What are we as humans far more afraid of free choice or a forced decision? Manipulation and influence are presented in many ways through out the course of this book. This essay will be more of a comparative analysis between two novels The Tragedy Of Macbeth and Paradise Lost. Though influence may be a large section of our lives manipulation is what gets us to do things. In both stories prophecies were told, but there were told in a malicious way. In the novel Macbeth the main character was told he would some day become king in an ill begotten fashion.
It doesn’t seem possible to gain a crown in a bad way. There words are very deceitful. Then there prophecies turn to Macbeth’s friend Banquo, witches say “lesser than Macbeth, and greater,” (William Shakespeare act I scene III) and “not so happy, yet much happier” (W. S.
act I scene III); then they tell him that he will never be king but that his children will sit upon the throne. After they say these things they simply disappear. This doesn’t show much free choice. When true meanings are hidden in lies and you become confused and no longer do you understand simple truths you have been manipulated.
In Paradise Lost manipulations were conceded in a similar fashion. A snake told Eve of a great fruit. He told her he was now as a man is and she would be as a god. The tyrannical serpent woes her with his blasphemous flattery. She reasons that God claimed that eating from this tree meant death, but the serpent ate (or so he claims) and not only does he still live, but can speak and think. He essentially is lying to poor foolish Eve.
Comparative Essay – Macbeth
... the possibility of corruption. Throughout the play, Lady Macbeth’s manipulation is demonstrated through Shakespeare’s use of antithesis, where ... to create malevolent and malicious image of Macbeth. With the ideas of manipulation and ambition, he becomes ruthless, and his ... the restaurant rooftop, proving her corruption. Another example of manipulation also comes from theme of the supernatural in the ...
Being naive she trust the serpent. Eve had never experienced a lie before, so she was influenced by the snake. All living things fear death. Macbeth had Banquo murdered and an attempted murder on Banquo’s son. Macbeth killed from fear of the witches’ prophecy coming true. He never really wanted to kill his best friend and he suffered mentally for it.
Macbeth didn’t want to kill King Duncan. “If it were done when ’tis done, then ‘there well It were done quickly. If the assassination could trammel up the consequence, and catch, with his surcease, success; that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all-here, But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, – we’d jump the life to come. But in these cases We still have judgment here; that we but teach Bloody instructions, which being taught, return To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice Commends the ingredients of our poison’d chalice To our own lips.
He’s here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed: then, as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself.” (William Shakespeare act I scene VII) He was talked into it by his wife. She is the one who truly wanted the kingdom for her self. Eventually Macbeth has little regret for doing what he did, but at this time he is still remorseful. Satan convinces Eve she will not die from the fruit “Those rigid threats of death: ye shall not die: How should you? By the fruit? It gives you life to knowledge; by the threatened? Look on me, Me, who have touched and tasted; yet both live, and life more perfect have attained than Fate meant me, by venturing higher than my lot. Shall that be shut to Man, which to the Beast Is open? Or will God incense his ire for such a petty trespass? and not praise Rather your dauntless virtue, whom the pain Of death denounced, whatever thing death be, Deterred not from achieving what might lead To happier life, knowledge of good and evil; Of good, how just? Of evil, if what is evil be real, why not known, since easier shunned? God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just; not just, not God; not feared then, nor obeyed: Your fear itself of death removes the fear.
The Essay on God vs. Evil
... kind of evil: “Moral evil” (Pojman, Rea. 277). As children of God made in God’s image, their breath of life given by God, Adam and Eve were ... of which refer to evil being separate from God and God’s creation. Yet, when tragedy strikes, when harm or death comes to those ... a fruit which enlightened the innocent ignorance of humankind. God laid out the consequences to the act made by the serpent, Eve, ...
Why then was this forbid? Why, but to awe; Why, but to keep ye low and ignorant, His worshippers? He knows that in the day Ye eat thereof, your eyes that seem so clear, Yet are but dim, shall perfectly be then Opened and cleared, and ye shall be as Gods, Knowing both good and evil, as they know.” (John Milton book XI) Satan twists god’s pure words and makes Eve believe them as lies. Satan makes Eve feel as if the fruit will make her as powerful as god. Satan persuades Eve into consuming the fruit of knowledge of good and evil. She thinks there will be no punishment. Eve probably felt ashamed after eating the fruit.
Eve and Adam were subsequently banished from The Garden Of Eden. While some may say we have free reign over our lives were merely pawns in a game of chess. Even the most brilliant of us can be tricked into doing something half thought or foolish. When you think there is no possible way for you to be burned by the fire you play in it. Meanwhile you ” re slowly, but surly being burned.
Bibliography:
Paradise Lost by John Milton Content used from Book IX The Tragedy Of Macbeth by William Shakespeare Content used from Act I Scene iii And Act I Scene Vii.
