The Supernatural In Macbeth - 1858 Words

In the play Macbeth by WIlliam Shakespeare, the supernatural is an ever present force, seen in the witches, the ghost of banquo, and maybe some other places. The way Shakespeare portrays the supernatural, and especially the witches, add a great deal s to the play, and also contribute in key ways to the themes, structure, tone. Mood, and literary devices in ways that are designed to affect the audience of the play. The most important contribution in my opinion, was that they made the play scary, and created a feeling of uncertainty or unease, which felt like an important aspect of the play. In Macbeth, the witches exemplify some of the important themes through their supernatural abilities, and these themes are important to deliver the†¦show more content†¦The prophecies are interesting because we don’t know whether they were predicting the future, or changing it. Does Macbeth kill the king because he was destined to, or because the witches made him think he was destined to? At the end, Macbeth was told he couldn’t be killed by a man born of a woman; was this ever true? Was he killed by Macduff because Macduff had been ripped from his mother s womb, or because Macbeth knew this and gave up? Really, Macduff only attacked Macbeth because Macbeth killed his family after being told he should fear him. The witches caused all of these things somehow, and whether they did it by supernaturally controlling fate or by manipulating Macbeth is one of the more interesting parts of the play to me. These themes (fair vs foul, and one s control over their own fat e) are important in adding a feeling of uncertainty, and creating some level of fear and suspense. The witches in Macbeth would have been especially scary and mysterious to the audience it was originally written for: the people living in England in the early 1600s, including the king himself. Most of the audience at the time would have believed in witches, and would therefore be afraid of them. The idea that there were crazy killers out there, being controlled by witches that could see the future, create scary potions, and recite spells would haveShow MoreRelatedThe Supernatural in Macbeth874 Words   |  4 PagesThe Supernatural in Macbeth The supernatural contributes significantly to the story in the thrilling play Macbeth, written by Shakespeare. The paranormal signs and powers show considerable overlap with insanity in the case of several characters throughout the play. The superhuman agents that appear or contacted in the play are used for evil purposes in almost all the cases, and are predominantly resulting in the death of a human being. First of all, the three witches are using supernatural powersRead MoreTheme Of Supernatural In Macbeth773 Words   |  4 PagesShakespeares Macbeth, the supernatural and the role it plays in motivating characters is present throughout the duration of the play. The supernatural causes conflict in the play and the prophecies from the witches in act one is the inciting action. The apparition, Banquos ghost, and the dagger are examples of how the presence of the supernatural causes conflict. The theme of the supernatural causing conflict in Macbeth plays an important role in the plo t of the play. The witches in Macbeth play a criticalRead MoreThe Supernatural World Of Macbeth1103 Words   |  5 Pagesthe supernatural world. The idea that the world was full of witches, ghosts, and spells began to stain the country. The hysteria and paranoia regarding witches and spells caused uncontrollable excitement for the people in the 15th century. Following superstitions and indulging in mystical magic was habitual; darkness was taking over. Slowly, but surely the malicious, foul, and unholy world was raiding the souls and minds of the people in the 15th century. The supernatural world in Macbeth wasRead MoreSummary Of The Supernatural In Macbeth1387 Words   |  6 Pagessuspense and involvement of the supernatural. The use of the witches, the visions, the ghost and the apparition is key to making the idea of the plot work and it adds the elements of thrill and suspense to the audience. Reading through each act and scene of the play, it is noticed that the supernatural is in reality a primary concept of the play’s plot. The use of the supernatural emerges at the start of the play, with three witches predicting the destiny of Macbeth. The audience now has an idea asRead MoreMacbeth - Supernatural Theme809 Words   |  4 PagesThe presence of supernatural forces in William Shakespeare s, Macbeth, provides for much of the play s dramatic tension and the mounting suspense. Several supernatural apparitions throughout the play profoundly affect Macbeth and the evil forces eventually claim Macbeth and destroy his morals. Macbeth s ambition was driven by the prophecies of the three witches and unlike Banquo, he was willing to do anything to assure that they actually transpire. Macbeth is horrified at the notion of killingRead More The Supernatural in Macbeth Essay3374 Words   |  14 PagesThe Supernatural in Macbeth       More than a few elements of the supernatural can be discovered within the action and dialogue of Shakespeares plays.   However, the extent and nature of those elements differs to a large degree.   There are traces of it to be found in Henry V, Pardon, gentles all,/The flat unraised spirit that hath dard...to bring forth/So great and object (Lucy   1).  Ã‚   There are also elements of it apparent in Winters Tale, What I did not well I meant well (Lucy  Read MoreThe Supernatural in Macbeth Essay1031 Words   |  5 PagesFrom witches to apparitions, supernatural elements are the constituents of the play, Macbeth. The supernatural occurrences served as role as a manifestation of evil temptations that seduced Macbeth into murdering, even his own comrades. Macbeth’s first meet with the supernatural was the ignition of his ambition to kill for his own success; the second encounter of the supernatural allowed his sanity and judgment to wander off to a murdererâ €™s mind with the basis of his before gained ambition. Supernatural’sRead MoreThe Supernatural In Macbeth Essay1944 Words   |  8 PagesThe Supernatural and its’ affect in the play Macbeth The supernatural has always fascinated and continues to intrigue mankind. In many of Shakespeare’s plays, he uses the supernatural to strengthen a particular scene or to influence the impression the audience has about someone or something. This was not strange or uncommon in Shakespeare’s time. In fact, during the 1500s, many people still believed in witches and witchcraft. Even in today’s society, with such advanced science and technology, manyRead MoreMacbeth : Influence Of The Supernatural2958 Words   |  12 PagesMacbeth Essay- Influence of the Supernatural â€Å"The supernatural is the natural not yet understood.† (Elbert Hubbard) Within the realm of Williams Shakespeare’s â€Å"Macbeth†, supernatural elements play a prevalent role throughout the telling of the tragedy. Created in a time period in which fear of the unknown ran high and belief in the supernatural was rampant, the incorporation of mystical components resulted in a compelling story for the people of the Elizabethan era. Moving forward into the modernRead MoreOccult and Supernatural Elements in Macbeth1402 Words   |  6 PagesAlthough Macbeth is not classed as being a supernatural play or a play of the occult, there are some elements in the play that Shakespeare uses to effect. It is necessary however, to define what is meant by the terms ‘occult’ and ‘supernatural’: the term ‘occult’ is defined as being ‘supernatural beliefs, practises or phenomenon’ and the term ‘supernatural’ is de fined as being ‘attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature’; both these terms can be associated with

