Shakespeare put the topic onto a king who in some senses is the symbol of power, and narrowly speaking, of masculine power. ... Besides, we notice the relations between father and son, king and officials are all on friendly terms. ... In one word, all the virtues a woman should have are attributed to her. ... In Leontes" mind, Herminoe's eyes are stars, and "all eyes else dead coals". ... His child devotes all himself to loving Perdita instead of him. ...

• Word Count: 2824
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

When MacDuff says "Shake off this downy sleep, death's counterfeit" (Act II, 3, 72-73), he is trying to rouse Banquo, Donalbain, and Malcolm to tell them that the king has been murdered in his sleep. ... After he murders the king, restful, nurturing, restorative sleep (the sleep of the innocent) is no longer available to Macbeth.He has violated his own moral code and soon everything will lose meaning, life will "Signify nothing.... He rules Caliban and Ariel and devises all sorts of schemes for the other characters. Although he decides to forgive his brother at the end of ...

• Word Count: 2655
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School