To Be or Not To Be

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Recommended: Comparison between the Play and the Movie The Tempest by William Shakespeare

Two women could never be more different, Lady Macbeth and Miranda. However, there are a few of their attributes which are similar. Lady Macbeth is a woman of action, always wanting the best; even for her husband. In the play Macbeth, there is much conflict and death. There are the three witches, who are the catalysts for the fall of Macbeth. They prophesize to him, “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Glamis! Thane of Cawdor! Thou shalt be king hereafter!” (Act 1 sc. 3 line 50-54 Macbeth). He kills King Duncan, for his throne; kills Banquo, his children will reign; Macduff’s family, for a warning; and he kills himself. “Banal evil—the most common kind—may arise directly from thoughtlessness” (Keller). In a metaphorical way, killing those close to him wound up coming back to kill him. Then there is the matter of Tempest. Sorcerer and his daughter trapped on an island because of a betrayal and greed of power. It is a play of revenge in its sweetest way. Prospero’s daughter, Miranda, falls in love with Ferdinand; he with her. Using this matchmaking as a way to get back at his brother, Alonso, and the father of Ferdinand. The comparison lies with Lady Macbeth and Miranda. There are a few contrasts and comparisons with Lady Macbeth and Miranda; they both care much for their significant other, one is too weak and the other is just right, and Miranda is the woman who prospers whereas Lady Macbeth dies at the hand of herself.
Frist, the women’s devotion to their significant other; Lady Macbeth to her husband and Miranda to Ferdinand are particularly similar. Alas, now, pray you, Work not so hard: I would the lightning had…'Twill weep for having wearied you” (act 3 sc.1 line 20 Tempest). Miranda is immensely infatuated with Ferdinan...

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...use. The endings of these two plays are vastly different; like black and white. Macbeth ends as a tragedy; Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Banquo, Duncan, Macduff’s family all die. In Tempest there are no tragedies, there is conflict but in the end a new life will begin. “At first glance, Shakespeare’s play The Tempest seems to end with the triumph of reconciliation and order” (Stutton)
In conclusion, they both care much for their significant other, one is too weak and the other is just right, and Miranda is the woman who prospers whereas Lady Macbeth dies at the hand of herself; these are a few contrasts and comparisons. These women are strong and there wouldn’t be a surprise if some modern-day women look to these two. Strong hearted and weak willed, Lady Macbeth was only in a few specific ways, similar with Miranda. They are more different, like the color black and white.

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