An Analysis Of George Gershwin s An American Folk Opera

â€Å"An American Folk Opera.† George Gershwin’s most successful piece of expansive musical drama was subtitled with this term that no musician or critic had applied to a work of musical drama before the 1935 premiere of Porgy and Bess. Much has been written about the work’s subtitle; its literal meaning, its evolution, and its implications for a changing cultural landscape. Porgy and Bess was the last in a triptych of literature and theater surrounding the character of Porgy, a crippled beggar living in Charleston’s semi-fictitious Catfish Row. Porgy, the 1925 novel written by white author DuBose Heyward, was â€Å"the original.† The novel received mixed reviews; white critics praised Heyward’s vivid descriptions of â€Å"the life of the Negro† while†¦show more content†¦Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, â€Å"From the New World† was based upon â€Å"spirituals and plantation song from the South.† Bartok’s Ten Easy Pieces for piano were heavily influenced by â€Å"folk melody [that was] a kind of inspirational motto to be developed.† Gershwin understood there to be a need for a truly American voice in music, comparable to those of the great nationalist European composers, recognizing that â€Å"The only kinds of music which endure are those which possess form in the universal sense and folk music. All else dies.† Similar to Dvorak in his ninth symphony, the idiom that Gershwin employed for his opera was that of the Negro spiritual and folk song. Before composing Porgy and Bess, Gershwin made a trek down to Charleston, South Carolina and some of its outlying island communities with the purpose of studying â€Å"rural African American† culture. It was there that he became immersed in the music of that community and it was there that he garnered his inspiration for the opera’s score. Again harkening to the traditions of the European masters, Gershwin decided against the note-for-note transcription of the songs he had heard, but rather used them as inspiration for a continuous musical narrative of folk-inspired themes. Thus, we arrive at the term â€Å"folk opera.† Gershwin’s use of African American folk material in the composition of an opera gave rise to the literal terminologyShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of the Music Industry30024 Words   |  121 Pagesjazz and world music). In mainstream music, recording and marketing are now dominated by just four `majors worldwide, one of which is the UK s own giant record company, EMI Group PLC. The other majors are Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, based in the US, and Sony BMG, a Japanese/German joint venture only created in 2004. One of EMI s major strengths is its historic catalogue of recordings — and copyrights — which includes The Beatles and many other enduring acts of the last century

A case study of the UK flooding the river Uck, East Sussex, October 2000 Free Essays

