Lady MacBeth or Not Lady MacBeth. That is the question.

In the tragedy of MacBeth the villain is widely considered to be Lady MacBeth. It is clear that she encourages the idea of her husband killing the king and has no regrets about it what-so-ever. But is it really her or was her husband the real mastermind behind it all?

Whereas there is plenty of evidence against Lady MacBeth, there is also substantial evidence against her husband. For one, the only murder she encouraged him to commit was of the king. MacBeth decided on the murder of Macduff, Macduff’s family, and Banquo on his own. Even then, MacBeth was the first to think of murdering the King. (Act 1 Scene III Macbeth’s words to himself starting at line 130) He was unsure of himself sure, but he did consider it before his wife’s suggestion.

It is also argued that because of Lady MacBeth’s great love for her husband she encouraged him to commit the murder. She loved him so much that she only wanted him to be happy, and if that meant going along with murder then she was okay with that. This thought is furthered by the guilt that Lady MacBeth shows in Act V Scene 1. She has so much guilt that in her sleep she walks about trying, and failing, to wash the blood off of her hands. She even felt so guilty that she killed herself. Is this the reaction of someone who is a heartless murderer? Or is it the reaction of a guilty wife who encouraged her husband to be happy thus putting the blood of dozens on their hands?

There is one last possibility that perhaps we haven’t considered. Maybe they both just want to be happy so much so that they jumped in head first then couldn't find which way was up and which was down resulting in their imminent deaths. Or maybe it is how it is written and we, like so often do, are looking for deeper meaning when there is none. I personally have a hard time believing that writers think such deep things through when writing a story.

Ultimately, after a story is written it is for the reader to comprehend. That is part of the fun of reading; it can come out differently depending on your personality and what jumps out to you. So let’s just carry on comprehending what we comprehend about the story and/or the deeper meanings.  It doesn't matter too much in the long run, although it is fun to compare comprehensions every now and again. I guess that’s why they have book clubs.

(NOTE: This has been an essay about MacBeth. Please forgive any incorrect fact/observations because I read the story in old english and if you have ever read Shakespeare then you will understand that it is very difficult to understand. Thank you & have a lovely day.) 

There's Shakespeare's Sonnet and Then There's Mine...

According to my literature book, sonnets were love songs before love songs were love songs (If that makes sense). And Shakespeare's sonnets were especially more in the "love song" genre of sonnets. For example the ever famous sonnet 18. You know, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate;". Sonnets are also often made up of 14 lines that rhyme in an alternate pattern, or Iambic Pentameter. (that's what the one website about how to write a sonnet I looked at said anyway). SO given that I have written the other types of poems and stories that my literature book talked about, I decided to write one of these too...And it had to be in the "love song" genre so, prepare for it to be cheesy...sorry..

Endeavor

A year we’ve had after first sight

And quite a year it was

We both felt as if in flight

To slow down we had not a cause

With you I went and with me you came

They hardly saw us apart

To me you would your love proclaim

And I can repeat your songs by heart

This feeling I wish to have forever

And to never leave your side

Of course that will take an endeavor

But if you’re in I’m willing to try

So as the aisle down I walk into your arms forever,

Let this begin new life and begin our new endeavor.

Apparently There Were Fables

Continuing through history in my literature studies, I am now in the Medieval Ages and apparently in that time period there were fables. So I wrote one. It's called "The Fable of the Fox". Enjoy. Or not. It's entirely up to you. It's not that good, I'm just proud that I finished it. 

The Fable of the Fox

There was once a forest. Well, there still is a forest, but something once happened in the forest. So I should have said “Once in a forest”. That’s what I mean. Anyway, there is a forest, and in the forest lived a family of wild chickens and their name so happened to be Wilde. Trust me it is a coincidence, I didn’t make it up to be funny, this is the way it actually happened.

