daffelreign

[daffelreign]

I’ve been burdened with this knowledge and now you will be too:

Every character that exists out there is someone’s OC.

You know those silly little dudes that you make? Shakespeare made ‘em too. Someone had to have created the character or they wouldn’t exist.

With all of the cringe and brain rot I have for my OCs, I wonder how well old writers dealt with that. I desperately want to know if there were ancient AUs for some of the oldest stories out there. Surely the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree— writers are writers.

As weird as it is to acknowledge that all characters technically count as OCs to someone, it’s nice to know that a writer cared enough abt their OC to make them, and had enough passion for their characters to tell their story.

They loved their little dudes just like I love mine. That’s what writings all about, isn’t it?

[daffelreign]

Writers of Tumblr! How do you get motivation to work on a writing project?

I have been sitting on a book idea for almost three years at this point. I’ve gotten the character fleshed out, I’ve written the first chapter and everything— but now I’m stuck.

I can’t figure out if there’s something about my writing I don’t like, or if the pressure of trying to write an actual book has become too daunting. But I can’t find the motivation to continue writing it, and I feel guilty trying to write other stuff instead when I WANT to work on my project.

My goal is to one day become an actual author, but at this rate I’m not feeling too good about that.

Teach me your ways, oh wise and knowledgeable writers of tumblr. I want to find my motivation to write again 😭

[daffelreign]

A bitter graduation narrative

I had been waiting for that moment for a long time. To step onto that stage and burn down the foundation of everything I had come to hate.

I stood above my peers with an academic grandeur. The only thing separating us were my perfect grades, forged out of sheer anxiety.

They gave me a microphone. I held a notecard in my hand scrawled with every insult I could think of. Behind me, a sea of ignorance—- of quiet chatter and excitement. In front of me, a crowd—- pointing cameras and smiling.

I said nothing, for a moment.

I had spent my entire life of high school being nonexistent. I had made friends who led me down a path of self loathing, the rest of my peers looking down on me for association. I watched as everyone cheated their way through homework and tests. I detested how their morality was looser than mine—- wishing they were more like me, or I was more like them. Now, I was given the chance to make them understand how I felt. To leave with the last laugh…

…But I didn’t.

I couldn’t.

I smiled. I tucked my note cards away. And I lied through my teeth to make everyone happy.

Cheers erupted from behind me. Applause echoed down from the crowd ahead. Cameras flashed, and I walked off the stage.

I graduated without a single stain to my name.

I left that place with my bridges in-tact.

I never had the stomach to be hated. Even if I never saw those people again, I couldn’t make the words come out. And now I watch in silent agony, waiting for my bridges to rot. Waiting for the final text before my friends disappear from my life. Waiting for all of my peers to move away to a different state, or country.

Waiting to be free.

My heart is a pacifist, but my soul screams for justice. Someday, perhaps, those feelings will disappear. The hatred will ebb away like an old wound, and only a scar will remain.

But until then, I hold onto those notecards. They are my justification, but not my justice. They are my proof that I felt. That I watched, and I listened, and I understood.

Anger is born from self-respect. The knowledge that you are worth more than the way you are trampled on. And that notion is even greater than all the insults in the world.

(I don’t write in first person all that often, but it felt more impactful that way. I was not the valedictorian of my class, nor do I have notecards. I just felt the vibe a rolled with it. )

[daffelreign]

You don't understand my hand slipped and typed everything on it's own I swear

[daffelreign]

This is a PEAK addition, now I wanna see a black ops kinda movie where snipers use beyblades

Was anyone else a anime trifecta kid? (Pokemon, Bakugan, Beyblade)

Because I used to watch Cartoon Network all the time, but ONLY for those three shows. That was my childhood. And I feel like that affected my brain chemistry.

Anyways, if anyone can empathize, I’ll meet you in the parking lot with my beyblades and bakugan

[daffelreign]

Was anyone else a anime trifecta kid? (Pokemon, Bakugan, Beyblade)

Because I used to watch Cartoon Network all the time, but ONLY for those three shows. That was my childhood. And I feel like that affected my brain chemistry.

Anyways, if anyone can empathize, I’ll meet you in the parking lot with my beyblades and bakugan

[daffelreign]

Was anyone else a anime trifecta kid? (Pokemon, Bakugan, Beyblade)

Because I used to watch Cartoon Network all the time, but ONLY for those three shows. That was my childhood. And I feel like that affected my brain chemistry.

Anyways, if anyone can empathize, I’ll meet you in the parking lot with my beyblades and bakugan

[daffelreign]

It has occurred to me that not everyone imagines stuff animated?? Like some people can read or write a book and imagine characters as actual people— the same kinda people we see irl.

