Top Picks for Lady Macbeth

1) Scandal 

This t.v series is perfect for Lady Macbeth as many of the characters possess the same traits as Lady M. "Scandal" is an intense drama pertaining to the life of a professional "fixer" and her unconventional staff. Olivia Pope(Kerry Washington) works tirelessly to protect the images of our nations elite. After leaving the White House, Olivia opened her own firm, hoping to disassociate herself from various troubles such as her family and shocking affair with the President. It slowly becomes apparent that these troubles will take a lot more fixing to completely disappear. Lady M. would love this show as Olivia conveys the strong, independent, powerful woman that Lady M. aspires to be. These power hungry qualities are displayed when Lady M. persuades Macbeth to kill King Duncan in order to become the Queen. She wants nothing more than to have the level of power that Olivia possesses which is why this show is great fit. In addition, the character Rowan Pope, Olivia's father, directly reflects Lady M. towards the end of Macbeth. Rowan initially has everything; he's powerful, wealthy, and highly feared as well as respected. However, the audience is able to see this character decline in status as he essentially loses almost everything. Lady M. will definitely be able to see herself in this character as her aspirations to become powerful eventually lead to her demise. Scandal is able to convey the hope as well as the reality of Lady M's situation, thus being a show that is highly recommended. 

2) How to Get Away With Murder

We also recommend the hit T.V drama "How to Get away With Murder" for Lady Macbeth. For starters, the title itself is quite ironic in terms of Lady M. convincing Macbeth to kill King Duncan in hopes of no one finding out. Lady M would have loved to watch this series prior to the murder of the King in order to obtain a few tips on how to "Get Away with Murder". The entire series revolves around Annalise Keating, a thriving attorney, who can win almost any case. She is extremely manipulative and will do almost anything to get her way and cover her tracks. This is a direct reflection of Lady Macbeth, as both will do whatever it takes to get what they want. Lady M. would love this show as Annalise is everything that she hopes to be...at first. As the series continues, Annalise begins to spiral out of control as her manipulative actions are beginning to have severe consequences. What began as a series about a successful and powerful woman, turns into a show about a nearly psychotic and hopeless shell of a human being. Overall, Lady M would be able to learn so much from watching this series as she will be able to notice the harsh physical and psychological effects of being a relentless, power seeking person. 

3) Beyond Scared Straight 

"Beyond Scared Straight" is the perfect T.V series for the "sane" Lady Macbeth. This reality show deals with disrespectful teens who are in desperate need of an intervention. The teens are arrested and brought into a jail facility in order to see what jail is really like thus giving them insight on what could happen if they fail to change their negative behaviors. In the midst of being in jail, the teens are yelled at by, both, the inmates as well as the officers. This would appeal to Lady M as she loves power and hates children. Seeing officers intimidate the children via yelling and screaming would bring Lady Macbeth so much joy. This show essentially combines the best of both words for Lady M which is why it would be such as great fit. Throughout the entire show, Lady M would be yelling "YES YES YES!!!" to her television, as the children often cry as a result of the intense confrontations that often happen. Also, Lady M would able to learn how to assert her dominance in a effect manor, like that of the officers with the children. This is definitely something that Lady M. lacks as she is unable to control Macbeth later on in the play. Overall, this series is great for Lady Macbeth to binge on while bossing Macbeth around. 

4) Bridezillas

For our last recommendation, we suggest that Lady Macbeth feast her eyes on the television sensation "Bridezillas". You might be wondering how this show would be of interest to Lady M...? Well, the entire show deals with incredibly bossy women telling their significant others what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. To Lady M, this would be an outstanding show as she thoroughly enjoys seeing women step up and lead the relationship. To Lady M, nothing is better than seeing a woman partake in the traditional male roles and actually standing up and fighting for what they want, when they want it. This series will have Lady Macbeth yelling "aye wench aye (yes girl yes)" as the bride throws plates at her husband-to-be until he starts sending out the wedding invitations. With nearly 30 episodes available, Lady M will be able to watch this show to her hearts content. No need to watch meek and timid women prancing around the television, when you can see such powerful and boisterous women yelling throughout the entire show. Therefore, we highly recommend Lady Macbeth watch "Bridezillas". 

To be, or Not to be.....EVIL

By: Jasmine Flowers

http://disneyxd.disney.com.au/

Evil: Profoundly immoral and malevolent 

It has been asked how someone so righteous and morally cognizant, like that of Macbeth, could begin to step into the realm of evil. The notion that someone's ideals could travel from one side of the spectrum to the other in such a short period of time is both mind boggling as well as frightening. This question of morality can be answered through an analysis of the character Macbeth in a play written by Shakespeare entitled Macbeth. Based on this character, there are two forces that cause someone to take the first step into evil, or "down the primrose path to the everlasting bonfire": Curiosity and peer pressure (Macbeth, 2.3).     

