Thursday, January 26, 2012

Macbeth

MacbethMacbeth – William Shakespeare
Evan’s ESS = 7 out of 10
Erin’s ESS =  out of 10
Content = PG (Adult Content, Violence, High Death Counts, Hand Washing)

“By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes.”


Why:  Macbeth or MacLOONY?   Both Macbeth and his wife were certified nut-jobs.  Fortunately, nut-jobs often make the most interesting characters to read about....

The play really gets going when a group of three witches make a Trelawney-like prophecy regarding the fate of the main character (our people are currently searching the hall of prophecies for the original).  When Macbeth hears of his fate, several events are set in motion; all that will leave blood on the hands of the two main characters – literally and figuratively.  Like Lord Voldemort, Macbeth’s downfall comes through a whole lot of misplaced ambition and a simple misinterpretation of the prophecy. 

Okay, so that was probably the worst summary of Macbeth ever.  Ever.  Still, we’ve read, listened to, and watched more Shakespeare in the past weeks than we ever dreamed, and our mental state is very delicate right now.  Actually, Macbeth was another solid play.  The characters were once again superb and we still can’t get over the image of Lady Macbeth trying to scrub all the blood from her hands.  The Three Witches were also excellent and their presence at the beginning of the play really set the tone for all the chaos that followed.       

This play was a bit disturbing at times and similar to Othello in that it showed what a few misplaced ideas can do to a person.  The killing authorized and carried out on MacBeth’s behalf was horrible and made it hard not to do a little old fashion reveling in his demise.  We’re not suggesting any kind of choreographed number here, but maybe a well timed jig or a quick Discount Double Check.  Anywho, Macbeth didn’t make our top three, but was still a worthwhile play that we’d love to see performed on stage.      

Oh, and don’t forget to head on over to A Literary Odyssey for all your January Shakespeare needs!

Editor’s Note:  Yes, we did make several Harry Potter references in our review of Shakespeare.  Don’t hate us cus’ we’re play’azzz!!!

Editor Editor’s Note:  Sorry, the above was a very lame attempt to relate to a younger demographic.  We promise to keep these types of thoughts to ourselves in the future.

6 comments:

  1. Loved your review, nothing wrong with a few Harry Potter references, I can never get enough Harry Potter! I am getting ready to read this one soon. I am looking forward to it.

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  2. Macbeth is my absolute favourite! Probably... but basically because of Lady Macbeth, cause she rules until she goes all crazy and stuff. Sad times.

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  3. I loved your Harry Potter references too. The Macbeth's were indeed nut jobs and everyone loves a nut job in a good story (I do anyway).

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  4. I dislike Macbeth only slightly less than Hamlet. I've always preferred Shakespeare's comedies (although Richard III was kind of good, mainly because of Queen Anne).

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  5. No choreography?! Don't you think Lady Macbeth deserves it?! ;-)

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  6. I'm reading this one today! I just finished Othello and found it dark and riveting. I think I prefer Shakespeare's tragedies to his comedies, though Act 5 of A Midsummer Night's Dream did have me chuckling! :D

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