In this family there were three, Father, Mother, and Daughter. Father and Mother were oh so proud of their only chickadee and wanted nothing but to give her the best. But since the Wilde family didn’t have much, all that chickadee’s parents could give her was their sage advice such as; “Don’t ever talk to anyone who starts a conversation by going ‘spt! Hey you!’ and “Never count your humans before they’re birthed.”

Chickadee loved her parents, but didn’t see the importance of her parents’ advice and would often ignore it. “I mean really!” she would say, “I’ve gathered food out in the rain many a time but not once have I caught death.” But her parents kept on in hopes that she would take even a little bit of their wisdom to heart. 

Now this forest was home to many an animal. There were several families of chickens, Mourning doves, and even a family of mice. It was a wonderfully diverse neighborhood and everyone loved one another… except for one. Deeper in the forest there lived a Fox and every now and again he liked to cause trouble. He had been the culprit of many robberies and several deaths.

It had been many years since anyone had seen or heard anything of the fox and that only made the residence of the forest more and more nervous. For they knew that that meant he had something sinister up his sleeve.  All of her life, Chickadee’s parents told her “If you ever come across that sneaky fox, don’t pay him any mind. Just walk swiftly but never turn your back.” And she couldn’t see why he the fox could be such a bad person. “They’re just over reacting. That fox is probably the sweetest person you’d ever meet.”

One evening Chickadee’s parents sent her out to gather some food for dinner, but before she left Mother reminded her of the fox. “If you ever come across that sneaky fox, don’t pay him any mind. Just walk swiftly but never turn your back.” She responded with a nod and a smile but as she gathered she thought to herself about how her parents MUST be wrong. “I mean, they’ve never met him how do they know?” just then she heard someone behind her. She turned around to see none other than the fox. “Oh hello,” he said. “I didn’t realize someone was gathering here. Mind if I join?” he asked.

Chickadee thought briefly about what her parents had told her those many times, but was certain that they were wrong. Besides, he looks kind enough. “No, help yourself. I’ve never seen you around here.” She said. “Oh, I usually gather deeper in the forest but I decided that I would like a change of scenery today.” She agreed with him saying that it would be nice to explore different places but her parents only let her gather in this spot because they’re afraid for her safety. “That’s crazy, the forest has been a very safe place for years upon years!” the fox said staying close behind her. “I know! But they seem to think that that will change.”  She said facing him briefly before she carried on walking.

“I guess you never know.” The fox said. “What do you mean?” she asked as she picked some berries. “Well,” the fox said. “You never know who could just walk up behind you.” She looked up from a bush long enough to say “Yes, but like you said, this is one of the safest places, like, ever. There aren’t any killers here.” and returned to her work. “Just because they don’t live here doesn’t mean that they won’t show up. Killers are crazy people; they would do anything to get their prey.” Chickadee began to feel a bit uneasy. “Like what?” She dared ask. “Oh, golly,” he said taking a step towards her. ”They would disguise themselves, make themselves look like a part of the community,” He said taking another step. “Or come out at night to catch them coming home late.” He said getting closer. “Or even deceive them. Make them think they’re a friend.”

She was really nervous now, buy it’s probably just because of what her parents told her; though, they couldn’t possibly have been right. The fox really seems to be a nice guy! As she and the fox stood face to face she tried to think of a way to leave politely as she was late for dinner. “Well,” she said taking a few steps back. “I really ought to be getting home. Mother and Father are expecting me for dinner.”  “Oh, must you go? I’m sure they won’t miss you for a few minutes more.” He said stepping towards her again. “Oh, but you see I’m late as it is, and I have our dinner here, so I really must be off.” She started to go around the fox but his eyes never left her.  “Alright, if you must.” He said and as she started out of the gathering area. She stopped quickly and turned around to say “Maybe I’ll see you around here again sometime?” “Yeah,” he said as she turned her back on him. And with a big grin on his face he whispered “I doubt it.” And pounced.

One more murder the fox is responsible for. One more murder and a forest full of broken hearts.