Macbeth: Time And Evil :: essays research papers

The Shakespearean tragedy of Macbeth is one of the shortest of all his plays. The fiction of one mans last to secure his position as king has become a literary classic around the world. Many critics have applied their input on what they believe to be the proper analysis of Macbeth. However Phyllis Rackins interpretation of the play has become the counter balance to which I place my critique. Rackins criticism of Macbeth employs both(prenominal) the importance of cartridge holder and the overwhelming power of evil these ideas are solitary(prenominal) two of the many themes displayed in Shakespeares illustrious tragedy. Rackin analyzed that time was a major factor in Macbeth and all his actions were a "race against time"(108). She also noticed that Shakespeare started his play with a question about time, "When shall we lead meet again?"(Act I, delineation I). Rackin viewed Macbeths reign at king as a pause in time, at which moment the sun ceases to elevation an d darkness engulfs Scotland. At the death of Macbeth and the end of his sovereignty, Macduff pronounces, "time is free"(Act V, scene VIII). The issue of time has been strongly supported by Phyllis Rackin, however I view this issue as an insignificant matter in the story of Macbeth. Time is an issue in all plays and would function the same in any other suspenseful thriller. Along with time, Phyllis Rackin critiqued the use of the compelling use of evil. In Macbeth, the main character becomes enraged with an evil urge to keep up his status as king. Macbeths cravings begin when he is no longer clear of waiting for the witches prophesies to come true and murders the king. He continues he rampage with the murders of Banquo and Maduffs median(a) family. This can all be foreseen after Macbeth kills Duncan and cries out that "the deed forget not be done when tis done, that it will be no end-all but or else a beginning"(113). Unlike Rackins view on time, I break with h er view on Macbeths evil entrapment. It is apparent that, throughout the progression of the tragedy, Macbeth transforms from the truehearted thane into the murderous king.