Macbeth: Reading #3

[[deleted user]]

For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence from text to support your response.

[Lindsay]

After discussing critical approaches with our group, it seemed that mythological criticism was largely on our minds. This was due to the many symbols used and archetypes identified. From the beginning of the play, the context sets the tone. This is shown first in Scene I, Act I when the witches are meeting. Witches in general are known to be deceitful and mischievous, but the weather also reflects the symbolic brewing tempest. In fact, every time we encounter the witches, thunder is heard. The weather is also symbolically stormy the evening the King is murdered.

The ghost could also be meant to be symbolic if it is not literal. In that case, it would most likely represent Macbeth’s conscience overcoming him and possible doubts regarding the security of their future. Macbeth was continually concerned that their newfound happiness would be taken away, which is again expressed after seeing the ghost. He ponders to Lady Macbeth: “Can such things be, and overcome us like a summer’s cloud?”

Various archetypes are also identified throughout the story. The two that stood out for me were: Macbeth, who plays the hero turned villain, and Banquo, who is the best friend and sidekick. Perhaps Shakespeare used archetypes so we could identify with the characters and subsequently be more receptive to the overall message of the play.

[Eduardo]

What influence Shakespeare to write Macbeth is the unreasonable desire that will have repulsive results. Unreasonable because back then there was tension for being king.He was not viewed as the suitable choice of the descendants of Elizabeth. One of the critical views in Macbeth is Feminism because in Act 1 Scene 7 it reads:
What beast was't, then,
That made you break this enterprise to me?
When you durst do it, then you were a man;
And, to be more than what you were, you would
Be so much more the man. Nor time nor place
Did then adhere, and yet you would make both:
They have made themselves, and that their fitness now
Does unmake you. I have given suck, and know
How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me:
I would, while it was smiling in my face,
Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums,
And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you
Have done to this."
I view this paragraph as feminist prospective reason being that Lady Macbeth puts Macbeth on the spotlight and peer pressures him to become more of a man than what she views him to be.Its also sociological because it plays with the ideas of every day life what was going on during King James reign.It is mention by Lady Macbeth in Act 2 Scene 2:"Consider it not so deeply" the wording use back then was distinctive from now yet still having the same base meaning. My opinion was greatly influence by the knowledge I have acquire and gain with everyday experiences.

[Amanda]

Today after discussing Macbeth with my group we all agreed that mythological criticism was a great part on this play of Shakespeare. Many symbols and wording describes this play to prove a lot of mythological. On part 1 it plays how all three witches get together and become one wicked group against Macbeth. The good versus the evil and how Lady Macbeth and Macbeth swapped characters on the 2nd scene. On the play they put thunder as the background and make it seem thundery when Macbeth kills the king. Throughout the play a ghost appeared to be Macbeths conscious or doubts that were going on the mind of Macbeth. As Macbeth states on the last scene “I will not be afraid of death and bane, till Birnam and forest come to Duinsane.” There is a mixture of archetypes throughout this play that also caught my attention for example Banquo that plays as the sidekick and all the other characters that played big roles.

[Amalia]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

I saw this play in a mythological view point. Shakespeare uses archetypes when talking about killing someone or something evil is about to happen. He sets the setting with symbols to represent what is about to happen. To me besides all those people that Macbeth killed Macbeth himself needs saving. I agree as well with my group member Mary. Mary says she views Lady Macbeth as the seductress. She uses sex to persuade Macbeth to do certain things and she does not mind giving up her soul. “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty.”, lady Macbeth chants. The witches all especially Hecate are the demons that play with a person's mind. Since the beginning the witches were brought into the picture telling stuff to Macbeth and Banquo. It was up to Macbeth and Banquo having free will what would happen and everyone took their own side.

[Katia]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

After I read the three parts of story of Macbeth, I concluded that the story was a mythological criticism. I think it is mythological because the three parts of the story are connected, this reading is part of the human unconscious that occurs in Literature, and it contains several kinds of archetypes. The scene, where the king was murdered by Macbeth, is the darkest part of the story. One of the most outstanding archetypes in the story would be that Macbeth is a hero and villain at the same time. Also, I think this story has psychological criticism due to it is unconscious story, it is a dream, and it exposes the real ambition of people. “Oh yet I do repent me of my fury, that I did kill them," this quote shows that its human psyche is super-ego because it maintains the guilt and shame. The story of Macbeth develops some societal norms like moral norms. Finally, I think it was great to understand the literary criticisms, archetypes, and the three parts of the human psyche this helped clarify and understand the characters even more.

