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| Macbeth's Full Brain Image |
Images:
Broken Heart--Macbeth begins losing the concept of guilt
Bloody Dagger--the common tool for murder
Bloody Crown--represents both the way Macbeth obtained the crown and how he plans to keep it by continuing blood shed
Crow--death
Three Witches--On Macbeth's mind for justification for his actions
Bloody Hands Holding the Brain--Reminder of the deeds Macbeth has committed
Black Background--Macbeth is shrouded in darkness
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| "Full of scorpions in my mind" (3.2.37) "We have scotched the snake" (3.2.13) |
First Quote:
Describes the poisonous thoughts flooding his brain regarding Banquo and Fleance.
Second Quote:
Macbeth is describing how he has split open the snake, but has not fully killed it. He means to communicate that killing King Duncan was not enough; there are still people who threaten his position.
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| "Duncan is in his grave" (3.2.22) |
In other scenes Macbeth feels guilty and self conscious about what he did, whereas in this scene he seems as if his murderous acts do not effect him.
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| "Light thickens, and the crow" (3.2.50) & "Let your remembrance apply to Banquo" (3.2.29) |
A crow is a common representation of death and the quote fits with Macbeth's descent into darkness.
Fifth Quote:
Foreshadows Macbeth's murderous plan to kill Banquo.
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| "And make our faces vizards to our hearts" (3.2.34-35) |
Sixth Quote:
Here Macbeth employs deception by suggesting to act proper while hiding his true intentions in order to lessen suspicion.
I found this to be an interesting interpretation of Act 3 Scene 2. At this point in the play Macbeth struggles with the murder of his friend Banquo, and slowly descends into insanity. Constructing an illustration of his brain is an excellent idea, since Shakespeare allows the reader to delve into the burgeoning madness of Macbeth at this time. I especially appreciate the bloody crown, symbolizing the horrific acts Macbeth committed to reach his place of power. The quotes in the crevices of the brain look aesthetically pleasing and highlight the major ideas within this scene. Shakespeare tells the reader of the struggles within Macbeth’s mind at this point in the play, however, this interpretation shows the reader as well. I appreciate this added dimension, since it allowed me a better grasp on Macbeth and this scene.
ReplyDeleteI find this group's multimedia project a very interesting interpretation of Act III Scene II in Macbeth.
ReplyDeleteI find that all of the symbols represent the major themes of the play like guilt, fate, and murder/darkness, but the brain concept is clever and adds another layer to my understanding of Macbeth's character. To this point, Macbeth has displayed mental instability, presumable because of the blood on his hands. However, this group's project has expanded my understanding of Macbeth's characterization. Not only has Macbeth murdered, but he remains subject to the whims of a supernatural force in addition to ghostly hallucinations,depending on the lens with which the readers views the play, adding fuel to the proverbial fire burning his destructive mind.
I'm especially impressed with the bloody crown, double indicative of the corrupt manner with which Macbeth obtains the crown and the method he employs to maintain it. Shakespeare illuminates this foul play with the line, "To be thus is nothing,
But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo
Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature
Reigns that which would be feared" (3.1.48-50). Macbeth's fear of losing the crown he so wickedly obtained is paralleled by his affinity for murder and assassinations.
The crown is certainly responsible for blood, and this group did a wonderful job representing that.
Just as Tessa and Adam found the group’s interpretation interesting, I also find it figuratively brilliant.
ReplyDeleteIn the second scene of Act 3, Macbeth feels paranoid about committing homicide, worried Scotland will soon discover his misdemeanors. The idea of eliminating Banquo as a threat first burgeons here as well. Rereading the scene, I noticed the line “We have scotched the snake, not killed it” (2.3.13). Though I do love the quotes curving around the brain’s folds, I envision the curves taking on the appearance of snakes. As a part of Macbeth’s conversation and as a symbol of evil, the snakes would fit perfectly with the group’s interpretation of the King’s sinister intellect. Nonetheless, I admire their creativity in representing all that consumes Macbeth’s thoughts.
I especially commend the broken heart. As the group explained, the typical symbol for love and empathy now appears decayed by guilt. While Macbeth commands the night to “scarf up the tender eye of a pitiful day” (3.2.47), his immoral quest for power envelops his severed heart. After murdering Duncan, he owns the dying heart of his victim, a fragment of his actions that will claim his putrefying soul.
Again, kudos to the artists and brain power of the group.