1972. In retrospect, the reader often discovers that the
first chapter of a novel or the opening scene of a drama introduces some of the
major themes of the work. Write an essay about the opening scene of a drama or
the first chapter of a novel in which you explain how it functions in this way.
Revision from Open Prompt
(10/14)
The opening scene of
William Shakespeare’s Macbeth begins with three witches standing amidst
thunder and lightning as they view the battle below and discuss their next
meeting place; once their meeting adjourns, they vanish. Immediately the
reader is introduced to the themes of insanity versus sanity and appearance
versus reality.
Readers question
whether these witches are a figment of one’s imagination or if they
exist. These witches are associated with Macbeth as established when the
third witch says, “There to meet with Macbeth” (1.1.8). Due to their
connection with Macbeth one is entitled to believe the witches are unreal
because Macbeth’s mental condition is unstable. Furthermore the only
account we have of these witches is from Macbeth; however, readers do not know
if he is reliable source from which information can be drawn. As a result
the witches pose the question of Macbeth’s insanity.
A surreal feeling is
derived from the presence of the witches, and as a result the witches add to
the theme of appearance versus reality. The witches are merely a
representation of what is to come in the drama. By vanishing, they
construct the reader’s thinking to be in line with the themes of the
drama. They prepare the mind of the reader to begin thinking about what
they see is reality and if it is not, then whose imagination are they watching.
The vanishing symbolizes a false reality because one does not vanish unless he
is a figment of another’s imaginations. This adds to the theme of insanity
versus sanity, and therefore, creates a predisposition of the readers to think
that what they are reading is an aberration, thus adding to the theme of
insanity versus sanity. These two themes develop as they intertwine
throughout the drama as the reader determines Macbeth’s sanity and whether or
not what is seen is actually true.
I really liked your opening paragraph because it did not beat around the bush. You made a clear statement: "immediately...". You connected the question of reality with Macbeth's insanity. However, evidence of his insanity could really help your warrant: the witches are a figment of his imagination. Good job connecting the two ideas: reality and sanity. Just be careful not to overstate or restate your position over and over again.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, this is a good essay. You did an excellent job avoiding summary. Perhaps even a little too much; I didn't really understand some of the connections, but that probably won't be a problem with an essay like this on the AP test because all the AP graders will have read Macbeth. I think that you could make improvement through explaining things a little more though. For example the quote, how exactly does it establish the witches' connection with Macbeth? It would be a better essay if you expanded these ideas out completely, even though they may seem obvious. Also, there is probably room to make the essay a little bit longer and more detailed, it seems short right now, but you have definitely supported your point in that space.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Greg, I feel like in your effort to avoid summarizing the plot, you didn't give any background into it. I was also thinking that you could have explained MacBeth's insanity more thoroughly as you explored the role of the witches, because then you can really see how the themes tie in together. Overall, this has the makings of a good essay!
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