Macbeth

After reading Macbeth by William Shakespeare, I was certainly satisfied and dissatisfied with the ending. I'm not a big fan of William Shakespeare's books, but Macbeth seemed interesting from the moment I saw the cover. The whole story surrounding Macbeth was unpredictable, yet at the same time, you kind of knew where this was heading. The main themes that were recurring were ambition and guilt and to what degrees to which they can extend to. If I were to be honest, I'd recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of drama and Shakespeare, but I would not recommend this book to a person who gets easily frustrated by Shakespeare's language. It just wouldn't make sense for a person who doesn't like Shakespeare's work.

Macbeth is about a loyal soldier named Macbeth. The book takes place in Scotland where Macbeth is currently the Thane of Glamis, which just means someone similar to a lord. He encounters three witches that have some insight to his future and tells him some lingering clues. When one of those things comes true, he has bigger and bigger ambitions by the minute. He makes a rash decision leading him to be omnipotent in Scotland. However, the theme of guilt plays a big part throughout the play and not only will guilt haunt Macbeth, but his partner in crime, Lady Macbeth. As the guilt gets to Macbeth, there is a change in state of mind and being and it presents himself to be in an unhealthy state, but when the witches come back with more predictions, it leaves Macbeth to make a decision.

The book was overall filled with a lot of drama, but what Shakespeare play isn't. I came more and more interested with every scene and act. However, it was pretty hard because of the different language Shakespeare used and it can be really confusing and frustrating. The best way to deeply understand the text is to analyze each line because even though it may not seem like Shakespeare packed a lot in one line, he did. I'd recommend this book to a person who likes Shakespeare's work because it truly is one great piece of work. I think any one over 12 or 13 can read the book because it really is difficult and complex for a young person to understand.

Would you be able to make a decision like Macbeth, or would you go the other way? Would you let ambition get to your head?

I read this in my senior year of high school, and it is my favorite Shakespeare play ever! So strange and tempting!

Reader reviewed by Grace

Like everyone else, I had to read this play for English, and I really tried to understand it and even analyze it. And it's pure genius, with all the metaphors and symbols and how they all tie back to one another.
My favorite line from the play is, "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more" because it seems really true to me.

Reader reviewed by RadpiReader

We all have heard these wours, but where did they come from? Find out in this magnificent tale set in Scotland in the 14th and 15th Centuries. Watch as an army leader strives to become King! Murder, suspicion, and Ye Olde Englishe await! Read this Shakespearian Classic today!

Reader reviewed by Emily

I consider Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet to be the two best possible introductions to Shakespeare. They seem somewhat simpler than, say, Hamlet or the Merchant of Venice, in plot following and language, but still maintain a perfectly weaved order of events that leads to a satisfying conclusion. Macbeth's murderous themes of guilt and revenge (Lady Macbeth's "Out, damned spot!") make it very suspenseful. It's also one of Shakespeare's better known works, so a basic knowledge of its premise is useful in other literature studies -- especially for understanding allegories or the humor of a parody.

Reader reviewed by Nadine

Yeah, I know, Shakespeare's 'sposed to be really dorky, but this is so good! There's really no good genre to put this under. Macbeth and his wife kill the king and Macbeth becomes king. I especially like the three witches.