[Jorge]

After reading the three parts of this play I concluded that it has everything with mythological criticism because this story demonstrates how humans have an evil and good side and in this story shows how Macbeth starts being a good man but his ambitious of power took him to killed the king to get his position as the king, but the one who controlled the whole evil thing was Lady Macbeth that with her phrases and thoughts took her husband to the evil side when lady Macbeth mentioned ¨evil spirits , unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe topfull of direst cruelty¨by this sentence showed that the story explains what people is capable to do to get what they believe they deserve.

[Maria L.]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

After analyze the different critical approaches, I came to a conclusion that this play is a mythological criticism due to several symbols in the story. For example, the witches are the first symbol because they are supernatural creatures representing the dark side of human nature. They do not physically hurt people, but they use the power of their words and illusions to create mystical effects on Macbeth’s mind. I think they are Macbeth’s evil side that does not manifest itself until he realized that he murdered Duncan and start acting like a new arrogant, ambitious, and cruel Macbeth.

The unconscious mind is also present in Macbeth when he mentions to Lady Macbeth “strange things I have in head, that will to hand”. Also, when Macbeth visits the witches and they show illusions, a ghost talking, and Banquo’s spirit would represent a symbol of fear of his conscious. In conclusion, Shakespeare worked with several archetypes that help us understand and recognize the characters and the real meaning of his stories

[Ilze]

After discussing this Kristina mentioned, “I thought it was more of the mythological aspect. I saw this as a rebirth. Macbeth was reborn to a murderer and evil man” I definitely agree with Kristina because in the beginning Macbeth was portrait as one of the most honorable man and in the end due to his ambitions he was the whole contrary. I also mentioned how in my opinion Feminist took a role in this play. Usually women are seen as loving, caring, noble but in the very beginning Lady Macbeth showed us the whole opposite, “I have given suck, and know how tender ‘tis to love the babe that milks me. I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I sworn as you have done this. In modern English this quote made me realize how Lady Macbeth is no ordinary women “I have suckled a baby, and I know how sweet it is to love the baby at my breast. But even as the baby was smiling up at me, I would have plucked my nipple out of its mouth and smashed its brains out against a wall if I had sworn to do that the same way you have sworn to do this.” I remember from the slide show we were shown in class that male and female can maintain or reject traditional genders which in this case we saw each role turn throughout the whole play.

[Elvia]

To a certain degree, I go along with the group of Shakespeare’s Macbeth having a Mythological twist to it in the sense of it having symbolism. It did have archetypal images of blood. What I don’t see in mythological criticism is anthropology or religion. I do agree with Maria about Macbeth seeing Banquo’s spirit as the fear of his conscience. I would like to add a little humor on Jorge’s point of view, no offense Jorge. Men tend to blame the women for their failures. When Adam stood before God in the Garden of Eden and God asked Adam why he ate the fruit he had been warned not to eat. If I remember correctly, Adam responded, “it was that woman thou gavest me”. Or more recent and forever familiar, “I did not have sex with that woman”. In my opinion, I thought the play leaned more towards Psychological Criticism. From the beginning, the plays gives the reader a first-hand look on the controversial areas such as wish fulfillment, the unconscious, and repression. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth wished to King and Queen. Even in this form of criticism there is symbolism. “Shakespeare’s writing shows his literary genius”, as stated in the textbook, by presenting the duality of human nature using Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, and even Banquo. On Psychological Criticism the text states “it impacts the reader’s mental and sensory faculties”. This happens when we see the switching of roles when Macbeth turns to the dark side mentally. In critically analyzing the Shakespeare’s literary work, one reads between the lines, what was not said, and their fears after becoming King and Queen. Looking closely at Lady Macbeth when she was mentally driven by ambition to the point of taking a life, then becoming a basket case from lack of sleep and her conscience kicks in slipping into a mental state being unable to wipe the blood from hand delves her into committing suicide. Let’s take a gander at Macbeth overtaken by paranoia and wanting to kill anyone he thought was a threat to his position as king. He may have had a bipolar disorder.

