Macbeth by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

Jan 1868 · B. Tauchnitz

Ratings and reviews

I greatly dislike this book, once again it was one of the texts I studied for GCSEs and I found it incredibly dull and disappointing to read. First of all, it has the underlying card of sexism in it (Jacobean times though) along with hundreds and thousands of biblical references and all that. Shakespeare was simply sucking up to King James which overall made it a horrible story which failed to personally teach me anything that I didn't already know.

Thank the person that made this text available for free, as it has been powerful. As I read the play, I was shocked by Lady Macbeth' s language and attitude. she appears extremely ruthless, especially when she talks about being willing to kill her own child. This is disturbing, but it shows how ambition can push a person beyond reason. But we believe once we choose a harmful path, there is no way back, but we have the ability to chose differently although it may be difficult .

I, speaking from personal experience, have grown to love Shakespeare from despising it as a cause of reading this play. Many go into Shakespeare with a closed mind which prevents people from appreciating its worth. It is very difficult to read. It is a chore. But once you can learn to interpret the dialogue, it gets to be fun. The themes and values are not properly discussed in English classes. I disagree with the way it is taught. Shakespeare was not meant to be read, but performed, and that’s why I have grown to love Shakespeare, as I love seeing the plays put together on a stage. That’s why I recommend reading the play, and if you don’t like it as I did, watch the play, or another one of Shakespeare’s works. Keep an open mind and it will be fun!