My brain doesn’t do that. Everything I read or write is animated in my head. I could never use a character face creator that makes them so realistic bc I just can’t imagine my characters as anything but animated little dudes.

I think it’s because I watched a lot of animated stuff as a kid and it just stuck. Animation is my favorite form of media to consume, so my brain must just. Use it.

Sorry to any authors who imagine your characters as realistic people! I’m seeing something totally different in my head TvT

[daffelreign]

WHAT ARE WE?!

WRITERS!!!

WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO?!

WRITE!!!!!

WHEN ARE WE GONNA DO IT?!

((Disgruntled muttering))

[daffelreign]

I cannot make this up.

My cats, moments away from fighting:

Me, to the boy cat: hey! Don’t fight your sister!

(Nobody moves)

The girl cat: *looking at me like I’ve offended her*

Me; Oh, sorry. Don’t fight your brother.

Me: Woo feminism, go girl

Me: You can start fights, just don’t

The girl cat: *backing off*

Apparently my cat is a certified feminist, and may also be the one starting the fights.

[daffelreign]

Macbeth commentary. Becuase I’m bored. And judgmental. (Pt. 6)(Finale)

(Act Z: ) (Final Thoughts)

I was absolutely not excited about reading this play after finding very little enjoyment when we read The Tragedy of Julius Caesar my sophomore year. Plus, the most I heard about the story itself was how complicated and disliked it was. So my hopes were not very high.

However, after reading through the whole thing, I can safely say it is one of my favorite stories I’ve read in an English class. Why is it a tragedy is one of my favorites despite the fact that I hate tragic stories? The conclusion I’ve come to is that there is more focus on understanding what is being said (Shakespearean English is not easy) than there is on the weight behind what those words mean. So it doesn’t always give the kind of impact that the story probably did to the audience of its time. But even without it, I enjoyed picking the characters apart as the story progressed.

Speaking of characters, let’s talk about them for a second. The character dynamics in this play are fascinating, especially to me (someone who likes to write and has experience creating character dynamics). Watching how the relationships start out pure and strong, and then slowly falter as Macbeth begins to change is so interesting. For him and his wife, the power dynamic between them shifts as Macbeth’s ambition takes over--- and for his friends, his relationship with them becomes strained as he starts, well, murdering them. It’s easy to forget that they all used to be friends towards the beginning when you look at the very end--- with Macduff holding Macbeth’s decapitated head as a trophy of war and a symbol of revenge.

Macbeth himself is also another fascinating subject--- from his personality change to his role in the plot. Macbeth is our protagonist, our “hero” of the story. But the heroic qualities he shows are snuffed out by the end of the very first act, and our hero becomes something of a villain. It isn’t an instant change--- he may have killed Duncan, but he deeply regrets what he’s done afterwards. But as soon as he realizes that killing people gets rid of his problems, his remorse begins to dwindle. And that change--- from a loyal soldier to a cold tyrant--- is something you rarely get to see in a protagonist.

Placing him as the protagonist also means anyone who opposes him counts as the antagonist, even if their motives appeal more to the audience. It plays with the notion of what we’ve been taught is right and wrong, and which side they belong on. Not only that, but making Macbeth the single protagonist opened the floodgates for there being any number of antonagists--- anyone who stands against him. I couldn’t tell you who is the main antagonist, as many people play important roles in their opposition to macbeth. And that lack of focus is also not something you see all that often--- at least, I haven’t.

I could probably write a whole essay on Lady Macbeth alone, but I’ll keep this short: Lady Macbeth is the best kind of character. I can’t call her a hero or a villain, because I don’t know which side she belongs to. She doesn’t oppose Macbeth, but she does manipulate him. Does that make her an antagonist? Or is she a protagonist along with Macbeth, since they’re technically working together? She seems to be a gray area--- one we never quite get elaboration on. She’s conniving, but sympathetic--- spiteful, yet full of remorse. Lady Macbeth picks out her husband’s weak point in two seconds flat, but does everything she can to console him after the deed is done. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth really do have a complicated relationship, and it’s sad that he wasn’t even there to witness her end. She deserved a better send off, at least--- or we can pretend that she faked her death and she’s still alive and kicking, plotting to take down Malcolm in revenge for her husband. I’d pay to watch that, honestly.

Finally (probably not finally), Fleance. There was no point in letting him get away if there was no explanation as to how he would connect Banquo’s descendants to the king. He’s just there to fulfill that end of the prophecy--- a part that wasn’t even necessary from a plot hole standpoint. It was used as motivation for Macbeth-- to get him to kill Banquo and fall further down the rabbit hole. But other than that, Banquo’s part of the prophecy isn’t elaborated on. I’m mildly bitter that this play made me care about Fleance after I thought he was insignificant, and then said ‘lol wait nevermind’. Like. Tie up the loose ends--- give an epilogue of Fleance getting adopted by Malcom or something. I demand answers.

