insecurities of humankind. Taking from the scenes of Arsinoe and Celimene, the reader is exposed to the underlying themes of human mockery, jealousy, and love that unexpectedly provoke thoughtful laughter. With the two women, it seems as though the natural tendencies of humans are trivial and unintelligent, developing a connection with the reader.

As Arisone concludes that Alceste love Celimene, the author reveals the insecurities of almost all men and women. The jealously between the two women seems to captivate the reader's attention, while the scene incites a childish laugh. the mockery of human nature sparks the initial humor due to its reference to the possessiveness of women. Within his simple play, Moliere is able to captivate the reader and maintain the purpose of mocking the natural proclivities of man and woman. The simplistic situation would seem complete; however, with further analysis the author intends more.

Instead of creating a play of jest, one might argue that Moliere focused on the consumptive tenacity of the characters. Almost wasting her energy and time, Arsione relentlessly pursues Alceste knowing that he love Celimene. Paralleled to the idea of "we want what we cannot have," the author has yet again shown the weakness of mankind. In this secondary level of analysis, the reader can begin to grasp the purpose of comedy within the play. Arising from the satire of human nature, the perceived laughter further develops as the reader fully comprehends Molieres' intentions. Seemingly using a cause-and-effect relationship, the author builds this thought-provoking laughter while maintaining an understandable mockery of Arisones' tendencies.

In the final analysis of this scene, the reader may find that the affection within Misanthrope is a simple love triangle. With Alceste enamored with Celine, and Arsinoe infatuated with Alceste, the inclination for complications of love strengthens the author's argument. The consequences of love always develops tension and distaste; however, within this piece of literature, Moliere is able to complete the scene with a singular belief. the reader undoubtedly comprehends the uselessness of trivial love. With the final impression upon the reader, Moliere creates and in-dept mockery of human love while instigating thoughtful laughter within his audience

By touching upon jealousy, human nature, and love, Moliere has written a provoking piece sparking thoughtful laughter. As shown in the conversation between Arsione and Celimene, simple satire can lead to humor through its respectability to the tendencies of the audience.

Misanthrope Essay--Jennifer Suh (Wylie, Period 6)

In The Misanthrope by Moliere, thoughtful laughter is evoked through the ironies that the main character, Alceste, experiences. Irony and thoughtful laughter are similar because they both create a comedic tone and urges the readers to think upon the situation. In various parts in The Misanthrope, Alceste displays irony, creating thoughtful laughter. This is seen when he falls in love with Celimene, and when he mocks French society and human nature.

At the beginning of the play, Alceste rants about all the flaws that he sees in French society and human nature. Right away, it is clear that Alceste strongly abides by ethics and doesn’t tolerate lies and insincerity, evident in society. Here, the reader questions the way he/she lives because as unfavorable as it is, today’s modern world isn’t far off from what Alceste criticizes about French society back then. In this way, Alceste’s thoughts and criticisms inspire thought in the reader. The irony is seen when the reader learns that Alceste is a member of French society as well as the French aristocracy. Alceste is essentially criticizing himself, and this evokes laughter because it is blatantly ironic--Alceste himself is a part of the group that he despises.

Another instance where Alceste’s ironic situation creates thoughtful laughter is when he falls in love with Celimene. Celimene is a woman who loves to gossip and possesses all of the qualities that Alceste despises about human nature and French society. Yet, although Alceste bashes and criticizes human nature and French society, and is a man of good morals, he finds himself deeply affectionate of her. The irony is clear in this situation. Alceste and Celimene symbolize two different lifestyles and opinions and create an ironic and comical relationship. Laughter is also evoked because Alceste is in love with someone who he, in theory, should hate. However, he cannot fight against what his heart desires. Alceste’s love for Celimene is present all through The Misanthrope, creating thoughtful laughter throughout the play.

Alceste, as he is put in very ironic situations, encourages the reader to think upon the real meaning of the play. As the reader understands the ironies, he/she understands the deeper meanings of the story and finds that The Misanthrope is a rather comedic play. Thoughtful laughter is evoked when the reader understands the irony behind Alceste being a member of the French aristocracy and him falling in love with Celimene. Moliere’s use of irony in his play creates distinct laughter throughout his work.

Macbeth Essay

Tom Allen
Period 2

Macbeth Essay

In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, the main character, Macbeth is often shown
his fate ahead of time, which affects his course of action throughout the
play. However, what makes this show is how, Shakespeare characterizes him
to be. As the three witches give Macbeth his fate, he perceives it as an
opportunity and a sense of security, which leads to his rise and his fall.

In the beginning of the pay, Macbeth has been characterized as an
opportunist, especially after being confronted by his wife on the matters
of assassinating King Duncan. Though at first he is shown to be a weak
character, the three witches presented Macbeth with the golden idea to
become king after they correctly predicted that he would become the thane
of Cawdor. What he had perceived out of that revealing of faith was that
what they were saying were true and he could not really get out of it.
Though at first he hesitates to turn the knife on his own king. However,
this presents Shakespeare a time to show the true nature of Macbeth’s wife
who is much more ambitious than Macbeth and he eventually assassinates
Duncan, taking the opportunity that fate had provided him. This perception
that Macbeth had causes his great rise to become the next king of Scotland.

The next major prediction that the witches came out with shows how much
Macbeth values security. He had already become a tyrannical ruler, because
he is an ineffective leader of the country. He would take no chances and
tries to assassinate Macduff because the witches predicted that he would
cause Macbeth’s downfall. Also, what gave him a false sense of security was
that they predicted no man born from a woman could kill him. This is
seemingly impossible which makes Macbeth become more tyrannical because he
now believed that he was invincible. This, however, led to his downfall in
the end. He only made Macduff want to kill him more who turned out to be
born form a corpse and make even more enemies. Ultimately, Macbeth was
slain by Macduff.

In the play Macbeth, Shakespeare shows how one man’s perception in fate
could lead to his actions later. In this case, it only led to a mighty
fall. Macbeth could not stray from his fate and his attempts to selectively
choose to act accordingly for himself only led him on the right track for
his predicted downfall by the three witches.

The Misanthrope

Kyeong Min

The Misanthrope

Humor, one of the best methods criticizes a figure or more. The Misanthrope by Moliere perfectly exemplifies the definition of humor or also known as the “thoughtful laughter” through a character named Alceste. Throughout the distinctive Alceste’s characterizations, many qualities of “thoughtful laughter” seem to emerge out through the story.

When Alceste meets with a man named Oronte, Alceste wanted him to prove that he was worthy being a friend of his. Therefore, Oronte tried to prove that he was a noble man who could be Alceste’s friend and finally read off his sonnet. While Oronte reading through his sonnet, Alceste couldn’t bear with Oronte’s dreadful sonnet. Knowing that Alceste would criticize the sonnet, Alceste’s friend, Philinte steps up and compliments Oronte’s sonnet. Alceste getting annoyed by all the false praises and horrible sonnet, he finally criticizes both men. Brutal critique left Oronte a deep scar in the heart who himself sweared to himself that he would never forgive Alceste. The character flaws take over the situation and rouse some “thoughtful hope,” as this trait continues to become more common in the scene.

He loathes most other characters, for he feels he is their moral superior. This stretches from his hatred for hypocrites, whom he views with venerable eyes, for surely he would never correlate with such feckless individuals. However, his lover interest is the execution to everything. The strongest association of all, Celimene, a massive hypocrite in her own right, despite the words, she is immoral and associates herself with many men. Alceste's attraction to her effectively makes a hypocrite out of him.