Shakespeare’s use of the sonnet form and volta
Ambition In Gattaca Paragraph
| Dialogue | Scene where vincent beats anton swimming second time. he says “I never saved anything for the swim back.” | This line is talking about vincents determination and ambition to do whatever it take to succeed, no matter the consequences. |
In the 1997 film Gattaca, written and directed by Andrew Niccol, he expertly shows the theme of ambition through the use of specific dialogue. In the second swimming competition between Vincent and Anton, Vincent uses a powerful line to show his ambition and determination, “I never saved anything for the swim back.” This line carries all of Vincent’s perspective on his ambition, saying that he has escaped the fear of failure, and is willing to sacrifice everything he has, just to prove the dystopian society wrong, and achieve his dream. In this case his willingness to risk drown to prove that he can do everything that the ‘valids’ can. Andrew Niccol uses dialogue in this case to not just tell the audience of his ambition, but to also show how Vincent’s incredible determination is unique, and he has this determination because of the obstacles he faces, and how Anton realises the power of it, as he knows that he will not beat Vincent with skill alone. This is also a message to humans, showing that ambition and determination can do the impossible, and can achieve more than eugenics ever will.
Gattaca Scene Analysis 1:17.00
Very symmetrical, Blonde hair blue eyes, very plain and bland clothing, very simple buildings, skylights draw our attention towards the sky, Irene is very strict on appearance, many still mid and long shots, Irene often in the centre, 1950s car used, jerome has blonde hair blue eyes, Helix stairs, modernist house relates to genetics, Cross cuts between car and the flat to create tension and suspense, shots used to show jerome’s vulnerability, helix is a massive metaphor to the double helix dna, string influenced tones to build suspense, mid/long shot showing how big and daunting the staircase is, close up to show the characters emotions.
In the scene where anton and irene go to Jeromes house, right before Irene pushes the doorbell, she wondered, “should irene the doorbell’.
In the scene where Irene gets into Anton’s car, he looked down, because he thought there might have been an ant on the car.
In the scene where they are both running on treadmills, this represents them both chasing for the same goal, although Eugene cannot actually go to space, he is being lent Vincent’s dream, and so is therefore chasing the same dream.
Gattaca Idea of Modernism
In the 1997 film Gattaca, written and directed by Andrew Niccol, there is a connection between the modernist architecture and the genetic selection shown throughout the movie. The building that are shown throughout the movie have very modernistic themes about them, such as the simple aesthetics and functionality of the building. The building are simple white structures, very similar to one another, and very practical houses with nothing unwanted shown. In the genetic selection shown the the film, they follow very similar ideals to the modernist architecture. The genetically modified humans do have very simple aesthetics, with blonde hair and blue eyes being very common features of the background characters. The people are also genetically modified based on functionality, as most people are changed to best suit a specific role, that is decided for them before they are even born. These both show the theme of modernism, and the effects it can have on society in the future.
NCEA 1.5 Formal Writing : Ambition in Macbeth
In 1606, a new play by the legendary playwright Shakespeare was first performed in his Globe Theatre, London. The new tragedy, titled ‘Macbeth’, allowed the audience to gain a unique insight into the terrible and dire consequences of unrestrained ambition. Shakespeare gave us this insight with a masterful use of dramatic devices throughout the entire play such as dramatic irony, and language effects like soliloquy and metaphors, and created a new world for the audience to enter.
Macbeth’s mind is clear and filled with noble thoughts, but he has a small flaw in his thinking. The protagonist, and arguably the antagonist of the play, Macbeth, is presented in the beginning as a brave, noble and courageous hero, that fought loyally for his king. But we are soon shown by Shakespeare that every man has a flaw, including Macbeth, and his ambition. The predictions he receives from the witches stirs this ambition, and causes Macbeth to be obsessed with the idea that he had been told by the witches, of becoming king. In Macbeth’s first soliloquy Shakespeare says “My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man, that function Is smothered in surmise, and nothing is, But what is not.” Macbeth is saying that he may have to murder the king to become it, and that the very thought is poisoning his mind. However, it is interesting that his mind jumped right to the thought of murder, showing us the wickedness that might be dormant in Macbeth’s mind, ready to be awakened. He goes on to say, “If Chance will have me king, why, Chance may crown me, Without my stir.” He is essentially contradicting himself, saying that he will become king regardless of his actions, but put into context with his previous statements, it seems as if this is less of an idea but more of an excuse, trying to rid his mind of his treasonous thoughts. This soliloquy is a good example of dramatic irony, when the audience knows something that most or all of the characters do not. This is used to give the audience better ideas of the events happening, and the causes. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony in this case to show us the mind of Macbeth, and show what flaws he may have. Macbeth is already becoming conflicted by his ambition to become king, and Shakespeare has shown us this through his use of soliloquy and dramatic irony.
