Macbeth : Thinking activity

Hello, 

This blog is upon thinking task assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. You can find the context of writing thus blog Click here

How faithful is the play performance to the original play :

It is faithful adaptation of the original play. In the play performance, some of the dialogues and scenes were missing.

How has watching the play influenced your perception of the characters, situations or themes?





This play was performed in Globe theater and it provided lively experience. Many characters portrayed thier role very well and some of the situations, like murder scene it played back to the stage. The theme of guilt was also effectively represented throughout the story.


Did you experience aesthetic delight while watching the play ? When and why?

There was three witche in the play, and that time they provided delighted music; however, overall, there was no significant aesthetic delight in the performance.

Did you experience Catharsis while or after watching the play ? When and why?

While watching the play performance some scenes, such as the murder scene, Macbeth's bloodied hands and some of the scene run fast so we can not find proper Catharsis.

How did the screening of the lay enhance your understanding of the play compared to reading the text?

Screening has a significant impact because reading the original text alone may not make everything clear or reveal the author's full intent. For example, some fight scenes or scenes with witches making a potion are not explicitly detailed in the text. Thus, screening helps enhance our understanding of the play.

Is there particular scene or moment in the play that will stay with you?

There's no particular scene i remember that stay with me.

If you were the director, what changes would you consider making in a screening of play performance adaptation of Macbeth?

If I director then I do change stage, lighting, some of the character's dress up.

Symbolism of the scenes involving the witches in relation to Macbeth’ ambitious actions and the plot of the play.

In the play, witches made a soup in cundral and include many unsettling elements. Then the witches pushed Macbeth into the cundral and forcefully drunk the soup to Macbeth.

MCQ : 

1) What is the genre of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth? 

- Tragedy

2) Which of the following best describes Macbeth's tragic flaw? 

- Ambition 

3) The witches'prophecies play a significant role in Macbeth's downfall. What is the primary theme associated with the prophecies? 

- Power

4) Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene is a turning point in the play, what emotion is the struggling with during the scene? 

- Guilt 

Describe the symbolic significance of the opening scenes in Act 1 and 4 involving the three witches in the play "Macbeth."

In "Macbeth," the witches symbolize chaos and moral confusion. In Act 1, they introduce the theme of disorder and ambiguity, while in Act 4, their prophecies signify the deepening of Macbeth's corruption and the inescapable nature of his fate. 

Overall, the witches represent the supernatural forces that disrupt the natural order and contribute to Macbeth's moral and psychological unraveling.

How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his moral deterioration throughout the play?  provide example from the play  to support your answer.

Macbeth’s ambition causes him to commit terrible crimes. His initial murder of King Duncan leads to more killings, like Banquo and Macduff’s family, showing how his ambition destroys his morals and humanity.

In what ways does the motif of 'blood serve as a symbol in "Macbeth"? Explain in significance in relation to quilt and violence. ( blood is mentioned around 40 times in the play) 

The motif of blood is significant very important symbol in the play. The characters of the play commit crime and then they feel guilt. In the play talked about Neptune's ocean for wash Macbeth's blood from his hand. Overall, blood symbolizes both guilt and violence. It represents Macbeth's deep remorse for his crimes and the brutal acts he commits to gain and keep power, highlighting his moral deterioration.

Discuss the impact of supernatural elements such as the witches and the prophecies, on the plot and characters of "Macbeth." 

In the impact of supernatural elements witches and prophecies represented very wide rolein the play. The witches and their prophecies push Macbeth to act on his ambition. This leads him to commit murders and eventually causes his downfall. The supernatural elements drive the story and show how ambition and fate can lead to destruction.

Compare and contrast the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, how do their personalities and motivation contributes to the unfolding of the tragedy? 

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are central to the tragedy of "Macbeth." Initially all the people praised to Macbeth. The words used for Macbeth were, valpur's minion, valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman, Thane of cowdor, Macbeth's nature is too full of the milk of human kindness. Lady Macbeth told him that, look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it. But at the end he became cruel and his ambition lead to his downfall, while Lady Macbeth's guilt drives her to madness. 