You know what? Murder board update:

Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Malcom

Malcolm is dead because I killed Malcolm. Fleance can be king now. The world is set right again. (I’m only a little petty)

And for the actual finally, I think I could dissect Macbeth for hours. The amount of story conveyed through dialogue alone (at least for our purposes, since we can’t watch the play and have yet to watch the movie) is thoroughly impressive. I marvel at stories that are displayed in such a simple fashion, yet hold a more complex storyline than you could ever imagine. From the repeated lines, to the callbacks, to every poetic death and mournful soliloquy--- Macbeth is a masterpiece. For once, I can finally agree that this story is (and should remain) a classic that students should experience at least once in their life. Even if the words aren’t always the easiest to understand, the story is captivating, well written, and even a little silly. It’s a good play, a great story, and a wonderful experience.

[daffelreign]

Macbeth commentary. Because I’m bored. And judgmental. (Pt. 5)

(Act V: ) (The resolution to the Murder Board)(Aka: A lot of people are about to die)

Act V (scene 1:)

Lady Macbeth returns! Except it’s not as cool as it was last time. It seems that Macbeth managed to break his wife before he broke himself, which I did not see coming. She’s sleep walking and trying to wash the blood off of her hands, which is just tragic. The girl boss has been reduced to a murder’s accomplice, sharing in his guilt. It seems she figured out about the other murderers, and had no choice but to be affiliated with them--- she started the mess, pushing Macbeth into the murder and covering her hands with blood as well, and now that also holds her accountable for what Macbeth has continued to do.

I’m still leaving her on the murder board, but I’m more inclined to think she’s going to end up killing herself.

Act V (scene 2:)

Not much to this scene other than background information of what’s going on in the war. I think it’s kind of funny that one of the people fighting against Macbeth acknowledges that he’s probably dying from the inside out due to his guilt, and then brush it off like it’s nothing and continue to prepare for the fight.

Act V (scene 3:)

Macbeth has officially hit the edge, and now he’s staring into the hole he’s dug--- no, the chasm he’s dug. What comes around goes around, and here soon he’ll be at the bottom, dead or alive.

That poor servant?? Honestly, poor everyone who had to interact with him in this scene--- Macbeth was not in a good mood. He’s gotten into almost an incredulous kind of frustration, so a lot of what he says is sarcastic or blatantly insulting (which is very entertaining to read). He’s placed a bit too much faith in that prophecy of his he got from the witches (who I’m 80% sure were messing with him to make a self-fulfilling-prophecy-of-self-fulfilling-doom), and I think it will cause his downfall. The only interesting thing I can say about that is that a woman could kill him since supposedly men cannot, but I think the time was a little too sexist for that to happen. Shakespeare gave us a girlboss for a good chunk of the play, and we respect him for that, but there’s only so much he could do and still keep the appeal of his audience.

Speaking of Lady Macbeth (probably the 3rd time I’ve said that over this entire document)(I feel no shame, I love her), hearing Macbeth worry over his wife was kind of heartwarming. Despite the fact that she pushed him into being a murderer, he does not seem to blame her in the slightest, and he’s fussing over her ill state. He should probably know better than to try and argue with the doctor when the doctor says ‘I can’t cure her’, but I can appreciate a loving husband demanding the world of someone just to save his wife. Me and my helpless romantic self can die happy with that. I can’t believe I thought he was going to kill her by the end of this.

Time for some trees to start walking, I guess--- Macbeth’s doom is soon to come, I’m sure.

Act V (scene 4:)

The only notable thing about this scene is that the English soldiers are grabbing branches to hide themselves, and it 1. Is a loophole to the prophecy, and 2. Sparks the image of a bunch of grown men in armor carrying tiny stocks not even the thickness of their arms and marching towards the castle--- like one of those giant men trying to hide behind a skinny tree kind of image.

Act V (scene 5:)

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Okay, so the queen is dead. That has to be one of the most anticlimactic deaths of this entire story, and the most disappointing wrap up to a dynamic character’s arc. It’s understandable--- they were building up to it a few scenes ago. But she could’ve at least gone in a dramatic way---- jump off the palace in front of people or something. She deserved a flamboyant death. Rest is peace girlboss, you will be missed.

Or will you? Because her death is not lingered on for more than a stanza. And rather than Macbeth giving a ‘the world will not be the same without her’ speech, he gives a ‘the world sucks, everyone is going to die’ speech. I was really rooting for him to stay the best husband, but he took that in the wrong direction, and completely forgot about it a second later. I get things were chaotic, but he could've at least gone out into battle with the notion of ‘I’m fighting for my wife’ or something. I guess the feminism ran out towards the end.

