Directing Act 3 Scene 4 of William Shakespeare's Macbeth

Directing Act 3 Scene 4 of William Shakespeare's Macbeth

It is extremely important that an author is able to manipulate a

reader's feelings towards a character in literary pieces; this is

achieved by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare incorporates the use of

imagery throughout the play; animals, blood, clothing and weather are

some of the main components used as symbols. Literary elements such as

symbolism are used for example the owl or falcon which when the play

was written where both associated with supernatural happenings. To

help compel the importance of imagery in modern day adaptations of

Macbeth directors will often use symbols for example darkness, which

in our society is often a primary characteristic of evil and black

cats are normally associated with bad luck. Although the symbols from

the Elizabethan era are read differently we are able to convert them

and use a modern day equivalent.

The section act 3 scene 4 contains sections in which the imagery is

detailed and obvious but then as a contrast it also contains sections

which are abstract leaving the meaning to the audience/reader's

imagination, each of the symbols have a significant meaning to

understanding the play. The main components significant to a director

when planning the scene are clothing, lighting, props and possibly the

stage directions. For the duration of this essay I will give a

detailed description of how I, as a director would stage act 3 scene 4

focusing on highlights of the scene and depicting them in greater

detail. I will also describe how I would interpret Elizabethan theatre

as certain aspects are dissimilar to modern theatre.

The story of Ma...

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... his side and begin talking to him trying to calm

him down.

The flashing red light will stop leaving the stage in complete

darkness so the ghost can leave and then slowly as if being cautious

(to make the audience wonder what happened), the normal lights will

illuminate the stage. The guests will come out of the still image and

once asked to leave will file out. The two will remain on the floor

until Lady Macbeth says 'You lack the season of all natures, sleep',

she will stand up and help Macbeth up as he finishes the scene with a

sly smirk. They will both exit the stage enabling it to welcome the

dramatic arrival of the witches in the next scene.

This scene should be exciting with lots of flashes and illusions to

emphasis the themes. It should create an unnerving atmosphere and keep

the audience on their toes.