The Gentlemen of the Jungle by Jomo Kenyatta begins during a storm. A man is resting in his hut when an elephant comes and asks to enter his home for protection from the storm. The elephant then proceeds to kick the man out of his house completely. The elephant then proceeds to not return the hut and claim it for his own. The man and elephant go to jungle court. The elephant claims that the man asked his to hold down his hut in order to stop it from flying away. The commission of enquiry is completely biased and decides that the man should find a new home. Unfortunately every time he builds a new home another beast of the jungle takes it. So eventually the man gets fed up with the situation and builds the nicest home he possibly can. After all the animals settle in it and are arguing over who the rightful owner of the house is, he lights it on fire, burning all of the animals to death.
Protagonist - The protagonist of the story is the man. The struggle he is presented with is the unfairness of the jungle commission. The antagonist is the elephant but eventually becomes all of the animals.
Motivation - The main characters motivation is simply get his home back and if at all possible regain a nice friendship with the creatures of the jungle. He eventually reaches his goal through methods of brutality.
Surprise Ending – This story has a surprise ending because through out the whole story the man is very relaxed and seems to only seek peace and tranquility. But at the end all of that is forgotten as he murders his previous companions. The unexpectedness of the action was insurmountable.
Rising Action – The events of the story leading to the climax are as follows. The man’s house is stolen. It is seen as fair that his house is stolen. Ever house he makes afterwards is also taken from him. Finally the man snaps and destroys each of the animals by fire.
Setting – The story takes place in the African jungle, in a place where animals and the human live in close proximity. It is important because there is a jungle theme through out the story.
In the story Before The Law by Franz Kafka, a man from the country seeks the law and wishes to gain entry to the law through a doorway. The doorkeeper tells the man that he cannot go through at the present time. The man asks if he can ever go through, and the doorkeeper says that is possible. The man waits by the door for years, bribing the doorkeeper with everything he has. The doorkeeper accepts the bribes, but tells the man that he accepts them "so you won't think you've neglected something." The man waits at the door until he is about to die. Right before his death, he asks the doorkeeper why even though everyone seeks the law, no one else has come in all the years. The doorkeeper answers "No one else could gain admittance here, because this entrance was meant solely for you. I am now going to shut it."
Metaphor – The entire story is somewhat unclear but it could be possibly interpreted as a metaphor for life, with a very existential viewpoint. The door is life and the guard is whatever is stopping this man from going through it.
Surprise Ending – When one goes into the story not knowing it’s existential nature, the ending can be surprising. The whole story involves him waiting to go through the door and he never makes it through. A vaguely surprising ending indeed.
Theme – The theme is existentialism and life not mattering at all. That everything you do and don’t do will have a reaction, but none of it will matter. And in an other sense that you have to let foolish things not stand in your way, other wise everything will be wasted.
Rising Action – The story’s events begin with the man arriving at the Law and proceeding to wait there for his entire life. Until right before his death he hears the door keeper say "No one else could gain admittance here, because this entrance was meant solely for you. I am now going to shut it." Then things may become clear to him.
Dialogue – The fact that dialogue occurs so infrequently through out the story seems to create a feeling of there being a long silence over the many years he waits there. The silence adds to the mood and makes the story stronger.
In the story A Gray Moon a man is riding the bus. There is a boy present on the public transit but he it not well. He appears either homeless or drunk but is actually neither. The other passengers are no help as they make fun of him. After several depressing interactions with the people of the bus he is informed that he is going in a complete circle. His reply is “It makes no difference.” At the end of the story the reader is informed that the whole incident took place on October 16 1945, right after World War II.
Surprising ending – At the end of the story it is revealed that the whole occurrence was right after World War II. This big reveal shows that the gloomy hopelessness of the boy is probably because of the war and he most likely lost ever thing in it.
Point of View – The story is told through first person and the person is an on-looker to the situation. It adds to the story because it was to be told through the mind of the boy then it would be completely different and significantly worse.
Rising Action – As the story begins the reader knows nothing. As it is told one figures out more and more of the tragic tale of the grief stricken boy. Finally at the end it is revealed way he is so dismal.