           

References : 

ChatGPT." OpenAI, accessed 3 Aug.

 2024, https://www.openai.com/.

Screening Shakespeare’s Macbeth. 2023. ResearchGate,https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.35351.55207.

Dryden's Essay on Dramatic Poesy :

 

John Dryden was born on 19 August 1631 and died on 12 May 1700. He was an English poet and literary critic. He was a neoclassical poet and in the English tradition before Dryden Philip Sidney (1554-1568) was there. 

Dr. Samuel Johnson called Dryden 'the father of English criticism.' The definition of the play is the first word 'Image' second 'Just' and the third one 'Lively means " A just and lively image of human nature. He ended his definition of delight and instruction of mankind. 

The title of the essay is 'Of Dramatic Poesy' Dryden is a neoclassical poet. The climate of criticism changed with the arrival on the literary scene of such giants as Miguel De Cervantes, lope de Vega and Pedro Calderon in Spain. 

Dramatic poesy means the poetical art for drama. In which first was Philip Sidney then Horace and last Aristotle. The definition of play is "a play ought to be a just and lively image of human nature, representing his passions and humours and the changes of fortune to which it is subject, for the delight and instruction of mankind." In a nutshell, Dryden is saying that a play should be a vivid and accurate reflection of human nature, showcasing people's emotions, behaviours, and experiences. Its purpose is to both entertain and educate the audience.

If we discuss or argue in favour of the French play against English plays regarding specific elements like a portrayal of death, duel fights, and the use of multiple plot. French plays are characterized by a formal and stylized portrayal of death, regulated duel fights with blunted swords, and a preference for a single, unified plot. In contrast, English plays are known for their more dramatic and realistic depiction of death, intense and often realistic duel scenes, and the use of multiple plots to enrich the narrative.

Preference for Poetic vs. Prosaic Dialogue: I prefer poetic dialogue in a play because it can make the language more beautiful and memorable. It adds a special rhythm and emotion that makes the play more engaging and impactful.

References : 

ChatGPT." OpenAI, accessed 3 Aug. 2024, https://www.openai.com/.

---. “John Dryden | Biography, Poems, Plays, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Aug. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/John-Dryden.www.britannica.com/biography/John-Dryden.

---. “1. Dryden as Father of English Criticism, Neo-Classical Critic and definition of Play.” YouTube, 23 June 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeevRKMgXDU.

---. “2. Dryden as a Critic and Title of the Essay.” YouTube, 1 July 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsxC8xzfWxk.

Wordsworth's Preface :

William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 and passed away on 23 April 1850. He was an English Romatic poet. He and S.T. Coleridge both were friends and launched their join publication "Lyrical Ballad" 1798.

The question of Wordsworth that why he ask that "What is a poet?" Rather than "Who is poet?" In which reflects his philosophical and introspective approach to understanding the nature of poetry. By asking "what," he seeks to explore the essence and qualities that define a poet, rather than focusing on identifying specific individuals. This approach aligns with his broader examination of the role and function of poetry in human experience and the qualities that characterize a poet's work and perspective. It’s about uncovering the fundamental nature of poetry and the poet's role in society, rather than just listing notable poets. In which Wordsworth mentioned that,

"A poet is a man speaking to men, endowed with more lively sensibility."

In the poetic diction many type of poetic diction Wordsworth does in his works, Poetic diction refers to the specific language, style, and choice. William Wordsworth, a prominent Romantic poet, advocated for a simpler and more natural poetic diction compared to the formal and elaborate language typical of earlier poetry. In his works, Wordsworth emphasized using everyday language and common speech to make poetry more accessible and to reflect the natural world and human experience more authentically. He believed that poetry should express deep feelings in a straightforward and genuine manner, which he articulated in his preface to "Lyrical Ballads."

William Wordsworth, in his preface to the second edition of "Lyrical Ballads" (1800), offers a distinctive definition of poetry that reflects his broader poetic philosophy. He defines poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility."