[Francisco]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

First of all, I just enjoyed this play without any critical approach. Its easy to find similitudes with this play and every one's life. Sometimes knowing the future or the imminent result of something may change people's attitudes and may be consumed with greedy feelings like it happened to Macbeth. And this is where I think a Mythological approach for this play is the most acceptable to my point of view simply because it shows some clear archetypes. at the beginning lady Macbeth showed "Animus" pushing Macbeth to commit the murder of Duncan on this part of the play lady Macbeth shows the feelings and insensitiveness of what may be accredited to a man, while Macbeth itself shows "Anima" which is the female side of a male self by acting with fear, remorse and gratitude towards Duncan and even love , the way society may be actually describe a woman. I also think Macbeth had a "rebirth" in an opposite way we may be accustomed to see it instead on been evil and then becoming a good person it happened the other way around. after been considered a "great man " Macbeth was seduced by greed and became evil and was never able to enjoy his "royal" life because of the fear of losing the power he wasn't able to trust no one , he lost hi peace of mind with the killing of King Duncan.

[[deleted user]]

Francisco wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

I agree with you. I love this play without any "critical reading" associated with it. It's simply a great little play about man's dark capability.

[[deleted user]]

Ilze wrote: "After discussing this Kristina mentioned, “I thought it was more of the mythological aspect. I saw this as a rebirth. Macbeth was reborn to a murderer and evil man” I definitely agree with Kristina..."

Your perspective is a very popular one.

[Paula]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

Critically our group viewed this play mostly from a mythological perspective. Seeing the good vs. evil archetype. It can be seen in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as they both struggle internally at some point in the story. Lady Macbeth is perhaps our first example of the duality of human nature in the story, however, towards the end of the dramatic story we saw Macbeth having turned from hero to villain.
Personally, I also related this drama to the psychological perspective. Shakespeare opens up the play with a dream like world where there are witches conjuring up trouble. This may represent the subconscious and ultimately the secret ambitions that we find out Macbeth has. Macbeth ultimately succumbs to the Id, which, seeks to fulfill his ambitions with no rationalism. The righteous men that sought to dethrone Macbeth were the superego. Surprisingly by the end I related Lady Macbeth to the Ego. Although she is all for killing King Duncan in the beginning, it is with the intension of fulfilling the Id with what it wants, to be king. However, she draws the line at that murder and is now shamed by the following murders that Macbeth has ordered as seen when she says,
“The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now? — What, will these hands ne’er be clean? – No more o’that, my lord, no more o’that; you mar all with this starting.”

[Paula]

Ilze wrote: "After discussing this Kristina mentioned, “I thought it was more of the mythological aspect. I saw this as a rebirth. Macbeth was reborn to a murderer and evil man” I definitely agree with Kristina..."

That's an interesting perspective Ilze. I agree with you, I thought it uncommon that a woman would be portrayed to have such poor nurturing or motherly instincts. However, Lady Macbeth is no ordinary woman in this story. Then again Macbeth also is seen as both a "hero" for his war gains and then is also depicted as "less of a man" by Lady Macbeth because he won't murder off the battle field. Making her seem as almost embracing the male role. I also thought, how predictable, that a woman must 'go crazy' after assuming such a 'manly' role. Well at least I thought it was a little funny.

[Dave]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

After discussing among our group the play of Macbeth we concluded that the play itself was mostly mythological. There was evidence of Shadow throughout the entire play with both Macbeth and his Lady. We can see this on both sides: "Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty!" (950; lines 35 - 38) and "If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs?" (948; lines 135 - 37).

We also saw a gender feminist role of change. the idea that Lady Macbeth would "while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you Have done to this" (952; 56 - 59). It was a bit unnerving to even think of such a mother existing in this world to us. However, we understood that times were rather much different back then as they are now. Although, I suggested that I disagreed with that statement. I said that while times yes were of another nature back then, there is still that single thread that ties this world to the one of the past.

You see, if you think of the play and relate it to life today, it frankly isn't that much different. People still have shadows and gender bending roles; people still hold ambitions and are willing to do the unthinkable - maddening even - to obtain their desire. Morals and ethics are thin in the world of Macbeth and can be easily swayed to the latter, but our world is no different. It takes reflection and special attention to the being inside of you to know the difference of when to act, and when to hold.