Theme - The theme is one of sadness, hopelessness and despair. It is told the words that are spoken by the boy. There is absolutely no hope in them at all.
Symbol – The bus could be interpreted as a symbol. The boy is told that that he has been going in a circle and has completely missed his destination. The boy replies with “It makes no difference.” The bus could be his derailed life and how nothing seems to matter any more now that he has suffered the consequences of the war.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Earnest
“What you really are is a Bunburyist. I was quite right in saying you were a Bunburyist. You are one of the most advanced Bunburyists I know.
Jack: What on earth do you mean?
Algernon: You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose. Bunbury is perfectly invaluable. If it wasn’t for Bunbury’s extraordinary bad health, for instance, I wouldn’t be able to dine with you at Willis’s to night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123)
This passage from The Importance Of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is when Algernon first informs Jack of the ways of the Bunburyist and how even with out knowing, he already is one. The author’s purpose in this passage is to create humor. It is achieved through repetition, farce and absurdity.
Through this entire this passage repetition is used to create humor. “What you really are is a Bunburyist. I was quite right in saying you were a Bunburyist. You are one of the most advanced Bunburyists I know.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123). The word Bunburyist is used extremely often through out this passage. It’s humorous because when a word is repeated a certain amount times, it simply begins to become funny. It also helps the case that “Bunburyist” is a made up word that sounds comical already.
In this passage traces of farce can be seen through out as an undertone. “You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury… I wouldn’t be able to dine with you at Willis’s to night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123). In this passage it is revealed that both Jack and Algernon have other identities that they assume whenever they please. Algernon uses a fictional character, Bunbury, as an excuse to do as he pleases. Jack uses his fictional identity in order to come to town as he wishes. This is farcical because it is ridiculous and deals with false identities. It is humorous because of how ludicrous it is and it is simply amusing.
This passage demonstrates the pure absurdity that can be seen through The Importance Of Being Earnest. “You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123) The notion that two grown men have invented fictional characters to childishly get what they want is absurd. The notion that these two men happen to be best friends continues to elevate the absurdity. The irrationality of this is humorous for the audience because it is funny to imagine this actually happening and to hear Jack and Algernon converse about it so peculiarly.
This passage from The Importance Of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde demonstrates humor through the repetition of the word “Bunburyist”, Through the farcical nature of the conversation and also through the pure absurdity of the Bunburyist subject matter. The humor is executed quite well.
Jack: What on earth do you mean?
Algernon: You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose. Bunbury is perfectly invaluable. If it wasn’t for Bunbury’s extraordinary bad health, for instance, I wouldn’t be able to dine with you at Willis’s to night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123)
This passage from The Importance Of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is when Algernon first informs Jack of the ways of the Bunburyist and how even with out knowing, he already is one. The author’s purpose in this passage is to create humor. It is achieved through repetition, farce and absurdity.
Through this entire this passage repetition is used to create humor. “What you really are is a Bunburyist. I was quite right in saying you were a Bunburyist. You are one of the most advanced Bunburyists I know.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123). The word Bunburyist is used extremely often through out this passage. It’s humorous because when a word is repeated a certain amount times, it simply begins to become funny. It also helps the case that “Bunburyist” is a made up word that sounds comical already.
In this passage traces of farce can be seen through out as an undertone. “You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury… I wouldn’t be able to dine with you at Willis’s to night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123). In this passage it is revealed that both Jack and Algernon have other identities that they assume whenever they please. Algernon uses a fictional character, Bunbury, as an excuse to do as he pleases. Jack uses his fictional identity in order to come to town as he wishes. This is farcical because it is ridiculous and deals with false identities. It is humorous because of how ludicrous it is and it is simply amusing.
This passage demonstrates the pure absurdity that can be seen through The Importance Of Being Earnest. “You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose.” (Wilde, Oscar, The Importance Of Being Earnest 123) The notion that two grown men have invented fictional characters to childishly get what they want is absurd. The notion that these two men happen to be best friends continues to elevate the absurdity. The irrationality of this is humorous for the audience because it is funny to imagine this actually happening and to hear Jack and Algernon converse about it so peculiarly.