Anyways, this poor servant who has to tell Macbeth the woods are walking. Like. Imagine seeing that and having to report that to a tyrant. I would think I was delusional or something--- and this guy probably stared at it for a good thirty minutes before he was sure enough to tell Macbeth. And of course, we get the ‘if you’re lying, I’ll kill you in a strangely-specific-and-brutal-way’ line from Macbeth (which he learned from his wife).

I think Macbeth’s mentality is fascinating. He’d rather go out and die like a soldier than die like a tyrant, glued to his throne while the world burns around him by his own fire. It’s almost more cowardice than it is brave--- to die pretending to be what you once were (a soldier) rather than die by the consequences of what you’ve become (a tyrant).

Murder board update:

Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Malcolm

Act V (scene 6-8:)

I’m doing the rest in one section because it’s very fast and nothing I find particularly notable. It is a nice resolution--- war happens, Macbeth gets killed, and Malcolm takes over. There's a small victory speech and that’s about it. Basically all of my favorite characters are dead, so I have nothing to say. Good for the antagonists(?) I guess. Despite the tenison, it still seemed like a very anticlimactic end, but that might be because most of it was fighting, and there was absolutely no description of what the fight looked like other than “They exit fighting” as stage directions.

Final murder board update:

Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Malcolm

Malcom has managed to escape the murder board not once, but twice. Got taken off, put back on, and still managed to come out alive. My author’s intuition was wrong I guess, but it doesn’t help that there’s a giant plot hole named Fleance.

[daffelreign]

Macbeth commentary. Because I’m bored. And judgmental. (Pt. 4)

(Act IV: ) (We’re off to see the witches, the wonderful witches of OZ--- I mean Scotland)

Act IV (scene 1:)

All I can say about the first part of the scene is that it continually got more and more concerning as the list of ingredients went on. How exactly did they get a Jew’s liver and the finger of a strangled baby??? And why do they just randomly have it?? I feel like questioning the witches is just not a battle I’m ever going to win.

Anyways, Macbeth arrives to question the witches and boy was that the wrong call. They start showing him different aberrations that tell him contradicting things, going as far as to say ‘You’ll die when the forest gets up to kill you’ and now I’m left questioning if they’re just gaslighting him, or if the forest is about to start walking in Act 5. They also mention something we already know, of course--- Macduff will be a problem. But how Macbeth responds was not something I was prepared for at all.

We knew from the beginning that Macbeth was a ruthless warrior when it came to the battle field. Then, after killing Duncan, we realized he has that capability off of the battlefield--- but at least he felt some guilt for it. Now he’s just killing people on a whim, assuming that will fix his problem. Because killing tons of people for some self-perceived notion of an ultimate downfall has always ended well for kings.

Now, I don’t really like the fact that I understand Macbeth’s reasoning. Is there any sympathy towards him? Absolutely not. Do I think he’s making the right choice? Not even close. But, his reasoning does make sense to be. Going after Macduff’s family is a good option for what he wants to achieve, and it’s a very understandable call after what he’s already done these past few acts. I just don’t like it at all, and I know, for certain, that this will not end well. Authors who make understandable, but dislikeable villains have my utmost respect and hate.

At this point, it’s purely insanity doing the talking for Macbeth. He has spiraled past the point of return and there is no stopping him until he’s six feet under. So while it would be neat for the antagonist to show up and kill Macbeth in a grand, dramatic scene, I think it would be a whole lot more interesting if Macbeth was the one that killed himself. I’m sure there'll be a point where he just can’t take it anymore--- one could even argue that he’s already hit that point in his paranoia--- but the real kicker will be how strong his perseverance is, even after the madness takes over. Just something I’m musing about.

FInal thoughts? No change to the murder board--- actually, maybe I should add Macduff’s family, but they’re not exactly main characters. I’m still wondering at what point Lady Macbeth will get fed up with her husband's homicidal tendencies, but I think that point is coming shortly. And, finally, another chapter without mention of Fleance. I don’t think the boy’s coming back. I might have overstated when I said he would be our antagonist. I think he’s alive simply because he needs to be so that Banquo’s part of the prophecy can come true--- so plot convenience for prophecy fulfilling reasons.

Act IV (scene 2:)

I despise how quickly I got attached to Lady Macduff, only for her to die immediately after. I love her personality right off the bat, and I 100% agree with her hatred for her husband. People keep saying he’s an honorable, noble man--- one who you might think was at least a little intelligent. But no, let’s leave my wife and kids at home while I go commit treason. I’m sure that’ll end well.