During the wet season of October the Sussex the Uck-Ouse basin burst it banks and caused major flooding in the surrounding towns mainly a small town called Uckfield. Upstream of the town of Uckfield slopes are very steep and so runoff happens very quickly after rainfall. However the River Uck flood plain is relatively undeveloped, with natural flood plains remaining. We will write a custom essay sample on A case study of the UK flooding: the river Uck, East Sussex, October 2000 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Here land management practices are well adapted to flooding. The flooding in the central part of the Ouse catchments on Thursday 12th October 2000 was preceded by 3 days of storms and heavy rain across the whole area. The ground became increasingly waterlogged, and there was widespread, localised flooding from surface water run-off. Uckfield flooded dramatically from about 5.00am on the 12th October, with river levels rising rapidly to a peak between 9.00am and 10.00am, at which point a torrent of water up to 1.9m deep, was flowing through the town centre causing considerable damage. Barcombe and Lewes filled up and widespread flooding in Lewes started at about 1.00pm, as the rising river backed up behind the Cliffe Bridge and overtopped the flood defences at a number of locations. Within about an hour or so the flood defences throughout the town were completely overwhelmed and the town centre rapidly filled with floodwater. Many hundreds of people were stranded and had to be rescued by the Emergency Services in boats. By the time the floodwaters peaked at about 9.30pm, some parts of Lewes were less than 3.6m of water. As the flows passing downstream from Barcombe continued to increase at a rapid rate, the floodwaters weired over the river walls and surged through the streets and open areas in Lewes, rapidly filling up sections of the urban floodplain to a depth of 1m in about half an hour. The Police abandoned the centre of town, and the evacuation turned into a rescue operation as the RNLI and Emergency Services used inflatable lifeboats to reach people suddenly trapped in their homes or businesses. The flood devastated the centres of Uckfield and Lewes, as well as causing significant damage to surrounding rural properties and the farming community. * long periods of drying out and repair mean that many homes have remained uninhabitable for many months after the event, with residents having to live in alternative, temporary accommodation; * similarly, many businesses remain closed months after the flood, and a small number are believed to have closed permanently; * a long term loss of trade, both for the flooded businesses, and for the wider business community; * widespread concerns about property values and insurance; * losses of agricultural crops and livestock; * impact on County Council Social Services provision due to the loss of day centres and buses; * long term damage to road surfaces, and widespread blockage of highways drainage systems; * impact on Lewes District Council’s housing provision due to temporary re-accommodation of flood victims; * disruption to the Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service due to the temporary loss of several of their buildings, including their control centres, and loss of vehicles; * in Lewes, 118 Listed Buildings and 230 other ‘traditional’ buildings within the Conservation Area were damaged, requiring specialist repair; * long term needs for emotional support amongst some. This means that the upper and middle sections of the catchments become quickly saturated following heavy rainfall. During wet periods a large proportion of the rainfall will quickly run-off into the river system rather than drain through the ground, and this effect is exacerbated by the hilly nature of the upper parts of the catchment. * increasing the amount and rate of surface water run-off, thereby increasing flows; * reducing the area available for flood storage, thereby increasing peak levels; * reducing the area available for flood flow conveyance, thereby increasing peak levels, contributing to rapid inundation and high flood velocities, and extending the period of flooding. * River flows were increasing very rapidly at this time and continued to do so for several hours after the flood defences were overtopped. * The upstream flood storage areas were already ‘full’ so that the majority of the flood flows passed straight downstream to Lewes with little attenuation. * Once overtopped, the flood defences acted like weirs allowing large volumes of water to pass over them in a short space of time, rapidly filling the low lying areas behind them, with high velocities being witnessed where flows were channelled through narrow gaps. * The natural narrowing flood plain as it approaches Lewes, together with the artificial obstructions across its path in Lewes (Phoenix Causeway, Mayhew Way, Cliffe High Street shops) severely reduces the ability of the flood plain through Lewes to convey flood waters, causing levels to rise higher still. *  It is an obvious point, but maybe worth stating, that the 12th October 2000 flood inundated the floodplain – so named for a good reason. The devastating impact of the flood was because large numbers of properties have over the years been built on the floodplain, and although artificial flood defences or river improvement works have protected those properties from more frequent flooding events, all property constructed on the flood plain is at risk of flooding occasionally. The Environment Agency’s Flood Warning slogan of â€Å"You cannot prevent flooding, you can only prepare for it†. The existing flood defences were overwhelmed by the 12th October 2000 flood flows and it may be possible to justify future improvements to raise the current standards of defence to protect against an event of similar magnitude. A number of options are likely to be considered in the forthcoming Catchment Strategy Plan being commissioned by the Environment Agency. However, given the extreme severity of 12th October 2000 event, and the nature of the long-standing government rules and arrangements for project appraisal and flood defence funding, we do not believe that it is reasonable to assume that they should already have been of such a standard. Nevertheless we believe that there are a number of important issues relating to the existing flood defences in Lewes which need to be urgently addressed, in particular the apparently poor condition of many of the river walls through the town, and the long term settlement in the upstream flood embankments. The floodwalls were breached or damaged in at least 8 locations through the town, and the sudden failure of the river wall at Phoenix Industrial Estate is particularly worrying. The flooding took many residents by surprise, and it is clear that the Environment Agency and a significant number of affected residents have very different perceptions about the performance of the flood warning system. This is partly an issue of communication and education. We believe that it is important that the Environment Agency vigorously continues its efforts to educate local residents, and that it is explicit about its actual responsibilities and capabilities. With the benefit of hindsight, we also believe that a number of important improvements in the flood warning and forecasting service can be identified, and should be undertaken. These would not have had any impact on the extent, speed or depth of the actual flooding, but they may have meant that for many, vehicles, stock, or precious personal possessions might have been saved. How to cite A case study of the UK flooding: the river Uck, East Sussex, October 2000, Free Case study samples