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An examination of Macbeth and Shakespeare's sources lead us to formulate several conclusions concerning the motives behind the dramatist's alterations. It can be argued that the changes serve three main purposes: the dramatic purpose of producing a more exciting story than is found in the sources; the thematic purpose of creating a more complex characterization of Macbeth; and the political purpose of catering to the beliefs of the reigning monarch, King James the First. And, in the grander scheme, Shakespeare's alterations function to convey the sentiment echoed in many of his works — that there is a divine right of kings, and that to usurp the throne is a nefarious crime against all of humanity.Mabillard is informative about the similarities and differences between what Shakespeare was reading and what he was writing, but her interpretations are certainly open to question. For instance, she says, "Despite the murders Macbeth will commit, Shakespeare presents him as a gentle, thoughtful man who can love wholeheartedly, as we see in his interactions with his wife." I think Macbeth is scared of his wife, and I don't have any idea why Mabillard describes Macbeth as "gentle." Bottom Line: OK, but you have to keep your wits about you. |
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