This passage from The Importance Of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde demonstrates humor through the repetition of the word “Bunburyist”, Through the farcical nature of the conversation and also through the pure absurdity of the Bunburyist subject matter. The humor is executed quite well.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Atsumori
Alex O’Brien
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB, Hr 5
5 May 2009
“Young Reaper:
Unlocked for from men of our condition, you say!
Have you not read:
"Do not envy what is above you
Nor despise what is below you"?
Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen,
Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers
Through poets' verses are known to all the world.
Wonder not to hear among us
The sound of a bamboo-flute.
Preist: You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.”
This passage comes from the play Atsumori by Seami Motokiyo. It shows a part of a conversation between the Young Reaper and the Priest. The reaper passes on important information to the priest. In this passage Motokiyo’s purpose is to convey the value of equality among men. If the priest were to not let any of the circumstances cloud his judgment about the day he killed Atsumori, he would have been able to move on much faster. The Buddhist themes help prove that through Buddhism even great enemies can achieve peace. The author’s purpose is achieved through use of imagery, quotation & dialogue and symbolism.
In this passage quotation is used to help support the purpose. "Do not envy what is above you Nor despise what is below you"? (Motokiyo, Atsumori 52 – 54) The Reaper here quotes a seemingly Buddhist value, one that if he were to accept would help him come to peace. By the end of the story Rensei does come to terms with it and it helps guide him to enlightenment in the situation. “You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 61) Here Motokiyo has Rensei agree with the stated value only to further stress its importance.
In this passage symbolism is seen frequently. “Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen, Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 55 – 57) Motokiyo here talks of many men, all engaging in the act of making music with the flute. These flautists are all different but they are equal; thus further enforcing the main point of the passage.
In this passage imagery is also used frequently. “woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen, Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 55 – 57) Motokiyo uses the imagery of the different beings playing the flute to creatively prove that that men are equal.
In this passage from Atsumori, Seami Motokiyo uses imagery, quotation & dialogue and symbolism to prove his purpose. The purpose being that all men are equal which supports Buddhist culture which the supports the true purpose of the play; to prove that with the guidance of Buddhism even the worst of enemies can over come their struggles.
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB, Hr 5
5 May 2009
“Young Reaper:
Unlocked for from men of our condition, you say!
Have you not read:
"Do not envy what is above you
Nor despise what is below you"?
Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen,
Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers
Through poets' verses are known to all the world.
Wonder not to hear among us
The sound of a bamboo-flute.
Preist: You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.”
This passage comes from the play Atsumori by Seami Motokiyo. It shows a part of a conversation between the Young Reaper and the Priest. The reaper passes on important information to the priest. In this passage Motokiyo’s purpose is to convey the value of equality among men. If the priest were to not let any of the circumstances cloud his judgment about the day he killed Atsumori, he would have been able to move on much faster. The Buddhist themes help prove that through Buddhism even great enemies can achieve peace. The author’s purpose is achieved through use of imagery, quotation & dialogue and symbolism.
In this passage quotation is used to help support the purpose. "Do not envy what is above you Nor despise what is below you"? (Motokiyo, Atsumori 52 – 54) The Reaper here quotes a seemingly Buddhist value, one that if he were to accept would help him come to peace. By the end of the story Rensei does come to terms with it and it helps guide him to enlightenment in the situation. “You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 61) Here Motokiyo has Rensei agree with the stated value only to further stress its importance.
In this passage symbolism is seen frequently. “Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen, Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 55 – 57) Motokiyo here talks of many men, all engaging in the act of making music with the flute. These flautists are all different but they are equal; thus further enforcing the main point of the passage.
In this passage imagery is also used frequently. “woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen, Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 55 – 57) Motokiyo uses the imagery of the different beings playing the flute to creatively prove that that men are equal.