I adore baby Macduff--- the little boy--- more than I can describe. I love the conversation he has with his mother, and the childish logic shining through. It’s always fun to see an exchange between a child, who thinks they have a good grasp of a situation, and an adult who humors their logic despite it being incorrect. Probably one of my favorite scenes in the whole play, if I’m being honest. It’s a shame they got murdered right after.

Act IV (scene 3:)

Not gonna lie, I was lost for the first half of scene 3. I understood what Macduff and Malcom were saying to each other, but I didn’t really understand why Malcom was being so insistent that he was the worst guy ever?? And then he suddenly turned the tables?? I thought he was gaslighting Macduff just for the heck of it, I did not catch that it was a test to make sure Macduff wasn’t there to kill him (thank you class discussions).

Aside from the initial confusion, my favorite line in the entire scene (possibly the entire play) is “Fit to govern? No, not to live.” which basically means ‘you aren’t fit to govern? No, you aren’t fit to be alive.’ The amount of exasperation in that statement alone is amazing, and the entire speech after it shows just how fed up Macduff has become. And honestly, if I was trying to convince the crowned heir to help for the greater good of an entire kingdom, and he kept trying to gaslight me into thinking he was the worst man in the world, I would get fed up, too.

Ross shows up again just in time to drop the bomb that Macduff’s family was slaughtered. That’s fun. The ‘be a man’ speech returns, this time from Malcolm. I’m starting to think that’s the theme behind the whole play--- being a man, and how that means different things to different people. Needless to say, Macduff is having a bad day.

After going through all 5 stages of grief in less than two minutes, Macduff decides that revenge is the best (and only) option. I would say he’s set up to be our antagonist, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself again. At this point, everyone is Macbeth’s antagonist--- even mother nature. Those horses didn’t eat each other for nothing. That aside, Macduff mentioned something interesting--- he can’t inflict the same pain he feels on Macbeth because Macbeth doesn’t have children. But Macduff’s children weren’t the only thing killed--- his wife was killed as well. And you know what Macbeth has? A wife.

The murder board isn’t going to change, but my predictions behind it will. I think Lady Macbeth will die, but I’m not so sure it will be by Macbeth’s hands anymore. I think it’s far more likely that she’s killed by either Macduff or Malcom during the war, and I’m rooting for Macduff.

Still no Fleance… uh… I don’t think he’s coming back. Unless they decide to drag a child into war, that is. (Wait, how are Banquo's children going to be kings if Malcom is taking over??? Oh, Malcolm is so going back on the murder board) (I think he’ll be killed at war and Fleance will end up as his successor.)

Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macbeth, Malcom (the boy who lived, come to die), Macbeth

[daffelreign]

Macbeth commentary. Because I’m bored. And judgmental. (Pt. 3)

(Act III: Murder has consequences, but boy is it useful!)

Act III (scene 1:)

Banquo is starting to realize some things. After the king died in his best friend’s house, I don’t blame him. However, Macbeth seems bound and determined to be friendly towards him, all but demanding that Banquo attend his dinner party.

Oh wait, it’s a murder plot. Oh no.

HeLLO?? Macbeth is following the murder board??? Not in the order I had it, but still.

The fact that these people are named ‘murderer 1’ and ‘murderer 2’ is definitely a good sign. Macbeth seems to be taking a page out of his wife’s book and mansplain, manipulate, manslaughter his way outta this. It’s kind of unnerving that his conscience has just. Disappeared. Like there was no guilt in his speech--- he even compared his friend to a sickness that plagues him (and decided to murder his child as well).

I know Baquo was going to be killed--- he’s been on the murder board since the first act--- but I didn’t expect it to happen this fast and with such little remorse. I’m getting worried for the kind of person Macbeth is going to become by the end of this story. I have a strong feeling that his guilt is going to torment him into insanity before all is said and done.

Act III (scene 2:)

I have to say, I was not ready for the dynamic shift between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. I thought that she would remain the driving factor, advising him to get rid of all obstacles that still stood in his way. Instead, paranoia has become his worst enemy. His mindset has become ‘the condemned’--- he’s already killed someone, so whats one more body to the count? It’s not like redemption is an option, anyways. And that, my friends, is terrifying-- especially for a main character.

Lady Macbeth is obviously starting to feel the weight of her actions, which makes me wonder just how much thought she put into them in the first place. It seems she didn’t take the time to think about the repercussions, and now they’re staring her in the face. Whatever grasp she had of the situation before--- whatever magic she called upon that gave her the strength--- is now gone. She’s now starting to see the monster that she created (which I must add is a wonderful cliche for a storyline to follow, I am very excited).