[Monica]

After reading “Macbeth”, I was able to critically analyze this play with a mythological approach. Throughout the story I was able to see the different archetypes that might have been used on this play. For example, the major tragedies such as deaths and murders happen or are plan in Macbeth’s castle. Also, on his castle is where Macbeth and lady Macbeth hid their secrets, and where the ghost apparition of Banquo happens, therefore the Archetypal setting would be “the Castle”. As my group members described, Lady Macbeth could be seen as the seductress; at the beginning of the play we can see how she uses sex and evil to convince Macbeth to murder king Duncan. Macbeth could be seen as the tyrants, we see how Macbeth is consumed with evil and is willing to kill everyone that might get in the way of him and the crown. The three witches could be seen as the devil; the witches speak to Macbeth about the future, transforming the good, loyal, and honorable Macbeth into dark and evil man. The archetypal plots that I saw on this play would be the fall, and the battle of good vs. evil. A perfect example for the fall would be Lady Macbeth; at the beginning we see her as a strong and influential person who would do whatever it takes to obtain the power, but at the end she suffers,goes crazy and she kills herself. As far as the battle of good vs. evil archetype, we get to see it in the beginning of the story with Macbeth. He knows that killing Duncan is wrong, but he wants to be king so we see him battling between killing the king or not; although later we find out that he does and on this case evil won.

[Dave]

Jorge wrote: "After reading the three parts of this play I concluded that it has everything with mythological criticism because this story demonstrates how humans have an evil and good side and in this story sho..."

Hello Jorge. I couldn't of said it better myself. You saw the whole mythological aspect clearly for what it was. I will mention another part of 'Shadow' that you left out. Do you recall when Macbeth was struggling within himself? "My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of mind" (948; lines 140 - 41). Here you can see that Macbeth is fighting 'inner demons' as you so put it. I also agree with you thought on how you see Lady Macbeth as the 'Snake' or the "evil" in the play. The whole aspect of 'nurturing mother is lost to the darkness' is key in this ploy of theirs. All in all, great observations.

[Maria]

After reading Macbeth I saw this play with a mythological approach. I saw this play with a mythological approach for the fact that every time something bad and evil was going to happen the setting will change for example, we could hear the thunders. Also, Shakespeare uses a lot of symbols that illustrates when something is about to happen like the witches and the ghost. As well, it demonstrates the good and the evil in people. For example, Macbeth was seen as the good and noble person but with the help of his wife Lady Macbeth, he became evil and kill the king. This play also shows feminism. When Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth to kill the king she puts him on the spotlight to see how much of a men he was. Lady Macbeth states in act one scene seven lines fifty to fifty-five, that if Macbeth is a men he would do it and that she was more of a men then him because she would be capable of doing worst thing then him. This is way I view this play in a mythological view point.

[Elizabeth]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

After an interesting group discussion we concluded that the best critical view would be mythological. In many ways throughout this whole play we see many things which made us determine this view.

For example, right off there is of course the good and the evil. Macbeth not wanting to commit the crime because he knows its not right, against Lady Macbeth who seems to pray to evil. Witches are introduced with thunder, I take it as it is advising of the storm that comes ahead. The stormy night of when the Kings is murdered shows how no good things come after a storm.

Macbeth is at the beginning our hero described as honorable, brave, and noble. Yet later his evil begins to evolve and take over him. Roles switch where now the evil is Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is the good. I see how she can be seen as the damsel in distress. She pleads with her husband to be goo, to enjoy what they now have. She tries to do what any "good wife" would do. The sidekick is Banquo until later where Macbeth wants him dead.

[Viviana]

For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence from text to support your response.

This play can be seen from different point of views, depending on how one sees it. My group and I saw it from a mythological point of view, just like many others did from the class. The mythological point of view fits this play perfectly. That would be because there are many symbols, tones and other things such as lines being repeated to state that something is important. We could see this play through the "good versus evil" perpective because towards the beginning of the play Macbeth is seen as a normal person until the prophecy of the witches gets to him and he's willing to do anything evil to the get the title. Lady Macbeth can be seen as a symbol. Just like my group members Mary Jane and Amalia stated she can be seen as the "seductress". When she says "unsex me, and starts talking about her breasts" you can see the evil she has and wants to convince Macbeth that nothing bad is coming out of this. The witches are also a major symbol in this play, which represent evil. The prophecy that the witches tell Macbeth is sort of his fate to his future. This whole play has an apsect of darkness and evil. It has many twists to it. And like I've mentioned before, the role changes between the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth play a major part.

