The Treatment Of Outweighing By John Donne And Shakespeare...

Hand to strange hand, lip to lip none denies, Why should they breast to breast, or thighs to thighs? (Donne, ‘Sappho to Philaenis’) Write an essay on the treatment of homoeroticism in the writing of the period. The treatment of homoeroticism is explored through the influential writings of both John Donne and Shakespeare in the Renaissance Era. Similarly, the voice of both present a scornful dismissal of the opposite sex in order to defy the typical conventions of heterosexuality. Whilst Donne explores lesbianism in his poem ‘Sappho to Philaenis’, Shakespeare reveals a hidden homosexuality in his sonnet sequence, exposed through the analysis of both his literature, and the changes made to the 1609†¦show more content†¦Donne contrasts ‘poetry’ and ‘desire’ with ‘verse’ and ‘fire’ to present parameters which display the vexed relationship between the rhetoric and the erotic. The rhyming couplets which hold this ‘desire’ and ‘fire’ metaphorically evoke both the sexual and the rhetorical. This erotic relationship is evident through Sappho’s physical description: the ‘holy fire’ is one of eternity, which cannot ‘decay’ within her heart. Ignited by eroticism, it is this fire that fuels ‘mind’s creatures’, a personification of thoughts, reflecting Sappho’s uncontrollable desire caused by the magnificence of her lover. Similar to the way Shakespeare scorns his female lover in favour of his male love in his collection of sonnets (1-†¦), Donne also depicts how his protagonist, Sappho, dismisses Phao disdainfully in favour of her relationship with Philaenis. Thus, both poets seem to respect metonymic sex instead of metaphoric intercourse. The ‘old poetic fire’ continues to enflame Sappho’s new desire. This is reiterated through Donne’s patterning, through his imagery of a candle. It is this which presents Sappho’s heart not with an image of her lover, but with ‘wax’, surrounded by ‘fire’, ignited by the passion of a woman. However, as we delve further into the poem, there is evidence of cracks which form within the relationship, which result in a sheer loss felt by Sappho. She is ‘robbed of a picture, heart and sense’, as she loses her lover, Philaenis. As she grieves, she

