Macbeth Unbound & Unwound
Introduction
In exploring Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, "Macbeth," through a postmodern lens, we embark on a journey that delves deep into the intricacies of power, identity, and the elusive nature of truth. As one of Shakespeare's most renowned works, "Macbeth" transcends its historical context to speak to contemporary audiences, offering a rich tapestry of themes and interpretations that resonate in a postmodern world. Postmodernism, with its emphasis on fragmentation, intertextuality, and the deconstruction of traditional narratives, provides a compelling framework through which to analyze and interpret the complexities of "Macbeth."
Summary of Element One - Fragmentation
Links to Postmodernism in Your Literary Tradition Text
Through the concept of fragmentation, reveals the play's exploration of fractured identities, shifting realities, and the dissolution of traditional narrative structures. Macbeth's famous soliloquy, "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, / To the last syllable of recorded time" (Shakespeare, Act 5, Scene 5), encapsulates the sense of existential despair and the fragmented perception of time and existence. Throughout the play, Macbeth's psyche becomes increasingly fragmented as he grapples with ambition, guilt, and the consequences of his actions. The disjointed nature of the witches' prophecies—"All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! / All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! / All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!" (Shakespeare, Act 1, Scene 3)—adds to the sense of uncertainty and instability, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. By embracing fragmentation, "Macbeth" reflects the postmodern condition of fractured truths and fragmented identities, inviting viewers to confront the complexities of human nature and the elusive nature of truth.
Links to Postmodern Media Source(s)
Cummings, E.E. “[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]” Poetry Foundation.
The way he breaks up the text to use brackets and parentheses is odd. But even though it breaks up the way I read it, it feels like the hidden meaning behind it is showing how he carries the things within his heart. It's so weird to think how that can be interpreted differently based on where you are in your own love life. Whether you're heartbroken or in love you notice the separation. It's odd to think that being obsessed with a guy till you hate him can relate to this or being happy by yourself can make you realize your own value. The fact that these views are just different shards that make up one person's life can form that heart we live our entire lives with. Crazy right? Seeing as people can die of a broken heart.
My Take -The fragmentation simply builds to the different perspectives all throughout Macbeth giving the modern aspect of there being different sides to every story.
Summary of Element Two - Intertextuality
Links to Postmodernism in Your Literary Tradition Text
Macbeth's soliloquy, "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more" (Shakespeare, Act 5, Scene 5), echoes the existential themes found in other literary works, resonating with the postmodern idea of texts referencing and drawing upon each other for meaning. The play itself is intertextual, drawing from historical accounts and mythologies, such as the portrayal of Lady Macbeth as a modern-day Clytemnestra, linking "Macbeth" to Greek tragedies. Moreover, the witches' chant, "Double, double toil and trouble, / Fire burn and cauldron bubble" (Shakespeare, Act 4, Scene 1), evokes folklore and witchcraft traditions, further enriching the intertextual landscape of the play. By embracing intertextuality, "Macbeth" invites viewers to engage with a multiplicity of meanings and interpretations, highlighting the interconnectedness of literature and human experience in a postmodern context.
Links to Postmodern Media Source(s)
Tatyana Tolstaya, “Unnecessary Things”
Tolstaya mentions “ A Rose for Emily”; she tries to deny that story as her own so that her and her ‘teddy bear’ don't end the same way. By implementing this Intertextuality the character suddenly becomes aware of the story she's living. She tries not to follow it and then leaves her bear there when she leaves for Moscow. She’s clearly already followed most of the story.. Becoming lowkey obsessed with something except this time the thing left her and didn't leave anything behind. That story is so messed up though. Like imagine if the bear is behind one of its eyes or something.
My Take -
“Unnecessary Things' ' quite literally mentions another object of text and the overall darkness of holding onto something for too long not allowing yourself to grow.
Summary of Element Three - Poioumena
Your Literary Tradition Text
Utilizing the concept of Poioumena, offers a fresh perspective on the play's ambiguous narrative and characters. Poioumena, which refers to artworks that invite viewers to interpret and complete them, finds resonance in the enigmatic nature of "Macbeth." The witches' prophecy, "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! / All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! / All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!" (Act 1, Scene 3), serves as a prime example of this, leaving the audience to ponder the extent to which fate, free will, and manipulation shape Macbeth's actions. Similarly, Lady Macbeth's haunting soliloquy, "Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" (Act 5, Scene 1), invites interpretations regarding guilt, madness, and the fragility of identity. By embracing Poioumena, "Macbeth" becomes a dynamic and open-ended narrative, encouraging viewers to engage with its multifaceted layers of meaning and challenge traditional notions of truth and interpretation.
Links to Postmodern Media Source(s)
Gotye "Somebody I Used to Know" Making Mirrors
This concept refers to artworks that invite viewers to interpret and complete them, Similar to a puzzle. Because they kinda look like puzzle pieces. But I guess in the end they didn’t fit together. That's sad. However since they don't fit together this leaves gaps or unanswered questions. Almost like it's on purpose. In the video, the use of a single continuous shot and the gradual transformation of the blank wall into a painted canvas create a sense of ambiguity and open interpretation. Since it starts off blank and slowly builds itself up showing the overall process of their love story forming. Leaving the nature of their relationship open to interpretation. But I'm pretty sure they were lovers seeing how passionate it is
My Take -
Both Macbeth and “Somebody I Used to Know" both use poioumena in a way of putting together puzzle pieces of a story that contribute the overall storyline.
Conclusion
When looking through a postmodern lens it is important to keep in mind how the past influenced the characteristics that have influenced us today from the past. All of these characteristics build up the story that Macbeth is, giving it a more modern view in how current professors will analyze the different texts and how they represent society.
Works Cited
Cummings, E.E. “[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]” Poetry Foundation. www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/49493/i-carry-your-heart-with-mei-carry-it-in. Accessed 3 May 2024.
Fyre, John. “Nice Ocean Waves.”Youtube, 18 May 2013 www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-_O7nl0Ii0. Accessed 8 May 2024.
Shakespeare, William.The Tragedy of Macbeth, 1606. Folger Shakespeare Library, www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/macbeth/read/. Accessed 4 May 2024.
Vigil, Lea. “Broken Mind.” Vigil, Lea, www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Broken-Mind/668159/1923847/view. Accessed 4 May 2024.