[Senaida]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

I viewed Macbeth mythological because he was a hero and the witches played also an important role in Macbeth. They were his shadow the witches were the ones that told Macbeth he was going to be king. The witches are Macbeth unconscious they are the ones that tell Macbeth what he wants to hear. In scene one the witches tell Macbeth there premonition and that leads to Macbeth own conclusion.
Sociological Macbeth is written in a time where there were Kings and knights. Macbeth is done in the time of magic and where people could kill and not get caught that easily.
Psychological point of view Macbeth started at birth with and id that’s leads to and ego and super ego. This is what makes him have guilt to what he does. At the beginning Macbeth does not want to kill the King but he attempts to please his id. In the second scene he becomes more evil and is plotting against anyone that gets in his way.

[Jorge]

As finishing reading the story "Macbeth", my group and I discussed and analyze that this play was a mythological approach. all this symbolize and words came together and also there were different types of archetypes throughout the story. In the beginning, I saw lady Macbeth a "seductress" for the reason she would get into Macbeth mind and convince him to kill the king. Another archetype is "rebirth" with Macbeth as in the beginning Macbeth was good and after he killed the king for the reason his wife made him fall into her trap by saying that he wasn't big of a man and that she could do it (feminist), through out the story, Macbeth seeks evil and fear within him and wants to kill Banquo and Fleance to gain peace but Lady Macbeth tells him that to stop that "what is done, is done" making Macbeth from good to evil.

[Kristina]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

As Ilze stated above, I saw this as a rebirth of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. they essentially switched roles. Lady Macbeth had been the "evil" one to encourage murder of a good king and speak of murdering her child while she feed him and he was smiling at her, now she was the remorseful one trying to be kind to her guest. Macbeth, on the otherhand, was a good, kind, and honorable man, then he becomes evil and a murderer. Both these characters were reborn. After speaking with my group I did notice how it could also be feminist. Lady Macbeth definitly did not follow the traditional role for a woman. Women were view to be kind, loving, gentle creatures and Lady Macbeth spoke of murdering an infant child in cold blood.

[Arturo]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

After reading Macbeth I believe that this story was pyschological because it had to deal with the mind of Macbeth. He had to deal with a lot of Id's in his way. What I mean is that he had so many options that would please Id but his super ego would try to control it. It got to the point where he couldn't anymore and everything got out of control since then. His mind went insane and thought murder was the only way to control everything. These are some of the Id's that come towards his way, "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to you, thane of Glamis!, All hail, Macbeth! Hail to you, thane of Cawdor!, All hail, Macbeth, the future king!". Those are his Id's that spiral around his head like a madman. It comes to the point where his ego just completely satisfies Id and ignores his super ego. In the overall of the play it we got to see human duality and how the hero is also the villain.

[Luis]

The was I see this play is as a mythological criticism. Since there is a lot of symbolism and out of this world experiences in this play. There is also a good deal of fighting between good and evil in this play. For example when Macbeth does not want to kill the king cause his conscious knows that he wont have peace anymore, but at the same time Lady Macbeth temps him to do it. Cause if he does not do it, according to her, he is not a real man. Every time something important is about to happen the witches or the ghost are mentioned and implant ideas on Macbeth. For example in the beginning of the book when Macbeth comes from battle. If it had not been for the witches appearing to him, the thought of being king would have never had crossed his mind. Once they appeared his whole world shifted and had a new dream ahead of him. Before the witches, he was happy with his new tittle and going home with his wife and peaceful sleeping.

[Dave]

Francisco wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

Hello Francisco. I also enjoyed the play. I found it interesting at how quickly our attitudes and minds change based on the sour of the moment. Another thing I might add is your view on the Animus and Anima. You can clearly see both of these archetypes depicted in the play; Macbeth taking the feminine side and Lady Macbeth taking the male role. I also would like to add another idea you might have considered: The Feminist Literary concept where we see Lady Macbeth ridding herself of the 'nurturing mother' role: "Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between Th'effect and it! Come to my woman's breast And take my milk for gall, you murd'ring ministers..." (950; 41 - 44) It was interesting to see how a mother could switch roles so fast. Either way, great insight.

[Lindsay]

Amanda wrote: "Today after discussing Macbeth with my group we all agreed that mythological criticism was a great part on this play of Shakespeare. Many symbols and wording describes this play to prove a lot of m..."