In this passage from Atsumori, Seami Motokiyo uses imagery, quotation & dialogue and symbolism to prove his purpose. The purpose being that all men are equal which supports Buddhist culture which the supports the true purpose of the play; to prove that with the guidance of Buddhism even the worst of enemies can over come their struggles.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Alex O’Brien & Ryan Readinger
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB Hour 5
April 19 2009
Wang Wei’s purpose in “The Farms at Wei River” is to express the beauty of farm life and his longing to go back to that way of life. His purpose is achieved through the use of nature imagery, imagery of farm life, and wishful words.
Wei expresses the beauty of farm life with nature imagery through out the majority of the poem. “Pheasants cry, barley sprouts flourish; silkworms sleep, the mulberry leaves are sparse” (Wei 5 - 6) Wei recalls minor details of the small beauties of nature, things one would never normally notice, i.e. silkworms sleeping. The fact that Wei remembers such insignificant details suggests that he thinks of his times on the farm quite frequently and misses them deeply. Also, Wei being able to conjure such vivid memories of such casual details leads one to believe that he thinks of these things as very beautiful.
Wei uses imagery from the farm life to portray is desire to return to the life he finds so beautiful. “Farmers with shouldered hoes approach meet each other and chat – linger. This I must admire: leisure and peace.” (Wei 7 – 9) Wei speaks of a simple day-to-day occurrence of the farm life. Wei admires the peace and leisure, suggesting that the way he lives his life now has neither. The admiration shows that Wei truly does miss the farm and the simple wonders he took for granted when he lived there.
Wei uses wishful words to express his craving to return to the farm way of life. “And wistfully hum ‘O to go back!’” (Wei 10) Wei states blatantly that he wants to go back to the farm. His words make his purpose very clear in this instance. Wei clearly is longing to go back to the farm life but is restricted for some reason or another.
In “The Farms at Wei River”, Wang Wei’s purpose is expressed mainly through imagery and the tone of his words. He uses imagery to describe the simple pleasures of farm life and the suttle beauties of it. He uses tone to imply that he misses it greatly.
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB Hour 5
April 19 2009
Wang Wei’s purpose in “The Farms at Wei River” is to express the beauty of farm life and his longing to go back to that way of life. His purpose is achieved through the use of nature imagery, imagery of farm life, and wishful words.
Wei expresses the beauty of farm life with nature imagery through out the majority of the poem. “Pheasants cry, barley sprouts flourish; silkworms sleep, the mulberry leaves are sparse” (Wei 5 - 6) Wei recalls minor details of the small beauties of nature, things one would never normally notice, i.e. silkworms sleeping. The fact that Wei remembers such insignificant details suggests that he thinks of his times on the farm quite frequently and misses them deeply. Also, Wei being able to conjure such vivid memories of such casual details leads one to believe that he thinks of these things as very beautiful.
Wei uses imagery from the farm life to portray is desire to return to the life he finds so beautiful. “Farmers with shouldered hoes approach meet each other and chat – linger. This I must admire: leisure and peace.” (Wei 7 – 9) Wei speaks of a simple day-to-day occurrence of the farm life. Wei admires the peace and leisure, suggesting that the way he lives his life now has neither. The admiration shows that Wei truly does miss the farm and the simple wonders he took for granted when he lived there.
Wei uses wishful words to express his craving to return to the farm way of life. “And wistfully hum ‘O to go back!’” (Wei 10) Wei states blatantly that he wants to go back to the farm. His words make his purpose very clear in this instance. Wei clearly is longing to go back to the farm life but is restricted for some reason or another.
In “The Farms at Wei River”, Wang Wei’s purpose is expressed mainly through imagery and the tone of his words. He uses imagery to describe the simple pleasures of farm life and the suttle beauties of it. He uses tone to imply that he misses it greatly.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
LRJ #6
Shakespeare asks us to consider several questions through out Macbeth. What is the difference between kingship and tyranny? How far can a traitor fall? Through out the play there are two kings, Duncan and Macbeth. They both end in assasination but there is a very large difference in between the lines. Also in the play Shakespeare uses the character Macbeth to portray a traitor. Through out the play Macbeth’s status steadily decreases. Shakespeare asks how low can one sink.
