In a world where reality is fluid and subjective, Macbeth, a weird military leader, encounters a trio of mysterious figures who embody the ambiguity of truth and the instability of perception. I sounded really smart after writing that. LOL. These figures, rather than traditional witches, could represent aspects of Macbeth's psyche or societal constructs that manipulate his desires.
Postmodern elements such as intertextuality, irony, and self-reflexivity could be woven throughout the narrative, with references to other works of literature and culture, highlighting the interconnectedness of narratives and the absence of a singular truth.
The character of Macbeth himself draws inspiration from historical figures like the real-life King Macbeth of Scotland, which Shakespeare used as a source. One postmodern quality that I find intriguing is the intertextuality that is used in this story.
Then there are the famous witches, who are deeply rooted in folklore and superstition of Shakespeare's time. Their incantations and prophecies evoke a sense of mysticism and the supernatural, tapping into a rich tradition of witchcraft lore. So, when you're delving into "Macbeth," keep your eyes peeled for those intertextual breadcrumbs that Shakespeare so deftly scattered throughout the narrative.
This reminds me of the intertextuality we see in the poem “Making a Fist” by Naomi Shihab Nye. In this poem, it can be interpreted as a symbol of defiance and strength in the face of adversity, echoing similar motifs found in literature and popular culture. By invoking this familiar image, the poem engages in intertextual dialogue with other texts that explore themes of resilience and survival.
While I was reading this about the setting of sand, for some reason it made me think of Breaking Bad. Now I don’t believe this was the author’s intent but you could relate a lot of the plot to breaking bad with this poem. When Walter died he could no longer grasp the handle on his machinery signifying his last moments. Plus it was set in New Mexico. Maybe Naomi Shihab Nye wrote part of breaking bad. I feel like could also relate this to the crazy military leader in Macbeth.
Another post modern quality I see in Macbeth is irony. In Macbeth's title he's supposed to be the "Thane of Cawdor," but the guy he helped out, who's currently holding that title, turns out to be a traitor. So Macbeth gets promoted, but not in the way he expected. It's like a messed-up job promotion with a side of betrayal.
And let's not forget about Lady Macbeth. She's all about pushing her hubby to seize power, right? But in the end, she's the one who can't handle the guilt from their murderous deeds. It's like they switch roles halfway through the play. She goes from being the driving force behind the throne-grabbing to a guilt-ridden wreck
This irony reminds me of the song “Hey Ya” by Outkast. The lyrics are deceptively upbeat, with a catchy chorus and lively rhythm. However, the song's lyrics actually explore themes of disillusionment and the breakdown of relationships. When you're listening it makes you feel like you might meet the Mrs. This ironic contrast between the upbeat music and the melancholic lyrics is characteristic of postmodern Irony and Parody. Kinda similar between delusional Macbeth and shows the breakdown of Lady Macbeth's relationship with him. Some things just fall into line on their own.
Ok we are almost done with macbeth we just got one more postmodern element. Shakespeare incorporates self reflexivity in various ways, inviting the audience to reflect on the nature of the play and its characters.
In Macbeth, the entire story can be seen as a reflection of this idea, with characters like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth playing their roles on the grand stage of life, each aware of their performance and its consequences.
I feel like this perfectly sets us up to see the hyperreality in “Unnecessary Things” by Tatyana Tolstaya. In this story it talks about the consequences of attaching yourself to something that might not have any value. This poem has the qualities to make us reflect on our own lives of how we are playing our own roles and if we are doing the proper things or holding onto unnecessary things like the Macbeths. Alright let’s graduate.
