Witch-slapped: Macbeth's fall from grace

Macbeth mirrors the archetypal "fall of man" from grace. In the play, we see two interpretations of the idiom- the more secular understanding of losing one's prestige, respect, or status, as well as the religious connotation of man's transition from a state of innocence and obedience towards God to one of guilt and disobedience. Thus, Shakespeare's portrayal of this archetype helps us understand how it happens and what the consequences are. For this week's blog post, respond to ONE of the following (be sure to use textual evidence in your response...it will also be wise to include author techniques AND historical/social context as well):

1. Why do people who are not "evil" take the first step into evil? What, for instance, is involved in taking that first step "down the primrose path to the everlasting bonfire" (Macbeth, 2.3)? What are the consequences of the individual choosing evil (particularly the internal consequences)? Use examples from the text to support your opinion.

2. "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." - Lord Acton
To what extent would Shakespeare agree with this statement? Use the play and your own experience as your support.

3. Do you believe events in your life have been guided by fate or chance? Why or why not? Based on the text, what do you think Shakespeare's attitude was towards fate? Does Macbeth have any choice in his actions or was everything predetermined? Use examples from the text as your support.

4. How does the values of manhood differ in modern times? What do you think it takes to be a good man? Explain how your views are like or unlike those in the play, using examples from the text.

#IBmakingart

First, this:

And here's what you need to do for Blog #5

STEP 1) Check out this and this.  Macbeth was written by Shakespeare in 1606, but is set in the 11th century. Both links provide historical context- for the setting, but also for the time it was written and performed. Check out the "Overview", "Key Events", "Works of Art", and "Related Content" towards the bottom of the page.


STEP 2) Select only one work of art from either period to analyze & interpret.  Spend significant time studying the work: the significance and meaning of a work will not be entirely revealed on first impression. This occasion may be the first time you have ever spent so much time looking at a single work of art; this process is AN IMPORTANT part of the assignment


STEP 3) Make a sketch while you are studying the piece you've selected. It will actually help you to observe more carefully. You will not be graded on the quality or skill of this drawing, as long as you make a serious effort. Please include your sketch (and the actual image as needed...unless you are an amazing artist) with your visual analysis for Blog Post #5.


STEP 4)Your analysis/response must address each of the following:
VISUAL ANALYSIS:
1: Identify artist, title, date, medium, and size

2: Stylistic period/culture/context (When – and Where – geographic location of production)

3: Subject/Iconography (What is represented? What is the idea/concept?)
What is the subject? Could it be considered a new treatment of a traditional art theme such as portraiture, landscape, etc.? *This is part of a "little picture" understanding*

4: Style/technique (How does the artist handle light, form, color, texture, and shape as well as composition? or How the art is arranged or organized?)
How did the formal elements communicate or reinforce the meaning of the work? How does the media and/or technique influence and/or enhance the meaning?

5: Significance/function/purpose (How does the work convey social, political, popular, or religious values? What is the purpose of the work?)  *Remember- we need to always think about context!*
What do you think is the meaning of the piece? What are the clues in the work that lead you to this conclusion? What additional themes are addressed directly or implied by the artist? Does the artwork cause you to re- consider these ideas or think about them in new ways? What does the title of the work signify? Does this work have special relevance or significance to viewers today? If it is more than 20 years old, does it signify something different than when it was originally created? What is the value of this art in today’s society?

The questions above are just to get you started. They are probably not the right questions for every work of art, but they may be a helpful place to begin.