Shakespeare provides the answer to the difference between kingship and tyranny through out the whole play. Duncan is referred to as a king while Macbeth is commonly called a tyrant. "In my most ill-composed affection such A stanchless avarice that, were I king, I should cut off the nobles for their lands, Desire his jewels and this other's house: And my more-having would be as a sauce To make me hunger more; that I should forge Quarrels unjust against the good and loyal, Destroying them for wealth." (Shakespeare 4.3 78 – 84) The difference between the two types of rulers seems to be expressed perfectly in a conversation that occurs when Macduff meets Malcolm in England. As a test, Malcolm is pretending he would make and even worse king than Macbeth listing qualities such as jealousy, questing for personal gain and violent tendencies, all which seem to perfectly characterize Macbeth. “But I have none. The king-becoming graces, As justice, verity, temperance, stableness, bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, devotion, patience, courage, fortitude,” (Shakespeare 4.3 92 – 95) Malcolm goes on to list all the qualities a leader should have and that he is pretending he does not. One can see that these are all the qualities that Macbeth doesn’t possess. These attributes are the difference between a king and a tyrant.
Shakespeare answers the question how far can a traitor fall in act five. She should have died hereafter; There would have been a time for such a word. To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.” (Shakespeare 5.5 17 – 28) This soliloquy sums up the answer very well. Macbeth has lost all belief in the world. His wife has ended her own life after losing her mind and those who he use to call friends are marching against him, most of whom he betrayed in some way shape or form. Macbeth speaks with such great pessimism in this speech that one can tell he is losing his own will to live. He has already lost faith in all the significance of his actions, everyone’s actions for that matter. That is how low one can sink for being a traitor
Shakespeare provides the answer to the difference between kingship and tyranny through out the whole play. Duncan is referred to as a king while Macbeth is commonly called a tyrant. "In my most ill-composed affection such A stanchless avarice that, were I king, I should cut off the nobles for their lands, Desire his jewels and this other's house: And my more-having would be as a sauce To make me hunger more; that I should forge Quarrels unjust against the good and loyal, Destroying them for wealth." (Shakespeare 4.3 78 – 84) The difference between the two types of rulers seems to be expressed perfectly in a conversation that occurs when Macduff meets Malcolm in England. As a test, Malcolm is pretending he would make and even worse king than Macbeth listing qualities such as jealousy, questing for personal gain and violent tendencies, all which seem to perfectly characterize Macbeth. “But I have none. The king-becoming graces, As justice, verity, temperance, stableness, bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, devotion, patience, courage, fortitude,” (Shakespeare 4.3 92 – 95) Malcolm goes on to list all the qualities a leader should have and that he is pretending he does not. One can see that these are all the qualities that Macbeth doesn’t possess. These attributes are the difference between a king and a tyrant.
Shakespeare answers the question how far can a traitor fall in act five. She should have died hereafter; There would have been a time for such a word. To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.” (Shakespeare 5.5 17 – 28) This soliloquy sums up the answer very well. Macbeth has lost all belief in the world. His wife has ended her own life after losing her mind and those who he use to call friends are marching against him, most of whom he betrayed in some way shape or form. Macbeth speaks with such great pessimism in this speech that one can tell he is losing his own will to live. He has already lost faith in all the significance of his actions, everyone’s actions for that matter. That is how low one can sink for being a traitor
LRJ #5
In act five there is a common theme of defeat. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth suffer crushing defeats. “To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets. She needs the divine more than the physician. God, God forgive us all.” (Shakespeare 5.1 74 – 76) This is the doctor talking about Lady Macbeth and how she has fallen into a state of dementia. Lady Macbeth was defeated in a way because at the beginning of the play she was so ambitious and now she has been reduced to only a faction of her prior self. Macbeth too suffered defeat, even more so that Lady Macbeth. Macbeth is conquered by Malcolm and Macduff’s army and on top of that, it occurs right after he is informed of his wife death. “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” (Shakespeare 5.5 24 – 28) This snippet of the soliloquy sums up Macbeths position on whats happening in his life at the moment. He has gone completely senile. With his wife dead and armies marching against him, Macbeth succumbs to such pessimism. Macbeths true defeat is in him losing his will to continue on.