Act III (scene 3:)

So Banquo died. But in the kerfuffle, Fleance got away. So this kid (who I’ve just learned is about 10 years old??? Yikes) has been placed in the perfect position to be Macbeth’s crumbling point (after I dismissed him a few scenes ago, whoops). What’s fascinating to me about this whole thing is the fact that Fleance is now set up to be the antagonist. Usually you would see a protagonist as a good guy and antagonist as a bad guy, but in actuality the protagonist is the main character and the antagonist is the opposing force--- which is why I thought Lady Macbeth was going to be our antagonist originally. She was pushing Macbeth, so completely opposite to his nature that she just had to be bad news. But now, Madcbeth and his wife are switching positions, and he’s caused the death of Fleance’s father. It’s a revenge cliche.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have our opposing force.

(Note: Banquo told his son to get revenge. And if you know anything about young children, they take their parent’s words to heart. He may not be able to pull it off right now, but Fleance will be back for revenge one day. I guarantee it.)

(Note 2: Not entirely related, but I feel like I need to mention it: Right after Banquo’s death scene, my brain came up with a predictive scenario that would be either the best or the worst case scenario for the story to follow. Both follow the same general premise: Fleance ends up with the Macbeths taking care of him since his father is dead. And that would either end as

(1.) Fleance becomes the adopted son that then fathers the line of kings--- so they’re genetically Banquo’s descendants while also being “Macbeth’s bloodline”. AKa, no more murders needed, prophecy fulfilled.

The other option is way more traumatic, which is: Macbeth takes in Fleance and sooner or later Fleance finds out the truth behind his father’s death. So it’s father-figure vs adopted son, and I think that would sting a whole lot more. But I don’t really think either option is how the play is gonna go.)

Murder board update:

Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth.

Fleance is not going on the board because I don’t think he’s going to die. Macbeth, however, I don’t see coming out of this alive.

Act III (scene 4:)

All I know about this scene prior to reading it is that it’s the “infamous Banquet scene”. If Fleance doesn’t swing open the doors and make a dramatic entrance as he declares his father’s death, I’ll be thoroughly disappointed.

Holy paranoia, what. just. happened. No Fleance entrance, sadly, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of drama in this scene. Macbeth loses his mind not once, but twice---- he recovers momentarily and then spirals again. At this point, someone needs to give Lady Macbeth a hose, the spray bottle just ain't cutting it.

Speaking of her, I think I overestimated the amount of change her character went through. After seeing her and Macbeth switch their outlooks on the situation, I thought she would remain a bit more innocent for the rest of the story. But she came up with an excuse instantly to try and keep Macbeth’s cover, despite the fact that Macbeth was making a fool out of both of them. Whether it was out of concern for her husband or self preservation (to not get outed for murdering the king), Lady Macbeth starts lying through her teeth and manages to get away with it. It seems conniving nature hasn’t changed one bit, she’s just airing more on the side of caution now that she’s gotten what she had initially wanted. (also Lady Macbeth hitting her husband with “Are you a man?” out of nowhere made me cackle. I love her, she’s so great).

Going back to Macbeth, I don’t have anything in particular to say about the nature of his breakdown. Guilt does that to a person, especially when you murder two people who you consider you were close with (not saying that from experience, one just assumes). His breakdown was not unforeseen, and I’ll be surprised if it’s the last breakdown we see in this play.

Aside from the whole Banquo-ghost situation, it seems that Macduff has also managed to plunge the king into paranoia. Macbeth seems to think he’s going to be a problem, so he’s getting added to the murder board.

Duncan, Banquo, Macduff, Lady Macbeth (I still think she’s going to die before the end of this, I can feel it in my bones)

Act III (scene 5:)

There’s really not much to say about this scene. The witches convinced, the head witch scolded them, and then the head witch decided they were going to collectively torture Macbeth. I’m sure messing with a broken psyche won’t have any consequences.

We pray for Macbeth, man's about to go through the wringer with this one.

Act III (scene 6:)

Another filler scene meant solely to convey information. I’m just now realizing how many people are suspicious of Macbeth. I mean, they have every reason to be--- the king died in his house, he had a mental breakdown at the dinner party ranting about ghosts and murder, etc. I just didn’t didn’t know that everyone had hopped onto the ‘overthrowing the king’ bandwagon already.

I’m so genuinely confused on whether or not Fleance is going to be a problem. I assumed that he would end up as the antagonist because of the situation Macbeth placed him in--- but the couple of scenes after his father was killed he was only mentioned and nothing more. He fled, apparently, and that’s all we know. Macduff seems to be a bigger threat than he is, but at this point everyone seems to be a threat to Macbeth. I am unsure how this is going to pan out and it makes my writer's brain frustrated and intrigued.

[daffelreign]

Macbeth commentary. Because I’m bored. And judgmental. (Pt. 2)

(Act II: Murder is a valid option until you almost get caught)

Act II (scene 1:)

I honestly forgot that Banquo had a child. I was staring at the name ‘Fleance’ and wondering who this dude was and why Banquo was casually telling him what to do. Should he be added to the murder board?? Uncertain. He seems forgettable enough to not be a problem.

