• A Sense of the Ending: Does Malcolm Earn It?

    Author(s):
    Michael L. Hays (see profile)
    Date:
    2011
    Group(s):
    Renaissance / Early Modern Studies, Shakespeare
    Subject(s):
    Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616
    Item Type:
    Conference paper
    Conf. Title:
    39th Conference of the Shakespeare Association of America
    Conf. Org.:
    Shakespeare Association of America
    Conf. Date:
    2011
    Tag(s):
    Macbeth, Shakespeare, Literary criticism
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/M6BC3SW67
    Abstract:
    This presentation asks whether Macbeth ends literally, as traditional criticism has viewed it, or ironically, as modern criticism would have it. Its answer emphasizes Malcolm’s role by detailing the Court Scene, which tests Malcolm, not MacDuff, to establish his character, legitimacy, and competence to rule. It shows this scene as a turning point similar to turning points in English chivalric romances. As they end in celebration, so Macbeth ends in celebrating the restoration of right rule.
    Notes:
    This paper is one of three on Macbeth. Each paper emphasizes Act III, scene iv, or, as I call it, the Court Scene, as critical to an understanding of Malcolm, his important position in the theme of succession, and the exile-and-return structure of the play.
    Metadata:
    xml
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    5 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved
    Share this:

    Downloads

    Item Name: doc 2011-04-08-a-sense-of-the-ending-does-malcolm-earn-it.doc
      Download
    Activity: Downloads: 104

    Back to Deposits