Macbeth is becoming much more willing to do terrible deeds to become the king, and this is shown during Act 2 Scene 1 of the play, where Shakespeare reveals this with the creation of an apparition. A bloody dagger appears in front of Macbeth, but it is not determined whether it is a true supernatural appearance or “but A dagger of the mind, a false creation”. This dagger appears at a very specific moment, when Macbeth is thinking about the possible murder of Duncan. This apparition has been formed by Macbeth’s unstable mind, and he speaks to the dagger as if it were a sentient being. This shows Macbeth’s unsurety about murdering the king, and is now desperately scrambling to make excuses and justifications for the murder. With this desperation is the creation of this ‘sentient dagger’, and Macbeth then goes on to blame the dagger for the treasonous thoughts, and make it appear as if the dagger is forcing him to kill Duncan, rather than Macbeth do it of his own will. Macbeth then says, “Thou marshell’st me the way that I was going”, saying that the dagger is controlling Macbeth’s actions and telling Macbeth to perform the murder. The fact the he is trying to make excuses portrays Macbeth, ironically, as a weak minded coward, a stark contrast to the hero in the beginning. However, Macbeth believes this justification is enough, and the upcoming murder of Duncan now seems inevitable. This scene show how Macbeth is becoming more unstable, and wants to perform evils actions but still needs justification to do it. His ambition is quickly becoming a doorway for his wickedness to come through and reveal itself.
Macbeth’s mind is becoming increasingly degenerate, and Shakespeare gives us an insight to this degeneration of his mind by ambition in Act 3 Scene 4. After the killing of Duncan, he was deeply affected, carrying massive guilt of his actions. He is left broken and uncertain of his next actions, while his ever increasing ambition is goading him onward. The successful murder of Duncan, however, makes Macbeth believe that these evil and dark actions that he performs, although immoral, will always work. This thought, along with his ambition, twists Macbeth’s mind into believing he must do whatever it takes to stay as king. Shakespeare says, “I am in blood Stepped in so far, that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o’er.” This quote shows how Macbeth believes he is too deep in his river of guilt, and that going back will be no better than going forward. This is obviously untrue, as going back would save a lot of death, pain and suffering of the people of Scotland, but Macbeth’s corrupt and selfish mind is convinced that the best path for him to take is the one going forward. This is a big turning point for the behavior and upcoming actions of Macbeth, as he now is convinced that he must go ahead and commit to all necessary actions, good or evil, to stay as king. This belief shows his almost complete loss of humanity and morality. This change of mind was the final push that set his wickedness loose, and it is now shown to everyone. The degeneration of Macbeth’s mind is apparent with his flawed ideas, caused by his ambition.
The degeneration of Macbeth’s mind is complete after the sudden suicide of Lady Macbeth, a clear consequence of the savage ambition within Macbeth. Macbeth is now but a shadow of his glorious past, having nothing to live for. He then says, “To the last syllable of recorded time”. This metaphor shows us the deep pit of despair and hopelessness that he is now in, but it also tells us something more. This is actually Shakespeare talking to his audience through Macbeth, and this can be identified by the specific use of the words in this quote. A syllable is a measurement of time for a play, which ironically he is a character in. Macbeth cannot know that he is in a play, so it is Shakespeare using the character to connect to the audience. He is saying how all plays will end, and that this play is nearing it’s end. He goes on to say, “a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more”. Shakespeare is telling us that as the play ends, so does the story and all it’s characters. This again is a metaphor comparing his life to a play, which he is a part of. Because this is a line from Macbeth, its almost as if he is subconsciously aware that his life is nearing it’s end, which only adds to his already consuming despair. This metaphor also relates to all humans, and the despair they would feel if they were certain of the upcoming death. Macbeth’s mind has been consumed and destroyed by his blinding ambition, and the wicked consequences of his actions.
Shakespeare’s use of literary devices in specific places has added great depth and additional meaning to his texts, and better aids the communication of his ideas. The degeneration of Macbeth’s mind by his ambition is shown throughout the play, and use of literary devices such as dramatic irony connect parts of the play together, and creates a world that the reader can immerse themselves in. The use of soliloquy allow us to enter the world and Macbeth’s mind in a special and insightful way, and use of metaphors to connect the fictional with the real world, and the reader. This tragedy, along with Shakespeare’s other plays, have shown us a new psychological understanding into the way of the human mind. Shakespeare’s texts have been renowned pieces of literature for centuries, by his powerful use of literary devices to enhance the stories he creates.
