This term paper will focus on Kurzel’s adaptation, more precisely it will focus on one of Shakespeare’s most controversial characters: Lady Macbeth. Reading Shakespeare offers the reader the opportunity to interpret Lady Macbeth in different ways. While some adaptations present Lady Macbeth as an evil woman who has a masculine side, others present her more as a potent person and give her an empowering touch, there are also people who might see her as a victim of her devotion to her husband.
Focusing on the female gender, this paper will analyse and compare how Lady Macbeth is presented and illustrated in Shakespeare’s original play and in Kurzel’s Adaptation.
First, the paper is going to give a general overview on ‘Feminist Theory’ by introducing key terms that are significant for the analysis. Then it will give a short overview of the characteristics of an ideal Elizabethan woman. The main part will focus on two scenes in which Lady Macbeth is actively present. After deconstructing the selected Lady Macbeth scenes, in the source text and in the adaptation, it will compare them to each other. Therefore, the main part of this paper will analyse the character of Lady Macbeth by focusing on the female gender and comparing how she is represented in the book and in the movie. It will pay attention to the historical context, speech, gestures and mimics, but also on costumes and setting.
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, who wrote his poems and plays during the Renaissance. He is known for his various works of literature. “Sonnet 18”, Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet are only a few examples of his famous works. His unique plays are dealing with different topics, showing wide knowledge of human behavior, expressed through a vast range of characters. Shakespeare’s works are still read and taught not only in school and university but also play a role in our daily lives; his topics are still relevant today. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets have been adapted into more than 420 films and TV-Movie versions. Macbeth was filmed 37 times. The most recent Macbeth adaptation is from 2015 by Justin Kurzel.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- On Theory: Important Terms
- The Ideal Elizabethan Woman
- Analysis of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's Macbeth
- Lady Macbeth between femininity and masculinity
- Lady Macbeth as a wife
- Analysis of Lady Macbeth in Kurzel's Adaptation
- Lady Macbeth the grieving mother?
- Sexual intercourse as a medium of conviction
- Comparing Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth to Kurzel's Lady Macbeth
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes and compares the portrayal of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's original play and Justin Kurzel's 2015 film adaptation. It examines how different interpretations of her character emerge, considering the historical context, gender roles, and the use of visual elements in the film. The analysis focuses on specific scenes to illustrate the contrasting depictions.
- Feminist interpretations of Lady Macbeth
- The evolving concept of femininity and masculinity
- Comparison of theatrical and cinematic representations
- The impact of historical context on character interpretation
- Lady Macbeth's motivations and actions
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by discussing William Shakespeare's prolific career and enduring influence. It highlights the numerous film adaptations of *Macbeth*, particularly focusing on Justin Kurzel's 2015 version. The chapter establishes the paper's central focus: a comparative analysis of Lady Macbeth's portrayal in Shakespeare's play and Kurzel's adaptation, emphasizing the diverse interpretations of her character—from a villainous figure with masculine traits to a victim of devotion. It outlines the paper's structure, promising an overview of feminist theory, a look at the ideal Elizabethan woman, and a detailed scene-by-scene comparison between the two versions, paying close attention to historical context, speech, gestures, costumes, and setting.
2. On Theory: Important Terms: This chapter provides a concise overview of feminist theory, outlining the three waves of feminism and their key concerns. It defines crucial terms like sex, gender, and sexuality, highlighting the societal construction of gender and its role in perpetuating female oppression. The chapter emphasizes Judith Butler's work on gender performativity and its significance in challenging traditional gender roles, setting the theoretical framework for the subsequent analysis of Lady Macbeth's character.
3. The Ideal Elizabethan Woman: This chapter explores the characteristics of the ideal Elizabethan woman as depicted in Carroll Camden's *The Elizabethan Woman*. It emphasizes the profound influence of religion on women's lives, shaping their values and enforcing subordination to male authority, primarily fathers and husbands. The chapter highlights the importance placed on virtue and chastity, along with the wife's expected subservience and devotion to her husband's well-being and ambitions. This historical context is crucial for understanding the societal pressures and expectations faced by Lady Macbeth.
Keywords
Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare, Macbeth, film adaptation, feminist theory, gender, femininity, masculinity, Elizabethan woman, character analysis, comparative analysis, historical context, performance, power.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare and Kurzel's Adaptation
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This paper conducts a comparative analysis of Lady Macbeth's portrayal in William Shakespeare's original play and Justin Kurzel's 2015 film adaptation. It examines how different interpretations of her character emerge, considering historical context, gender roles, and visual elements in the film. The analysis focuses on specific scenes to illustrate contrasting depictions.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include feminist interpretations of Lady Macbeth, the evolving concept of femininity and masculinity, a comparison of theatrical and cinematic representations, the impact of historical context on character interpretation, and Lady Macbeth's motivations and actions.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into several chapters: an introduction establishing the focus and methodology; a theoretical chapter outlining key feminist terms; a chapter exploring the ideal Elizabethan woman; analyses of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's play and Kurzel's adaptation, each with sub-sections; and finally, a comparative chapter synthesizing the findings.
How does the paper analyze Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's play?
The analysis of Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth explores her duality between femininity and masculinity, and her role as a wife within the historical context of Elizabethan England. Specific scenes are examined to support the arguments presented.
How does the paper analyze Lady Macbeth in Kurzel's film adaptation?
The analysis of Kurzel's adaptation explores different interpretations of Lady Macbeth, such as her portrayal as a grieving mother and the use of sexual intercourse as a medium of conviction. Again, specific scenes are analyzed to highlight the differences between the two portrayals.
What is the role of feminist theory in this paper?
The paper utilizes feminist theory, specifically outlining three waves of feminism and key terms like sex, gender, and sexuality. Judith Butler's work on gender performativity is also referenced to challenge traditional gender roles and provide a framework for analyzing Lady Macbeth's character.
What is the significance of the historical context (Elizabethan era)?
The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of Elizabethan England and the societal expectations placed upon women. The idealized image of the Elizabethan woman, characterized by virtue, chastity, and subservience, is explored to provide a backdrop for interpreting Lady Macbeth's actions.
What are the main differences highlighted between Shakespeare's and Kurzel's portrayals of Lady Macbeth?
The paper highlights contrasting depictions of Lady Macbeth, comparing her motivations, actions, and overall characterization across the play and the film adaptation, examining differences in visual elements, performance styles, and overall interpretation influenced by modern sensibilities and feminist perspectives.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare, Macbeth, film adaptation, feminist theory, gender, femininity, masculinity, Elizabethan woman, character analysis, comparative analysis, historical context, performance, and power.
What is the overall conclusion of the paper (inferred)?
The paper ultimately aims to provide a nuanced understanding of Lady Macbeth's character by comparing and contrasting her portrayal in two distinct mediums, revealing the multifaceted nature of the character and the impact of varying interpretations across time and artistic expression.
- Quote paper
- Elli Elsan (Author), 2019, The Different Representations of Lady Macbeth’s Character in Shakespeare’s Tragedy and in Kurzel’s Adaptation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1030354