Anyways, Macbeth is having a crisis again--- someone grab the spray bottle. I’m all for a good soliloquy (I love writing big speeches, dialogue is my jam) and I understand why it’s being used. Shakespeare wanted to show how conflicted Macbeth is with his decision, and whether or not he’s gonna go through with it. But in terms of modern writing, it’s kind of redundant. I can hardly understand the Shakespearean English used in the play, please don’t make me read giant speeches that mean the exact same thing with different metaphors (I make an exception for Lady Macbeth’s soliloquies because she says the most out-of-pocket things like it’s nothing).

Act II (scene 2:)

Speaking of Lady Macbeth, she returns! The lovers rendezvous after the murder is done, and it turns out that Macbeth was so up in his own head that he brought the murder weapon with him. Whoops. Lady Macbeth’s scolding is so valid--- if you’re gonna commit a murder, at least do it right.

Silliness aside, Lady Macbeth drops some pretty cold lines. “My hands are of your color, but I shame/ To wear a heart so white”, which basically means: We share the same blood on our hands, but we do not share remorse. That line right there showcases the main difference between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. And it’s that difference that solidifies Lady Macbeth’s spot on the murder board.

Duncan, Malcom, Lady Macbeth, Banquo

Duncan is officially dead, so his name get’s bolded. We’ll see how many bolded names remain by the end of the story.

Act II (scene 3:)

Gotta say, I didn’t particularly enjoy the porter scene. I could’ve gone the rest of my life not knowing what alcohol did to men. But I get the attempt at humor, and I’m sure men (who were the prime audience at the time, I assume) would’ve found that pretty funny. That aside, I love how Macduff was like, “...Alright then. So where’s Macbeth?”. The perfect segway from an awkward (TMI) situation back to the plot.

As for how the plot’s going, I’m surprised Macbeth is drenched in sweat while talking to these guys who are here for the king. Macduff ends up finding the king’s dead body, everyone starts freaking out, and Lady Macbeth faints, I think?? It’s chaos. I find it immensely funny that 1. Macduff tells Lady Macbeth the news is too terrible for her to hear and then immediately says it to the guy standing next to her (which she overhears), and 2. Macbeth decides to go big or go home and hit everyone with a “I have nothing left to live for” speech because of the king’s death (that he caused). And I know for a fact that neither of those things were intended to be comedic in the slightest. It’s just so over the top that it’s amusing to me.

Other than that, the king’s children flee so they don’t get killed. Honestly a smart call, considering how much magic-witchy-woo is fueling Macbeth’s ambitions right now. Who knows who he’s gonna kill next (since he already killed two guards on a whim). I guess that means Malcom gets removed from the murder board.

Duncan, Lady Macbeth, Banquo

Act II (scene 4:)

This is mostly just a filler scene to explain what’s going on in the world. The most notable (and horrific) mention is that Duncan’s horses have decided to eat each other. That’s fun.

[daffelreign]

Macbeth commentary. Because I’m bored. And judgemental. (Pt. 1)

Background information: Personally, the most I had heard about Macbeth prior to actually having to read it was a lot of students complaining about how hard it was to read and debating over Macbeth and his wife’s relationship. So the bar was pretty low to start.

Just like my thoughts, this has no structure. I hope it is comprehensible enough to be funny.

Anyways, (Act I: Welcome to the show)

Act I (scene 1):

I don’t know how I expected this to start, but witches were not it. Initial shock aside though, the only thing that stuck out to me was the familiars. I understand that people are supposed to watch the play performed on stage (so some things are meant to be implied), but I have no idea how or why the familiars were included. We’re never going to hear about them again, are we? Le sigh.

Act I (scene 2):

A lot of this scene is just background context and character introductions--- nothing very exciting. However, I have lost all faith in the modern text translation. The captain explaining Macbeth’s prowess on the battlefield is supposed to be important--- to showcase what kind of brutality Macbeth is capable of, and build onto his aforementioned status. But instead of that, my brain was entirely focused on the phrase “unseamed him from the nave to th’ chop”. I got the general premise--- big cut= big ouch--- but I was convinced that the navel was part of the forehead?? And I was trying really hard to wrap my head around why on EARTH Macbeth would cut someone from forehead to chin and then cut their head off to put on a steak.

By the time I figured out what the navel actually was, my attention was entirely spent for the scene. So all I can say is that the modern translation should’ve said ‘belly button’ for those of us less cultured in anatomy.