Amanda, I appreciate your point about the “good versus evil” theme being repeated throughout the play. As you mentioned, these two forces were displayed between husband and wife particularly when they switched roles. Also, Macbeth himself seemed to have an internal good versus evil struggle especially evident prior to murdering the King. He indicates he has turned away from murdering the King, telling Lady Macbeth: “We will proceed no further in this business”. However, turning to evil once more, he carries out the murder.

[Senaida]

Luis wrote: "The was I see this play is as a mythological criticism. Since there is a lot of symbolism and out of this world experiences in this play. There is also a good deal of fighting between good and evil..."
Yes, I do agree this play has mythological because, of the witches and ghost. I do think Macbeth had freewill. Macbeth was the one who looked for the witches after the first time he meet with them.

[Lindsay]

Elizabeth wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

Elizabeth, your comment mentioned Lady Macbeth acting as a “good wife”. I had not previously thought of her as that type of archetype, but you made a good observation. Initially, I identified her only as a temptress using sexuality to accomplish her purpose. But it seems she had a rebirth, just as Macbeth did. Interestingly, their rebirths were in opposite directions, which was required to balance the good versus evil theme.

[angel]

Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

Macbeth is just too abstract, which means that there is so much from mythological, gender, social, psychological.
Mythological because the archetype of the conflict of good vs. evil, but I would not totally depend on mythological since the fact that Macbeth is not only the protagonist, but also the antagonist is an original idea that doesn't rely too much on mythological criticism.

Shakespeare brakes the rules by making most of the female character have evil intentions, which could be considered the way that females impact males, since the manipulation is done by women, making a resemblance to gender criticism.

At the time this play was written, there were a lot of issues with monarchy regarding how hard would be the responsibility and the fear of been in that position, since there would be so many benefits, there will be a cost to them. Therefore, Macbeth wanting the throne and killing his obstacles is sociological criticism.

While Macbeth is full of different criticisms, what it mostly uses in the story, is the conflict that Macbeth's psyche is going through. And I say this because often on the story; Macbeth describes how he is changing on inside, making this story be more focused on psychological criticism.

[Senaida]

Eduardo wrote: "What influence Shakespeare to write Macbeth is the unreasonable desire that will have repulsive results. Unreasonable because back then there was tension for being king.He was not viewed as the ..."

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth play a dual role throughout the play .In scene one he is not seen as much as a man in Lady Macbeth eyes until he kills the king. I guess it is Feminism to an extent.

[Maria L.]

Elvia wrote: "To a certain degree, I go along with the group of Shakespeare’s Macbeth having a Mythological twist to it in the sense of it having symbolism. It did have archetypal images of blood. What I don’t s..."

Elvia, I agree with your point of view. You made a good observation because I thought it was just towards mythological criticism, but you are right! It is also psychological criticism. This play really impacted the readers mind like you said because while I was reading, I was able to transform my thoughts into possible conclusions using my imagination. As a result, that imagination helped me understand better what Shakespeare really meant. Also, about the mental disorders, I think he developed a mental disorder after he realized that he murdered Duncan because he was not able to control his anger and his evil thoughts, so his own conscious played with him.

[Maria L.]

Jorge wrote: "After reading the three parts of this play I concluded that it has everything with mythological criticism because this story demonstrates how humans have an evil and good side and in this story sho..."

Jorge, do you think that Lady Macbeth’s pray to the evil made an effect into Macbeth’s actions? I think that it did make an effect because like you said humans have an evil and a good side and in the mythological criticism this may be a symbol of a diabolic ambition. Also, I agree with you because some people would do weird things in order to get what they want like Lady Macbeth influenced Macbeth to kill the king.

[angel]

Katia wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

I am actually no sure if been the protagonist and the antagonist at the same time is an archetype, but surely the fight between good and evil is. Also, yes, the story focuses a lot on psychological criticism since there is a lot of conflict between Macbeth's psyche.

[Amanda]

Lindsay wrote: "After discussing critical approaches with our group, it seemed that mythological criticism was largely on our minds. This was due to the many symbols used and archetypes identified. From the beginn..."

Mythological criticism is what we discussed in our group, Lindsay stated how there was a background of lightning and thunder that played in the last scene. I agree with your response, every time the witches would appear the thunder background would play as a symbol of negativity. Lindsay gives prove when Macbeth realized all his happiness was fading away to Lady Macbeth and states: ““Can such things be, and overcome us like a summer’s cloud?”

