The Pros and Cons of Being Evil

(sunnystrasburg.com)

People who, at first, are not considered evil are usually coaxed into earning a high reward before they take the first steps into becoming evil. A high reward can be anything that will give an individual a greater status than their previous one. From money to prestige to ultimate power, these types of rewards are guarantees, and they can either be tangible or intangible. Money, for example, is tangible while power is shown through a commanding presence or tone, making it intangible. However, it takes strong convincing and persuasion to turn someone wholesome into a corrupt and evil individual.

In the play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, this type of persuasion is seen in Act I with the prophecy told by the three witches. The prophecy that is told first shows Macbeth becoming a thane before becoming king, then shows Banquo’s offspring gaining the crown. The prophecy is told to both Macbeth and his colleague Banquo, and the witches start by chanting, “All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis…All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter” (Macbeth, 1.3). The third witch at the end of the chant states, “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none / So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo” (Macbeth, 1.3).

The witches’ prophecy is an important example of strong convincing. After this prophecy, Macbeth’s head suddenly becomes filled with the need to become king while Banquo seems to just accept the prophecy. Macbeth’s need is then increased with Lady Macbeth’s plot to kill King Duncan so Macbeth can further his goal of gaining the crown. Lady Macbeth states that Macbeth must appear “like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t” in order to kill Duncan so he can become king (Macbeth, 1.5). Macbeth ultimately follows through with Lady Macbeth’s plan, and in Act III, Macbeth is crowned king. However, also in this Act III, Banquo is murdered by murderers hired by Macbeth.

The prophecy told by the witches never stated that Banquo needed to be killed in order for Macbeth to be crowned. The persuasion from the witches, guarantee of the crown, influence of Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth’s own sudden need for power are what causes Macbeth to order Banquo to be killed. His morals seem to have disappeared after he accepts his fate and agrees to kill King Duncan. Altogether, Macbeth has shifted into an evil individual whose own need for power has forced him to disregard his morals and commit heinous crimes.

Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Hauppauge: Barron's Educational Series, 1985. Print.

**Happy Birthday Mrs. Genesky!**

Art in Thirteenth Century England (ft. My Sketch)

  

Enthroned Virgin and Child                                                                                     My Version

ca. 1300 England                                                                                        ca. 2015 United States

Elephant ivory, 10 3/4 x 5 5/16 x 3 3/4 in.                                             Sketchbook paper, 9 x 112 in.                 

The Enthroned Virgin and Child was created in thirteenth century England, a century that was met with conflict and political growth. The loss of Normandy to France in 1204 and the Barons' War in 1258 were among some of the dark conflict seen in England during this time. However, Edward I's establishment of English influence over the Scots in the late 1200s showed a growth in England's political and cultural reign in Northern Europe (Holtei).

Religion was also another important aspect in thirteenth century England. Many believed that Christianity could help solve the negativity and fraudulence that filled the world. In this case, Christianity was seen as a positive and helpful source that could possibly quell the world's problems. During this time, there was also a shift from worshiping at the church to more personal worship and devotion (Metropolitan Museum of Art). Though many still attended church, statuettes such as the Enthroned Virgin and Child were very popular uses of personal devotion to the Virgin Mary. However, the Enthroned Virgin and Child is one of only a few surviving pieces of artwork from thirteenth century England.

The focal point of this entire piece is the Virgin Mary. She is the most important part of the piece because during this time, English followers would worship to the Virgin as a way to show devotion to Christianity (Metropolitan Museum of Art). This Virgin Mary is carved out of elephant ivory, a shiny piece of material that is normally a natural beige color. But due to how long this statue has survived, the ivory has darkened into a reddish-brown color. In certain areas where light hits the statuette, the light seems to be brighten the ivory, making it seem as if those areas are glowing. The Virgin's eyes are downcast, and it appears that she is staring at the empty space on her lap where infant Christ would normally be resting (Metropolitan Museum of Art). The statuette's posture is relaxed, evoking a sense of tenderness that helps compliment the tranquil and solemn expression on the Virgin's face.

The unknown artist was very meticulous in choosing a tranquil expression and a relaxed posture to present the Virgin. I think the use of tenderness and calmness to create the Virgin helps to personify a gentle creature, which is what the Virgin Mary embodies.

Sources

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1979.402

http://user.phil-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de/~holteir/companion/Navigation/History/The_13th_Century/the_13th_century.html

http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Italian_Studies/dweb/religion/culture/background.php