Value Of Sacrifice In Literature Research Paper

The Value of a Corpse in Literature

Think of something that would contribute more when broken. It may seem like a tricky concept, but it is actually very simple if you shift your viewpoint. Using literature as an example, some characters are either dead useless or crucial to the storyline or specific events of a story. With the play 'Macbeth' being a point of reference, there are several occasions in which characters don't contribute as much when alive than dead. I have come to understand that characters are usually worth more dead than alive in literature through Banquo from 'Macbeth'. Also, even though Banquo’s sacrifice was for the better, some may argue that Banquo is worth more alive than a dead lord.

The phrase "More useful when broken"

His heroic ways and value are thrown out the window when he discovers the power he could have. From this point on, Macbeth tuned out of reality and followed a narrow path that lead him to kill his friends, leaders, and lead a morbid lifestyle that didn’t guarantee survival. “In that sense, he alone is the architect of his own destruction, and the more he tries to cope with what he senses is closing in on him, the more he aggravates his deteriorating condition.” (Johnston 1). This quote by Ian Johnston supports that Macbeth is worth more dead than alive because he is unwanted by everyone, and is a tornado of destruction.

Within the hour of Macbeth’s death, he uttered, “Life ... is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” (Macbeth Act 5 Scene 5) which reinforces the idea that characters are useless when alive, and more valuable when deceased. This quote by Macbeth depicts a good portion of the events that take place in the tragedy of Macbeth. Therefore, confirming that Alfred Hitchcock’s argument that characters are worth more dead than alive is much more reasonable than debating the