Practice Essay
Explore Shakespeare’s use of language effects and dramatic devices and how they reveal the action of ambition on the character Macbeth or Lady Macbeth.
Soliloquy, the dagger apparition dramatic irony, tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, in am in blood stepped so far i wade o’er
1st paragraph: Act 1 Scene 3: Macbeth’s beginning soliloquy, and how his ambition is shown, although he still has much doubt and reluctance. dramatic irony. However, he is considering it, which is the start of the degeneration of his mind. This is the minor flaw, the ambition, that will destroy his mind. He does say that he might be king without doing anything, but he doesn’t even convince himself.
Quotes: “My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man, that function Is smothered in surmise, and nothing is, But what is not.” “If Chance will have me king, why, Chance may crown me, Without my stir.”
2nd paragraph: Act 2 Scene 1: the dagger apparition, how he is trying to make excuses for his upcoming murder. good metaphor. He is creating a sentient being to blame his actions on. Pointing him in the direction of murdering the king, but its just him blaming something else making him do it.
Quotes: “art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation”. “Thou marshell’st me the way that I was going”.
3rd paragraph:Act 3 Scene 4: I am in blood passage, shows his flawed ideas and his increasingly cruel heart, his lack of empathy and connection to other humans. At this point he commits to all upcoming evil deeds that he will do. This is a big turning point as he now will do everything that he believes is necessary.
Quotes: “I am in blood Stepped in so far, that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o’er.”
4th paragraph: Act 5 Scene 5: tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. shows that he is now lifeless and has nothing left, a shadow of his former past, “that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more” He is no longer human, Shakespeare talking through him, no more time left so he is in despair. Talking about the play itself as well, and how every play must end, and the characters stories will end with it.
Quote: “To the last syllable of recorded time”. “a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more”
MACBETH Two Quote Paragraph
After the sudden suicide of Lady Macbeth, Macbeth falls into a deep pit of despair. With the death of his wife, Macbeth now has nothing to live for and has lost all his humanity. Shakespeare describes his like by saying ‘tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow’. His is using repetition to compare Macbeth’s life as a laborious task, with no purpose. Everything he held dear to him has been lost, and his kingship now means nothing, as soldiers and noblemen alike have rejected his rule, and the ones Macbeth still commands are held there by fear. He has nothing to live for, so each day is just another task that he must go through, and Macbeth now has nothing to achieve or gain from being alive. He lives a ghost life, and ‘tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow’ tells us this. The repetition enforces the sense of lifelessness and his lack of purpose. Shakespeare uses the line, ‘the last syllable of recorded time’. This metaphor is very interesting because it is referring to the play itself, and how all plays must end at some point, and that Macbeth’s own life will end with it. Although he does not know that he is just a character in a play, so this line is actually Shakespeare talking to the audience through Macbeth. The line itself is very powerful because this is almost Macbeth’s deep unconscious thoughts coming to the surface. The fact that he knows and strongly believes his life will be over is also a metaphor of humans, and how we would fall into despair and have a sense of helplessness if we knew of our upcoming death. He has nothing to live for, and his death is foreshadowed to occur. These factors would put Macbeth into a very strong sense of despair, as the character Macbeth as introduced to us in the start of the play is dead in all but name.
MACBETH Act 5 Scene 5 Text Analysis
She should have died hereafter;
There would have been time for such a word.
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
MACBETH Act 5 Scene 1, 2, 3 and 4
Shakespeare uses dramatic irony in these scenes to create tension in the play. In scenes 1 to 4, the scene are very short, and keeping jumping between Macbeth in his castle at Dunsinane, and the incoming english forces just ouside in birnam wood. The first scene is about Lady Macbeth and how she feels extremely guilty for her actions, and has been trying to repent or wash away theguilt.
MACBETH Act 4 Scene 2
The murderer uses metaphors in his insults in act 4 scene 2. In this scene, Lady Macbeth and her son talk about their father, and how he left them, and so he is a traitor and a liar. Then they are warned of an upcoming danger, which comes in this scene as a murderer looking for Duncan. The son defends his father and is murdered, while the mother runs. When the murderer is about to kill the son, he says: “What, you egg! Young fry of treachery!”. This is an obvious metaphor on how he is the child of Macduff because the egg represents a recently born animal, such as a child, and a young fry is a fish as a child. He also says ‘of treachery’ which is connecting the son and Macduff, as Macduff is a traitor, so the son is the child of a traitor. A metaphor is used here to describe the murderer’s anger, and thirst for blood, by giving these metaphors saying he is the son of a traitor he is almost giving himself an excuse to kill him. In this scene, metaphors are used to dramatize the events that happen.