1. Curiosity: This natural human characteristic acts as a double edged sword as it can cause the rise or the fall of a person. In Macbeth, when the three witches were informing Macbeth of the prophecy, he became extremely curious. This foretelling of events excited Macbeth as the thought of being King sparked an entirely different outlook. Macbeth's newly formed curiosity could be seen following the witches informing him of his new position,"Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more" (Macbeth 1.3). Just by knowing this little piece of information, Macbeth longed for the witches to stay, however, moments later, they vanished. Following their disappearance, Macbeth constantly thought about what they had said which ultimately led him to killing the King, thus stepping into evil. 
2. Peer pressure: This is definitely one of the most obvious, yet strong forces that cause someone to venture into the world of evil. Having people that seemingly love and care about you telling you to do certain things, is much more convincing than that of a stranger. In Macbeth, after finding out about Macbeth's possible fate, Lady Macbeth is determined to have to husband in power no matter the cost. She essentially brainwashes him into believing that he must kill the current king in order to fulfill the prophecy. She even tells him things like, "To catch the nearest way: thou wouldst be great, Art not without ambition, but without The illness should attend it" which essentially means he doesn't have what it takes to get the power he desires (Macbeth 1.5). This deeply played with Macbeth's mind, as he not only cared about his wife's opinion, but he also wanted to prove her wrong. 

Following Macbeth's step into evil, there were numerous consequences in response to his negligent and   inexcusable decisions. These consequences can be seen as universal as they are common effects of someone choosing to make the wrong decisions: Paranoia and feelings of guilt/recklessness. 

1. Paranoia: This emotion is often a direct result of guilt as seen in Macbeth. The character of Macbeth has taken part in sever heinous acts which result in these hallucinations of sorts. The most memorable hallucination can be seen in the banquet scene following the ordered killing of Banquo and his son. Macbeth is sitting at the dinner table surrounded by his men exclaiming,"Prithee, see there! Behold! Look! Lo! How say you? Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too"(Macbeth 3.4). Macbeth is completely convinced that the ghost of Banquo is sitting in his usual chair. Ultimately, this causes everyone to question Macbeth's sanity and his ability to be king. 
2. Guilt/Recklessness: It can be said that after someone does so much wrong, they begin to feel as though there is no turning back or no way of ceasing their destructive behaviors. This can be seen when Macbeth states, "I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er" (Macbeth 3.4). By mentioning "blood" Shakespeare was able to convey the immense guilt felt within Macbeth followed by the phrase, "wade no more", which indicates Macbeth's defeated as well as reckless attitude. 

Overall, curiosity and peer pressure cause people to enter into the realm of evil while paranoia, guilt, and recklessness are the direct effects. It is important to avoid dark curiosity (curiosity killed the cat), as well as negative peer pressure. Being a strong willed individual is so important, as it is so easy to become like Macbeth, to an extent. Stay strong...and definitely "to not be EVIL"! 

The Cloisters Cross

      The Cloisters Cross, an English piece shown on the left, was sculpted by an unknown artist sometime between 1150 to 1160. Very little is known about the artist as well as the origin considering many found out about its existence in 1955 when it placed on sale by its former owner, Ante Topic Mimara. Made of walrus ivory, this piece is 22 5/8 inches tall and 14 1/4 inches wide. 

     Most historians agree that the piece was made somewhere within eastern England prior to the mass destruction of religious artwork in 16th century England as a result of the decrees of Henry VIII followed by the Cromwellian depredations of the 17th century. During the 12th century, King Stephen ruled England followed by Henry II in 1154. Christianity was the dominant religion in this region resulting in the trivialization of    all other religions. Specifically speaking, those of Jewish faith were highly  un-favored by Christians, ultimately resulting in their expulsion from    England following the creation of this piece. 

         As far as the stylistic features of the cross, texture played an integral role in the overall presentation of the work. With the distinctive physio-gnomic features and expressive gestures, the sculptural illusion-ism is truly worth admiring. Through the use of undercutting and layering compositions to create spacial depth, the figures are able to convey a sense of potential movement.     This movement is important as in contributes to the feeling of a story being told within the work instead of a still frame. In addition, color was used  sparingly as the tusks themselves represented luxury and wealth like that of gold today. Superfluous color would have done nothing but take away   from the already exquisitely executed work. While warm golden tones were used to enhance the       natural ivory, the lack of color could represent how society felt at that time about different races, and religions. Thus preferring the  Christian, over the Jew. 

        At first glance, the audience can see an intricately carved crossed with various figures. Instantly, they can assume that there is some type of Christian affiliation since the cross is an iconic Christian symbol. The details seen within the sculpture are like that of no other. With 92 figures and 98 inscriptions, the artist was able to fit a great deal of religious material in just one cross. Overall, Christianity was the main explicit focus, while there can be other messages within this cross when looking on a deeper level. 