Act I (scene 3):

The witches gossiping is so not important to the plot, but so entertaining to me. They’re actively plotting revenge while idly waiting for Macbeth, and I love that for them. Anyways, enter: Macbeth! And Banquo too, I guess. The besties are not-so-silently judging the witches just before the witches’ rock their world. I think the witches got some satisfaction from that--- just a little. It’s the feminine urge for spite.

Speaking of spite, Macbeth is going to be king but Banquo will be happier? Banquo’s descendants will be king? Doesn’t that mean that either 1. Macbeth doesn’t have children, or 2. Macbeth doesn’t remain king (which in terms of literature, usually means killy killy- stabby stabby). That thought doesn’t seem to hit him, apparently. I’m sure that’ll have consequences.

More boys enter the chat! Here for plot convenience to tell Macbeth that the witches were right. Who would’ve guessed? It’s not like they disappeared into thin air like some abra cadabra witchy-woo. We should just brush them off--- totally. Except now, with Macbeth’s new title, the besties start reconsidering their disbelief. Not quite looking at the big picture yet, but don’t worry--- I’m starting the murder board for them.

Murder board (who I think is going to die): Banquo is the first on the board as an eventual victim once Macbeth realizes that Banquo’s kids are gonna be a problem (so better to snuff out the source, right?). He’s gonna destroy their friendship bracelets :(

Act I, (scene 4):

This is where things start to get interesting (from a plot standpoint, anyways. I didn’t find it all that interesting, but it is important to move the story along). Macbeth gets his second title from the king, and is very surprised that the prophecy the magical-non-human-witch-ladies told him is now coming true. Shocker. Macbeth has also started to think about how he could become king, and what stands in his way (cough cough, the newly appointed prince).

Which is why we have a murder board update!

Duncan, Malcom, Banquo

Duncan is an obvious kill, since Macbeth needs to get rid of him to be king. Malcolm is on the murder board for the same reason, as he is now set up to be the next king, and that’s kinda what Macbeth is supposed to be. Both would need to come before Banquo’s death since Banquo’s only leg up on Macbeth is a problem he can deal with at a later time. (Aka, the murder board is in chronological order for who would need to go first).

Act I, (scene 5):

The girlboss has arrived. Right off the bat I already love and hate Lady Macbeth (I hate what she’s up to, but love the way she’s characterized). She comes off as very elegant and kind, but very quickly turns out to be one of our main antagonists. I am very interested in how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s dynamic will play out, since the typical role of the wife is a supportive person who loves the main character and has a generally positive effect on them (and that is not what is happening here). I can’t see those two getting along for much longer, especially after her instant reaction to being told her husband might be king is ‘murder is a valid option’.

Which is why I return with the murder board.

Duncan, Malcom, Lady Macbeth, Banquo

I think Banquo will outlast her simply because he’s not attempting to manipulate Macbeth in any way, and I can’t see him trying to do that in the future. I think he’ll turn on Macbeth at some point because of his conflicting personality, but I think Macbeth will get sick of his wife before he does his best friend. Hopes and prayers for the girl boss.

Act I, (scene 6):

I love that this scene opens with Duncan and Banquo admiring the scenery, and then it instantly turns into “Oh hey, we’re invading your house. Aren’t you lucky?” as soon as Lady Macbeth shows up. I think that didn’t help Duncan’s cause any. It probably snuffed out what little sympathy she might’ve had for him.

Macbeth seems to be having an existential crisis, and has decided that murder isn’t a good idea (you know, like any rational person would). Unfortunately, this does not comply with what Lady Macbeth wants, and she badgers him with insults and strangely graphic imagery until he agrees to it.

He says that Lady Macbeth should only have male children, but by the way she described killing her own baby, I don’t think she should be allowed to have children at all. I wouldn’t even let her hold someone else's baby, just in case. Her homicidal tendencies seem to have no limits as long as she can justify it to herself.

Also, Macbeth is starting to acknowledge the murder board, hello???

[daffelreign]

Me: *explaining my plot line I have planned*

Also me: at least, I think so.

My mother: what do you mean you think? You’re the one writing it, aren’t you?

Me:

Me: I don’t think you understand how this works.

Now imagine me trying to explain to my mother how I have no control over my own narrative. She doesn’t understand, but neither do I!

At this point, I just stop shipping my characters and get surprised later like ‘oh wait. They totally like each other.’ An entirely sudden revelation even though I’m the one dictating their actions.

How’s the fight scene gonna look? Idk, whatever matches the vibes of the song I just listened to. Does it conflict with a different plot point? Of course. Am I still gonna change it? Yup. Because the music video in my head demands it.

Writing is not simply writing. It’s building a world that starts to thrive on its own. It will always be your baby, but you learn very quickly that your baby knows what’s good for it, even if you don’t see it at first.

It’s being a spectator just as much as an author— and it’s truly impossible to convey this to anyone who doesn’t write.