[angel]

Arturo wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

Yes, I also see the story more heavely guided by psychological critism. However, there is a lot of mix between mithological, social, and gender too. But if I had to choose one, I would go with psychogical because of all the character development is focused on Macbeth's mind.

[Amanda]

Elizabeth wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

I agree with your response and how our group viewed it as a mythological criticism. I like how you state how there is a “good and evil.” Macbeth definitely did not want to commit any crimes because he was a good person in the beginning until Lady Macbeth begins to change him. I like how you mentioned the weather that was occurring during the scene. Elizabeth stated proof that Lady Macbeth tried becoming a “good wife” later.

[Amalia]

Monica wrote: "After reading “Macbeth”, I was able to critically analyze this play with a mythological approach. Throughout the story I was able to see the different archetypes that might have been used on this p..."

I also think that in a way the play would be psychological because Macbeth's mind is meesed by the witches and Lady Macbeth. “And to be more than what you were, you would
Be so much more the man. Nor time nor place
Did then adhere, and yet you would make both.”, Lady Macbeth says. She was trying to mess with Macbeth's mind to have him do what she wanted.

[Amalia]

Mary wrote: "Amalia wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociol..."

Yes, Lady Macbeth is like when Satan comes to you well, not you but a guy, as a beautiful woman and makes you do what they want. Macbeth wanted to stop.“We will proceed no further in this business.
He hath honored me of late,” Macbeth says. I'm a Christian which I believe that everyone has a great purpose life. In this world we have temptation but, you decide if you want to fall into it or ignore it.

[Amalia]

Viviana wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

This play does have a lot of symbols. Like how we were talking about in class, “...a falcon was circling high in the sky, and it was caught and killed by an ordinary owl that usually goes after mice.” The story also says that the horses ate each other. The chaos of the night set the scene great when King Duncan was murdered. The symbolism was good.

[Monica]

Amalia wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

I totally agree with you Amalia. I truly believe that Macbeth needed saving from his darkness. I also agree with you in the fact that Macbeth was acting on his free will and no one was forcing him to act the way he did.

[Monica]

Mary wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

Yes Mary Macbeth is also a great example of "the fall". I liked how you described all the wonderful things he had in the beginning of the play and how honorable and recognized he was, but at the end has such an harsh fall and ends up death. Although I do believe he got what he deserved.

[Monica]

Viviana wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? Use evidence fr..."

I liked how you described the archetype of good vs. evil Viviana. Macbeth for me seemed like such a good and loyal man at the beginning of the play, but throught out the play we get to see how he struggles to fight between the good and evil inside of him. The witches did plant a seed in him of evil and with lady Macbeth pushing him more towards the darkness their is no way that poor Macbeth could just ignore it.

[Katia]

Arturo wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

good point! the story of Macbeth is psychological. I agree with you because we are see the same important points like the hero is a villain at the same time. You have a good response about Macbeth!

[Katia]

angel wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

I agree about the story has a mythological and psychological like a literature criticism. I know it is also social, but I think the most important were mythological and psychological.I think you missed to mention about Macbeth is the hero of the story. but at the same time he is a villain due to he killed the king.

[Arturo]

angel wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

I agree with you angel, it can be both mythological, psychological and social. It all depends on the lenses you put to read the story like Mrs. Reyes said.

[Arturo]

Katia wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

I agree with you and I like that you said that Macbeth is the hero and the villain in the story. I had not seen it that way and thanks to you I got a chance to open my eyes to it in a different way.

[Elvia]

Jorge wrote: "After reading the three parts of this play I concluded that it has everything with mythological criticism because this story demonstrates how humans have an evil and good side and in this story sho..."

Jorge, to a certain degree I’m with you and Maria regarding the play being Mythological. I agree that this story demonstrates that humans have an evil and good side. As you said this story portray Macbeth as being a good man in the beginning then took a turn to the dark side. I also thought that since both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth had kind of lost their marbles, the story leaned more to Psychological

[Elvia]

Maria L. wrote: "Monica wrote: "For your last reading, discuss with your group how you critically viewed this play. What kind of critical approach did you use to view this piece (mythological, sociological, etc.)? ..."

Maria, you had quite a few good points as proof of evidence as to how you saw Macbeth as being Mythological. This is the lens you saw this story as being, like Mrs. Reyes said in class. There can be an accident or a person running from a scene and four people will have four different descriptions of what they saw. “The power of their words create mystical effects on Macbeth’s mind” in my opinion were right on the button.