          Now, while the cross is alluding to Christianity, there are also more subliminal messages suggesting that the cross contains anti-Semitic language hidden within the scrolls. For example, on one of the edges of the cross there is a Latin couplet that reads, "Cham laughs when he sees the naked private parts of his parent." or translated to "The Jews laughed at the pain of God dying". This is just one example of how the art piece simultaneously censures and vilifies Jews. Thus making the message turn from a positive uplifting Christian piece, to one that throws blows at other religions that England doesn't agree with. In addition, crosses such as these were given to kings and bishops as gifts which directly supports the anti-Semitic notion considering Jews were forced out of the country following the creation of the piece. 

Sketch (Might be hard to tell
the difference)

Original

         

  If interested in the piece, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

 

 

Author: Hardee's 

Date: May 28,2015

   In this advertisement, Hardee's utilizes many of the 7 deadly sins in order to create humor on the surface, while implicitly addressing deeply rooted issues in the media regarding advertising practices. Lust, gluttony, and avarice were all deployed in attempt to convey to the "All-American" audience that while having a pretty girl holding a massive burger is funny, it also shows the unethical and derogatory ways in which the media has portrayed women in the United States.

     When evaluating the text in a denotative manor, there is obviously a beautiful woman, or what society has collectively agreed as being beautiful, eating one of Hardee's gigantic "All-American" burgers. This is associated with lust and gluttony as the predominantly American male audience will not only long for the colossal burger, but for the model as well. 

     

     The advertisement then proceeds to show how the super model is in hot tub on the back of an American flag painted pick up truck. This specific portion relates more to avarice as most Americans are middle class, and the stereotypical middle class male vehicle is a pick up truck. All of these "sins" were used sarcastically in order to entertain the audience thus selling the product. 

     However, there was a much deeper message that Hardee's was attempting to convey to their middle class, male, American audience. This message being: women have been objectified and exploited through mass media in attempt to sell various products, and this must stop. By utilizing the deadly sins in such a way that creates such an intense level of sarcasm, the audience is able to realize how demeaning and outlandish this sexual objectification has become thus promoting the idea that the media must stop such behavior. 

Devices Used

• Repetition: 
• "In": The narrator of the commercial continuously uses the word "in" when saying how the burger is IN the hands of the super model, IN a hot tub, IN the back of a pickup truck. By repeating this word, it's adding more and more absurd elements to the commercial which adds to the level of sarcasm that's being created
• "American": By repeating this phrase, on the surface it establishes the intended audience, while subliminally it's essentially points the finger at America, specifically the media industry in America, that has caused the objectification of women to become normalized.
• Color:
• Red, white, and blue were used throughout the advertisement to intensify the overall American theme. It was also used on the bikini of the model which suggests that America has widely accepted and condoned such degrading behaviors from the mass media industry
• Music:
• Patriotic-like music played throughout the entire advertisement which, like repetition and color, establishes the theme and intended audience while also bringing blame to the U.S

     Overall, by creating such an elaborate and over the top advertisement (props, repetition, color, and music),Hardee's was able to not only entertain the "All-American" audience, but also convey how ridiculous is it to exploit women when trying to sell a product. 

-Jasmine Flowers

"Othering" in Photos vs. "The Handmaid's Tale"

At first glance, one can see three men who appear to be of a Hispanic heritage. The two younger men are looking directly towards the camera, while the oldest seems to be gazing off to the right. This difference in eye direction could signify the past struggle that he has had to face that the younger two haven't, to that extent, faced themselves.

Furthermore, I found it quite intriguing that this photo seems to utilize the "othering" aspect on the surface, rather than subliminally. By this I mean, at first glance, the audience is lead to believe that the men in this photo are unlike them. Little details within the room such as: the bare bulbed lamp resting on a tin folding chair, the bare mattress that appears to be lying on the floor, and even the bare small room that they are sitting in, causes the average American citizen, or the audience, to lose the ability to relate and therefore distance themselves which results in the "othering" aspect.

However, on a deeper level, the photograph conveys a completely different message. The audience begins to recognize that the men in the image are more similar than once thought. From the paint splatters on his jeans which implies hard working, and the images of family, the audience is able to conclude that the men in the image are more like them than different.

As far as within The Handmaid's Tale, othering is used on numerous occasions throughout the novel. One of which being when Offred initially describes Ofglen. She states, "...that's about all I know about her. She walks demurely, head down,...hands clasped in front, with short little steps like a trained pig's, on its hind legs" (Atwood pg. 30). By describing Ofglen in such a manor, the reader is made to believe that Ofglen is the outcast or unimportant. This strategic use of othering toward Ofglen automatically persuades the reader into believing that Ofglen will play a minimal role in the novel. However, we know that this contributed to a classic case of situational irony.

Overall, othering contributes to the way in which the audience feels towards a subject as well as the response evoked within them.



Wing Young Huie: Father and Sons, The Springs, California (2007)