There was only one choice for what I would post about on Halloween: Macbeth.
Macbeth is very close to my heart. It was (for all intents and purposes) my first introduction to Shakespeare and remains a dear favorite of mine. So much so that if I was made to choose only one favorite Shakespeare play, it would have to be this one.
I don’t know that I can adequately described why I love it so much, but I’m going to attempt it.
First, Macbeth is interesting. It is similar to Richard III in that our main character is not exactly admirable, heroic, or even very likable. This takes a great deal of skill to execute well, and I’m amazed at how Shakespeare can get us to care so much about what happens for 2 hours even though we have no sympathy for the main character.
Second, Macbeth is beautiful. There is an endless amount that could be said about the language in this play. Each line is so suited to the character and there is exquisite depth to everything in this play. Furthermore, I maintain that one of the most beautiful and moving things ever written is Macbeth’s soliloquy after he learns of his wife’s death.
She should have died hereafter;
There would have been a time for such a word.
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
Third, Macbeth is relevant. All of Shakespeare’s plays (more or less) are always timely (that is part of their power and genius), but I quite often think about this one in particular. It asks questions about the effect of power, the role of fate, how much of human nature is inherent and unavoidable, and many others. It doesn’t waste time on small or insignificant issues. Every theme in the play is enormously consequential. Just from the soliloquy above, you can see him grapple with the very purpose of our existence. Of the Bard’s work, only Hamlet comes closer, in my opinion, to asking such important and profound questions.
Those are just a few reasons I love Macbeth.
What do you like about this play?