The image pattern that is seen most through out act five (and the rest of Macbeth) is blood representing guilt. “Out, damn'd spot! out, I say! One¬– two¬– why, then 'tis time to do't… Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?” (Shakespeare 5.1 35 – 40) Lady Macbeth says this in her sleep, and it reveals her very guilty conscious. When she says out damn’d spot, she is referring to a blood stain that won’t go away, just as her guilt will not go away. When she says “who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood” she means how could she have known she would feel so guilty for the murder of Duncan. “The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now? What, will these hands ne'er be clean?” (Shakespeare 5.1 42 – 44) She mentions blood again as to say will she ever be free from this guilt she is feeling. The helplessness with which she speaks lets the reader know that Lady Macbeth knows she truly never will be free; making this statement somewhat of a prelude to her killing herself.
The image pattern that is seen most through out act five (and the rest of Macbeth) is blood representing guilt. “Out, damn'd spot! out, I say! One¬– two¬– why, then 'tis time to do't… Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?” (Shakespeare 5.1 35 – 40) Lady Macbeth says this in her sleep, and it reveals her very guilty conscious. When she says out damn’d spot, she is referring to a blood stain that won’t go away, just as her guilt will not go away. When she says “who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood” she means how could she have known she would feel so guilty for the murder of Duncan. “The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now? What, will these hands ne'er be clean?” (Shakespeare 5.1 42 – 44) She mentions blood again as to say will she ever be free from this guilt she is feeling. The helplessness with which she speaks lets the reader know that Lady Macbeth knows she truly never will be free; making this statement somewhat of a prelude to her killing herself.
LRJ #4
The scene with Lady Macduff is important for several reasons. First of all it marks Macbeths decent in to absolute madness. He is killing neither for political gain nor to silence his enemies. Simply out of anger, distress and insanity. Also it may have been the author’s goal to allow the reader to meet the family before they were killed, “Why, I can buy me twenty at any market.” (Shakespeare 4.2 41 – 42) Adding a sense of humor and the ability to make jokes in a time of such crisis make a character more likable and perhaps the reader more grief-stricken when they are killed.
In act four the reader learns that they can trust Macduff through a test that Malcolm devised. “But I have none. The king-becoming graces, as justice verity… fortitude, I have no relish of them” Here Malcolm tests Macduff by listing a number of qualities necessary to be king that he is without. “Fit to govern? No, not fit to live. O nation miserable, with an untitled tyrant bloody-sceptered” (Shakespeare 4.3 103 – 105) Macduff passes Malcolm’s test with flying colors by saying they’d not be fit to live. Also seen in this quotes is Macduff’s deep-seated skepticism hate for Macbeth.
Macbeth has now lost his mind completely. There’s almost no trace of the Macbeth from act one. He now has gone mad with power, killing Macduff’s family for no real reason “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’edge o’th’sword His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line.” (Shakespeare 4.2 150 – 153) This shows Macbeth plotting against Macduff, and the reader can see that Macbeth truly has gone crazy about murdering people. As Macbeth said himself, he could not go back to leading a normal life, not after all that he’s done.
In act four the reader learns that they can trust Macduff through a test that Malcolm devised. “But I have none. The king-becoming graces, as justice verity… fortitude, I have no relish of them” Here Malcolm tests Macduff by listing a number of qualities necessary to be king that he is without. “Fit to govern? No, not fit to live. O nation miserable, with an untitled tyrant bloody-sceptered” (Shakespeare 4.3 103 – 105) Macduff passes Malcolm’s test with flying colors by saying they’d not be fit to live. Also seen in this quotes is Macduff’s deep-seated skepticism hate for Macbeth.
Macbeth has now lost his mind completely. There’s almost no trace of the Macbeth from act one. He now has gone mad with power, killing Macduff’s family for no real reason “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’edge o’th’sword His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line.” (Shakespeare 4.2 150 – 153) This shows Macbeth plotting against Macduff, and the reader can see that Macbeth truly has gone crazy about murdering people. As Macbeth said himself, he could not go back to leading a normal life, not after all that he’s done.
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