Violence Breeds Violence Flashcards
What is the purpose of the theme of Violence?
• This theme is almost an attack on the warrior culture in Scotland, and a warning to King James (coming from Scotland) not to be violent towards his own people.
What does Macbeth say they do by murdering Duncan? ‘‘t—- b—– ins—–’’ How does this link to King James?
Macbeth says, by murdering Duncan, they ‘teach bloody instructions’, implying that they are telling everyone else that it’s okay to commit regicide, which would in turn lead them to murder Macbeth.
It’s an idea that Shakespeare is introducing to please King James, that regicide is a dangerous crime. Similarly, it’s a warning to King James that if he became tyrannical or violent, it would only lead to people thinking violence is okay.
What else does Macbeth say regarding murder?
Macbeth claims, ‘Blood will have blood’, implying that one death leads to another for revenge, creating a vicious cycle of killing. Alternatively, it could be suggesting that the killer acquires a taste for blood, that once you start killing, it’s very difficult to stop.
How does Shakespeare explore bloodlust?
He also claims he is ‘in blood stepped in so deep’ that returning would be ‘tedious’. Shakespeare’s exploring the psychology of bloodlust, the overpowering effect it has had on Macbeth.
Going back to a life without killing would be ‘tedious’, almost boring.
However, on the other hand, continuing to kill is almost ‘tedious’ since he’s killed so many people.
How does Shakespeare use Lady Macbeth to study violence?
The motif of blood is increasingly important as the play progresses to show the mental and physical consequences of violence. ‘Out damned spot’, Lady Macbeth says.
She calls the spot ‘damned’ in order to stop her mind thinking she herself is damned, that’s its just the blood on her hands that makes her damned. The ‘spot’ of blood is tiny, Shakespeare is suggesting that even a small amount of bloodshed leads to tragedy and destruction.
What message does the motif of blood send to King James?
‘Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand?’ The suggestion that not even a God, Neptune, could prevent further Violence after the first act.
This continued motif of blood is used to send Shakespeare’s message to King James and other nobles about pacifism and how the act of killing has endless physical and mental consequences.
How does Shakespeare make us dislike LM and M?
Who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him?’ – Metonymy shows that the crime here isn’t only murdering a King – it’s murdering someone who is helpless.