Wordsworth claims that poet has a greater knowledge of human nature, and a more comprehensive soul, than one supposed to be a common among mankind. In which, Wordsworth believes that poets have a deeper understanding of human nature than ordinary people due to their heightened emotional sensitivity, imaginative power, and reflective insight. Their unique ability to experience and articulate profound feelings allows them to offer valuable insights into the human condition.

References : 

ChatGPT." OpenAI, accessed 3 Aug. 2024, https://www.openai.com/.

---. “3. Poet | William Wordsworth | Preface to Lyrical Ballads.” YouTube, 23 June 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G4qbdTlAa0.

---. “William Wordsworth | Biography, Facts, Daffodils, and Poems.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/William-Wordsworth.

Romantic Age : Graveyard Poets :

 Graveyard Poets/Churchyard Poets : 

Introduction :

The Graveyard poets also known as Churchyard poets, were a group of 18th century British poets who wrote about death, bereavement, and the afterlife. Their poetry is considered a reaction to the melancholy of the 17th century and is considered of the Romantic movement in English poetry. The poets' work is characterized by gloomy meditations on mortality, such as skulls, coffins, epitaphs, and worms, and is set in the imaginative locale of the graveyard. The poetry's objectives include encouraging readers to consider the brevity of life, the physical and spiritual fate of the departed, and the futility of the human endeavor.

 

Features of the Graveyard Poets : 

• Found inspiration from graveyard
•  Poem set in graveyard
• Focus on the lives of ordinary, undignified characters Contributed to the melancholy side of Romanticism 

There are many poet's to known as Graveyard Poets. 

1) Thomas Gray :

Thomas Gray was born on 26 December 1716 and died on 30 July 1771. He was an English poet. He is widely known for his Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard and published in 1751.

2) William Collins :

William Collins was born on 25 December, 1721 and passed away on 12 June, 1759. He was an English poet and influenced by Thomas Gray. He was famous in 18th century. His lyrical odes mark a progression of Alexander pope's generation of the romantic era.

3) William Cowper :

William Cowper was born on 26 November 1731 and passed away on 25 April 1800. He was an English poet and Anglican hymnwriter. Cowper's works, such as his "Verses on the Death of a Favorite Cat" and "The Castaway," reflect the somber and reflective tone typical of the Graveyard Poets. His poetry often dealt with personal suffering and the human condition, aligning well with the group's focus on existential themes.

4) William Blake :

William Blake was born on 28 November 1757 and died on 12 August 1827. William Blake is often associated with the Romantic era rather than as a Graveyard poet. Blake’s work, while occasionally exploring themes of death and mortality, is more distinguished by its visionary and symbolic qualities, often delving into broader spiritual and metaphysical themes. His poems in collections like "Songs of Innocence and of Experience" and "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" showcase his unique approach to exploring human existence, the divine, and the nature of reality.eyard Poets. His poetry often dealt with personal suffering and the human condition, aligning well with the group's focus on existential themes.

5) Robert Burns :

 Robert Burns was horn on 25 January 1759 and passed away on 21 July 1796. He was Scottish poet and lyricist. His works often reflect on the human condition, life, and death with a blend of humor, compassion, and social commentary. For example, his poem "Tam o' Shanter" and other works touch on the inevitability of death and the human experience in a more accessible, often earthy manner. Burns’s contributions lie more in his celebration of Scottish culture, his pioneering use of the Scots language, and his exploration of human emotions and social issues.

References :

“Thomas Gray | English Poet and Elegy Writer.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 July 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Gray-English-poet.

W         William Collins | English Poet & Romantic Lyricist. (1998, July 20). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Collin

"ChatGPT." OpenAI, accessed 3 Aug. 2024, https://www.openai.com/.

“William Cowper | British Poet and Hymn Writer.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 1999, www.britannica.com/biography/William-Cowper.

---. “William Blake | Biography, Poems, Art, Characteristics, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Aug. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/William-Blake.

https:/

Daiches, David. “Robert Burns | Biography, Poems, Songs, Auld Lang Syne, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-Burns.

