last post genres

Before there was Poe, before Stephen King, there was Shakespeare.? Usually Shakespeare does not get associated with these two figures but maybe he should. Throughout the semester we talked about Shakespeare's use of genre and the characteristics associated with each genre. He wrote dramas, comedies and histories; he is not known for writing Gothic or horror. Of course these genres weren't prevalent when Shakespeare wrote. In the play Macbeth, Shakespeare has some elements of the gothic and horror genres. Horror fiction is derived from the gothic fiction of the 18th century; but where does the gothic fiction have its roots in? Now I am not saying that Shakespeare is responsible for the development of this genre, I'm simply saying that his play Macbeth contains elements that pre-date this genre.

Gothic fiction's characteristics include the use of the supernatural, ghosts, hauntings, madness, and death. The play Macbeth contains all of these elements. Although witches are not new characters in literature during Shakespeare's time, they are key to the plot of the play. Their prophecies lead to Macbeth taking murderous actions leading to his and Lady Macbeth's descent into madness. These elements begin to come into play right after the murder of Duncan. Macbeth tells his wife "Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more,/ Macbeth does murder sleep" (2.2, 34-35). In addition to hearing voices in this scene, Macbeth and his wife also hear mysterious "knocking within"(2.2, stage directions). This scene seems to have found its way into every horror movie. The effects of the voices and knocking remains the same across eras; this builds suspense, a must in all horror movies. This scene with the knocking and voices also remind me of Poe's The Raven where the protangonist hears knocking or tapping on his door and does not know what it is right away. Did Poe get this idea from this scene in Shakespeare? We will never know, but it does show Shakespeare probably could of wrote horror or gothic fiction in addition to the genres he worked in.

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's decent into madness of course continues as the play unfolds. It reaches its climax for Macbeth when he sees Banquo's ghost at the dinner party they are hosting in 3.4. In the scene, Macbeth is extemely freightened and talks outloud to the ghost, leaving all the guests in shock. Lady Macbeth reaches the climax of her madness when she begins to sleepwalk and talk. Obviously all these fit into the gothic/horror genre. The play's ending also conforms to this genre ending in suicide and murder. Of course Shakespeare is known for having his tragedies end with everyone killing each other and commiting suicide.

I would like to see a horror movie version of Macbeth to come out. The movie would cut out many of the minor characters and would have less emphasis on the country's differences and heir to the throne plot. The emphasis would be on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's descent to madness. The trailor voice over may sound like: "Macbeth's ambition got him to the throne, but he had to murder the current king to get there. Realizing his best friend Banquo was a threat to his crown, Macbeth also had him murdered. Now being haunted by Banquo's ghost and fighting off madness, Macbeth attempts to fight fate and hold onto his crown." Obviously I'm not a writer but I think the movie could do well at the box office if it contained big names and promoed correctly. I would go see it.

Note: I consulted Wikepedia to refresh myself on gothic literature and Poe.