If there’s one thing that the summer season is simply made for, it’s the theatre! The lights, costumes, and whimsy of it all! Theatre is its own singular source of entertainment, and this month we’ll be talking about all things to do with the stage. Whether you like to read plays or watch them be performed, there’s a little something for everyone this July.
In this week’s discussion, we take a deep dive into William Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, Macbeth. We explore the plot’s intricacies, the motivations of the characters, and the broader themes present in the work, while also offering our opinions on the 2015 film adaptation of the play, starring Michael Fassbender.
We delve into the recurring themes of ambition, guilt, and madness in Macbeth. We begin by discussing how Macbeth, spurred by ambition, commits a murder that leads him down a path of guilt and eventual madness. Lady Macbeth, who initially comes across as ruthlessly ambitious, similarly succumbs to the burden of guilt, descending into her own form of madness.
We also emphasize the witches’ role in Macbeth-they are not merely supernatural elements but serve as catalysts for Macbeth’s actions. Their prophecies ignite his ambition and set the tragic events in motion. Despite their importance to the story, we express a wish for the witches to have had more narrative space, highlighting their significance in the play.
We highlight the political context of the play, noting the recurring motif of overly ambitious political figures meeting their downfall. We point out how Macbeth’s destructive ambition resonates with modern society, where individuals in positions of power often overreach, causing harm to themselves and others.
Our discussion also extends to the film adaptation of Macbeth. We commend the film for its high production value, beautiful cinematography, and faithful adherence to the source material. However, we’re less excited about its length and pacing, suggesting that it might have benefited from some condensation.
Throughout our conversation, we refer to the original expressions coined by Shakespeare in Macbeth, such as “blood on your hands” and “double, double toil and trouble”. We argue that these phrases illustrate the enduring impact of Shakespeare’s work on the English language.
We discuss the prophecy that “no man born of a woman” can harm Macbeth. The clever subversion of this prophecy, when Macduff, born through a Caesarean section, confronts Macbeth, underlines the importance of prophecies in the play and the tragic irony of Macbeth’s downfall.
We touch upon gender roles in the play, particularly noting Lady Macbeth’s off-stage death. We argue that this could be indicative of the play’s patriarchal context.
We wrap up our podcast by inviting listeners to share their thoughts on different adaptations of Macbeth. We aim to foster a community of readers and encourage critical thinking.
In summary, our podcast offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of Macbeth. By discussing the characters, themes, and broader societal implications of the play, we provide a modern, accessible lens through which to appreciate this classic Shakespearean tragedy.
Enjoying this episode? Be sure to check out all of our coverage of the genre over at https://fully-booked.ca/. We’re a listener-supported podcast! Please consider pledging and helping Fully Booked to grow our library over at https://ko-fi.com/fullybooked, or by leaving us a 5-star rating and review wherever you’re listening. Thanks bookworms, and don’t forget to keep on reading.