Socrates Task:

 

    Socrates is often regarded as one of the earliest philosophers, initiating the tradition of Western philosophy in Greece. He famously consulted the Oracle of Delphi, which declared him the wisest man. Socrates is renowned for his method of critical inquiry, known as the Socratic method, which involves asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas.

                            Socrates believed in the pursuit of truth, wisdom, and the importance of critical examination. His notable disciples were Plato and Xenophon. Socrates was also known for his unconventional views on beauty. When he expressed a desire to participate in a beauty competition, despite his lack of conventional attractiveness, he humorously justified it by highlighting his unique qualities: his keen perception, sensitive sense of smell, and the significance of his large lips for meaningful conversation.

                          In his final days, Socrates faced execution by consuming poison hemlock. He maintained his philosophical stance even in death, holding that fear of death is foolish. He famously said, "Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder," as quoted by Plato in Theaetetus.

Thinking Activity :

 Question: 4 Best bollywood adaption of Shakespeare’s work. Discuss how these adaption interrupt and transform the original play for an Indian audience.

 

Introduction: 

                       The tragedy of Hamlet  written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 to 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play.  Prince Hamlet and his attempt to exact revenge against his uncle Claudius. Who has murdered Hamlet's father in order to seize the throne and marry Hamlet's mother. 

Plot summary & key themes: 

 'Hamlet' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare that follows Prince Hamlet of Denmark. The play begins with Hamlet mourning his father's death and his mother's hasty remarriage to his uncle, Claudius, who has now taken the throne. Hamlet learns from the ghost of his father that Claudius is responsible for his murder. Driven by a desire for revenge, Hamlet feigns madness to investigate the truth. His erratic behavior causes distress and confusion among the court, leading to a series of tragic eventually.

1.Revenge and Justice: The central theme is Hamlet's quest for vengeance against Claudius for his father's murder, exploring the morality and consequences of revenge.

2.Madness: Hamlet's feigned insanity and Ophelia's real descent into madness highlight the fine line between sanity and insanity, and the effects of grief and betrayal.

3.Death and Mortality: The play frequently contemplates death, mortality, and the afterlife, especially through Hamlet's soliloquies and the presence of the ghost.

4. Corruption and Decay: The imagery of decay and corruption underscores the moral and political disintegration in Denmark.

5. Existentialism: Hamlet's philosophical reflections on existence, action, and the meaning of life are central to the play, especially in his famous "To be, or not to be" soliloquy.

Haider film by Vishal Bhardwaj:

                     Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' is a timeless tragedy that has inspired numerous adaptations across various cultures and mediums. One of the most notable adaptations is Vishal Bhardwaj’s 'Haider' (2014), a Bollywood film that reimagines the Danish prince’s tale within the socio-political context of Kashmir. This essay explores how 'Haider' interrupts and transforms the original play to resonate with an Indian audience, highlighting the ways in which the film adapts and recontextualizes Shakespeare's tragedy.

Cultural Recontextualization:

'Haider' relocates the setting of 'Hamlet' from Denmark to Kashmir during the tumultuous period of the insurgency in the early 1990s. This geographic and temporal shift is significant as it introduces the themes of political conflict, national identity, and oppression, which are central to the Kashmir conflict. By placing Hamlet's story in this context, Bhardwaj’s film transforms the play from a personal tragedy into a broader commentary on the impact of political violence and the struggle for justice. The adaptation makes Shakespeare’s themes more accessible and relevant to an Indian audience, who can relate to the political and social unrest depicted.

Character Adaptations:

In 'Haider' he characters are reinterpreted to reflect their new socio-political environment. For instance, the protagonist, Haider, is portrayed as a young man who returns to Kashmir to find his father’s killer amidst the chaos of the insurgency. This adaptation retains the essence of Hamlet’s quest for vengeance but frames it within the specific cultural and political landscape of Kashmir. Similarly, the character of Claudius is reimagined as a local politician, which adds a layer of political intrigue and corruption that parallels the original play's themes of betrayal and power.