Essay Lady Macbeth, Macbeths Forceful Woman - 3061 Words

Macbeths Forceful Woman Shakespeares Macbeth presents to the audience a woman who is more man than woman. Her masculine virtues (or vices) outweigh her feminine strengths. Let us look at her character in this paper. A.C. Bradley in Shakespearean Tragedy explains wherein lies the greatness of Lady Macbeth: The greatness of Lady Macbeth lies almost wholly in courage and force of will. It is an error to regard her as remarkable on the intellectual side. In acting a part she shows immense self-control, but not much skill. Whatever may be thought of the plan of attributing the murder of Duncan to the chamberlains, to lay their bloody daggers on their pillows, as if they were determined to advertise their†¦show more content†¦Lady Macbeth is merely detested; and though the courage of Macbeth preserves some esteem, yet every reader rejoices at his fall. (133) L.C. Knights in the essay Macbeth describes the unnaturalness of Lady Macbeths words and actions: Thus the sense of the unnaturalness of evil is evoked not only be repeated explicit references (natures mischief, nature seems dead, Tis unnatural, even like the deed thats done, and so on) but by the expression of unnatural sentiments and an unnatural violence of tone in such things as Lady Macbeths invocation of the spirits who will unsex her, and her affirmation that she would murder the babe at her breast if she had sworn to do it. (95) In Macbeth as the Imitation of an Action Francis Fergusson specifies the fears within Lady Macbeth: I do not need to remind you of the great scenes preceding the murder, in which Macbeth and his Lady pull themselves together for their desperate effort. If you think over these scenes, you will notice that the Macbeths understand the action which begins here as a competition and a stunt, against reason and against nature. Lady Macbeth fears her husbands human nature, as well as her own female nature, and therefore she fears the light of reason and the common dayllight world. As for Macbeth, he knows from the first that he is engaged in an irrational stunt: I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, butShow MoreRelatedThe Character of Macbeth in William Shakespeares Play Essay640 Words   |  3 PagesThe Character of Macbeth in William Shakespeares Play Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ is a play about murder and tragedy. When we first meet Lady Macbeth’s husband, Macbeth, we see him as a loyal and honourable man, however as we read further into the play his character changes. Macbeth says to Lady Macbeth: â€Å"False face must hide what the false heart doth know.† Macbeth creates an alter-ego to help hide the truth. Macbeth becomes a power-hungry, determined man with no emotionsRead MoreMacbeth by William Shakespeare1293 Words   |  5 PagesThe play, â€Å"Macbeth† is one of William Shakespeare’s tragic plays written approximately in 1606. The play centres on Macbeth who is a general in King Duncan’s army. Upon returning from a successful battle, Macbeth is confronted by three witches who claim they know the future. The three witches tell Macbeth that he will be the future King. The events that occur after this encounter between Macbeth and the witches are what makes this play a tragedy. This essay will focus on the treatment of gender inRead MoreLady Macbeth By William Shakespeare1163 Words   |  5 PagesThrough the play of Macbeth by Shakespeare, Lady Macbeth is responsible for Macbeth’s actions through her manipulation. In Act One of the play she is especially responsible for his actions, then does not do much after the murder of King Duncan but she still plays a crucial role in the downfall of Macbeth. Lady Macbeth starts out as this assertive and powerful woman then wanes out, not having that much of a role in Macbeth’s plans. Macbeth then picks up the metaphorical torch and continues to thoughtlesslyRead MoreThe Theme Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair in Macbeth by William Shakespeare1126 Words   |  5 PagesThe Theme Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair in Macbeth by William Shakespeare The witches in a barren heath are the first to mention Macbeth - thus indicating that he, the main character of the play, has, or will have a very strong tie to them and evil. Shakespeare opens the play with a dark and mysterious atmosphere, setting the mood of the play using a thunderstorm, an example of pathetic fallacy, a device used effectively throughout the play. This opening suggests thatRead MoreLady Macbeth by William Shakespeare824 Words   |  3 Pagesplay, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth’s character progresses in an interesting manner. Lady Macbeth is made to act as an incentive to Macbeths immoral actions. Even though Macbeth is generally the person to have a final say before killing someone, Lady Macbeth plays the role of his â€Å"sidekick†. She mocks her husband if he worries over a sinful deed (which usually she instructs him to do), saying he would be less of a man if he does not follow through with their plan (I. vii. 56-57). She gives Macbeth a shortRead MoreShakespeare s Macbeth : Importance Of Secondary Characters1374 Words   |  6 PagesMacbeth: Importance of Secondary Characters Dramatic literature during the Elizabethan era included the illustrious works of the remarkable William Shakespeare. As Shakespeare composes his theatric spectacles, he brings the characters to life. Shakespeare’s engrossing composition of Macbeth, exhaustively, displays the essentiality of including secondary characters in the play. Macbeth can articulately stage the crucial events in the play due to the minor characters, and their ability to exhibitRead MoreComparing the Woman in A Woman to her Lover, and Lady Macbeth2122 Words   |  9 PagesMacbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s relationship is somewhat the reverse to the stereotypical relationship. Lady Macbeth is the dictator and Macbeth follows all her orders. Perhaps this is out of love for her or to keep her love or respect for him. Their so-called ‘love’ for each other is not that of a typical relationship. Lady Macbeth spoon-feeds her husband, telling hm what to do all the time, but this switches suddenly after the murder of Duncan. The woman in ‘A Woman to her Lover’ and Lady MacbethRead MoreMacbeths Killing of King Duncan in William Shakespeares Macbeth1622 Words   |  7 PagesMacbeths Killing of King Duncan in William Shakespeares Macbeth The play of Macbeth was technically set in the 11th century (despite showing little indication of the period). The Scottish play was written by William Shakespeare in 1606 and is one of his tragedies, in that the main characters struggle with circumstances and meet death and despair. It was allegedly written for King James 1st by Shakespeare to act as a propaganda tool to basically scare people againstRead MoreLady Macbeth : The Ruthless Mastermind Essay1923 Words   |  8 PagesEver since Lady Macbeth’s debut in 1606, she has been one of Shakespeare’s most iconic female characters. The willing accomplice, the ruthless mastermind – indeed, her standard depiction as a conniving woman grasping for power in a man’s world has endured throughout the years. But who is to say that a depiction is immune to change? Most will generally see the Scotswoman as a typical one-dimensional villain, but in actuality, she was a strong woman able to overcome the limitations of her gender inRead MoreEssay about Changes of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth958 Words   |  4 Pagessuggests to the reader or audience of the play Macbeth, that these two partners, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, worked together and truly believed in the greatness of their work. This is not so. Said here in a letter from Macbeth to Lady Macbeth telling her th at the king is coming soon. There Macbeth truly feels that Lady Macbeth is his partner in all these truly great events. The letter shows us of the close relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, and shows us that the deepest secrets of the heart

Hamlet Essay About The Ghost Example For Students

Hamlet Essay About The Ghost HamletThe work that I wish to discuss is Tom Stoppards play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead as a scholarly work in regards to William Shakespeares Hamlet, which is included in Sven Birkets Literature: The Evolving Canon. I believe that the most important issues in the play are the psychological issues involved. How do two relatively unimportant characters in Shakespeares play interpret what is going on around them? What is the audiences response? What role do the Players hold in each of the two works? As an authority on Shakespearean works, I would consider Stoppards play to be very enriching in both the interpretation of Hamlet as well as the consideration of what role Hamlet plays in modern society. Aside from that, the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead addresses issues of isolation, sanity, depression, and luck that are not necessarily supposed to be related to Hamlet. I think that looking deeply into Stoppards work will reveal many ideas about Shakespeare as well as valuable insights to the changing of the literary times. I think that Tom Stoppard intentionally related the characters of Hamlet and of Rosencrantz between the two plays. Hamlet being the serious one and Rosencrantz being the light-hearted easy going fellow. I.e.: The Life in a Box monologue, in which Rosencrantz blunders through very serious psychological issues. A deep investigation into the two works will bring out these issues, as well as many more.