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The theme of disease in Shakespeares “Macbeth”
2001 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor)Student thesis
Abstract [en]

One of the most characteristic features in Shakespeare’s drama Macbeth is the theme of disease. Although organic and metaphorical disease is exemplified through the actions and language of the characters, it is also revealed through imagery. In this essay, illness that effects both the mind and body is considered to be a type of ‘organic disease’ while ‘metaphorical disease’ symbolizes the malady that effects the family, state and physical universe. At first, only Macbeth is infected with disease. Soon, however, the infection that he has contracted spreads. This results in, not only the contamination of the nation, but in throwing the entire physical universe out of harmony. Although disease is most commonly thought of as an infliction of the body, the illness that Macbeth is infected with exists more on a social, moral, spiritual and psychological level. In writing this essay, it is my intention to examine the cause and effects of this disease, as well as the symptoms and consequences associated with it. Finally, the ultimate cure will be taken into account, as it results in taking the story full circle with the restoration of a healthy and just regime.

Abstract [en]

One of the most characteristic features in Shakespeare’s drama Macbeth is the theme of disease. Although organic and metaphorical disease is exemplified through the actions and language of the characters, it is also revealed through imagery. In this essay, illness that effects both the mind and body is considered to be a type of ‘organic disease’ while ‘metaphorical disease’ symbolizes the malady that effects the family, state and physical universe. At first, only Macbeth is infected with disease. Soon, however, the infection that he has contracted spreads. This results in, not only the contamination of the nation, but in throwing the entire physical universe out of harmony. Although disease is most commonly thought of as an infliction of the body, the illness that Macbeth is infected with exists more on a social, moral, spiritual and psychological level. In writing this essay, it is my intention to examine the cause and effects of this disease, as well as the symptoms and consequences associated with it. Finally, the ultimate cure will be taken into account, as it results in taking the story full circle with the restoration of a healthy and just regime.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2001. , p. 18
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kau:diva-53650Local ID: ENG C-11OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kau-53650DiVA, id: diva2:1102210
Subject / course
English
Available from: 2017-05-29 Created: 2017-05-29

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CiteExportLink to record
Permanent link

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Citation style
  • apa
  • ieee
  • modern-language-association-8th-edition
  • vancouver
  • apa.csl
  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
  • fi-FI
  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
  • sv-SE
  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
  • html
  • text
  • asciidoc
  • rtf