Themes and Symbolism: 

Haider incorporates elements of the Kashmir conflict to explore themes such as loyalty, revenge, and madness. The film uses the backdrop of the conflict to delve into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters, mirroring Hamlet’s existential struggle. Symbolism is also adapted; for example, the ghost of Haider’s father, which in Shakespeare's play appears in a more supernatural form, is portrayed through the haunting memory and the physical remnants of the past in the film. This approach maintains the essence of the original while grounding it in the local context.

Narrative and Aesthetic Choices:

Bhardwaj employs a range of narrative and aesthetic choices to align the film with Indian cinematic traditions while staying true to the essence of Hamlet. The use of traditional Indian music, particularly in the haunting and dramatic sequences, adds a distinct cultural flavor to the film. Additionally, the film’s visual style, characterized by its stark depiction of the war-torn landscape, enhances the atmosphere of despair and conflict, which parallels the play's exploration of corruption and decay.

Conclusion:

  Haider is a compelling example of how Shakespeare’s Hamlet can be adapted to reflect and engage with different cultural and political contexts. By setting the tragedy against the backdrop of the Kashmir conflict, Vishal Bhardwaj’s film not only transforms the narrative to suit an Indian audience but also enriches the original play’s themes with a contemporary relevance. This adaptation demonstrates the universality of Shakespeare’s work and its capacity to be reinterpreted through diverse cultural lenses, making it both a homage to and a reinvention of the classic tragedy.

Bridge Course: Aristotle Poetics :

 Question : Referring to the literary text you studied during your B.A program, write a brief note on the texts that followed the Aristotle literay tradition.

Answer:

• Introduction:

                 As per my observation this play follow the Aristotle literay tradition because his idea on tragedy. King Lear is tragedy written by William Shakespeare. King Lear, in preparation of his old age and it is mythological play. He has three daughters and he divided his power and land between his daughters. 

 Here i am going to compare the text with Aristotle literay tradition.

• Catharsis :

          King Lear effectively evokes a strong emotional response from the audience, leading to sense of Catharsis. The intense suffering of Lear and the tragic downfall of his kingdom allow the audience to experience a profound emotional release.  Such as pity and fear as they witness Lear's downfall and the chaos in his kingdom. 

• Mimesis : 

             The play present a compelling imitation of human suffering and folly. Aristotle's concept of mimesis refers to art's imitation of life. In King Lear, Shakespeare presented realistic portrayal of human nature, especially the themes of power, betrayal and madness. Somehow this play follow the literay tradition or sometime Shakespeare not follow the literay tradition. 

• Unity of Action : 

             Aristotle emphasized that a tragedy should have a unified plot with a clear focus. King Lear maintain unity of action. This play primarily focuses on Lear's downfall and the resulting turmoil. Shakespeare connected with the action and follow the literay tradition. 

• Unity of Place :

               Aristotle's unity of Place implies that the action should take place in single location. This play moves through various location, including kingdom, Gloucester's castle and the heath. While this deviation from Aristotle unity of Place is evident, these changes are not arbitrary. Exploration of themes like madness and disorder. So here Shakespeare not follow the literay tradition.

• Unity of Time : 

              Aristotle suggested that a tragedy should occur within a single day or brief period. King Lear doesn't strictly follow this unity. The extended time frame contributes to the dramatic tension and development of character. Here also Shakespeare not follow the Aristotle's literay tradition. 

• Tragic Hero : 

                Aristotle's concept of the tragic hero involves the noble character with tragic flaw ( hamadtia) leading the downfall. Shakespeare also considered this point in this play. His misjudgement and pride lesd to his eventual downfall. 

▪︎ Recognition and Reversal : 

                Aristotle also discussed the concept of recognition and reversal of fortune. The play also features significant reversal of fortune. Particularly as King Lear goes from being a king to being a destitute or mad. King Lear recognition occurs when he realized his daughters true nature and his own feelings, when he confronts the storm and understand his vulnerability. 

Conclusuon : 

                   Overall, while Shakespeare follow with many of Aristotle's principles of tragedy, it does not follow al his unifies rigidly. Shakespeare's ay both follow and expands upon Aristotle's idea, illustrating the evolution of tragic drama beyond  classical constraints. 

THANK YOU.