A) Disastrous consequences, above success or supremacy, came to exist within the

Elizabethan Era, owing to the committing of immoral acts as a means to gain power.
This notion was inadmissible due to the social expectations of moral behaviour and is
evident within the introduction of Shakespeares Macbeth when the Thane of Cawdor
sets aside his moral compass and joins the Norwegian forces, only to be executed for
the corruption of his act of treason. Supporting this concept, it is by virture of
Meinecks commentary of his 2011 production of Macbeth and the manner in which
he has presented it, that the audience is able to perceive Macbeth as a morality play,
warning audiences past and present of the destruction that follows when ambitions
goes beyond moral constraints.
B) During the Elizabethan Era, a time when moral behaviour was a societal expectation,
any immoral acts committed ultimately resulted in disastrous consequences. This
notion is seen in the introduction of Shakespeares Macbeth, when the Thane of
Cawdor set aside his moral compass and joined the Norwegian forces, to only be
executed for his immoral act of treason. Meinecks commentary of his 2011
production of Macbeth supports this key concept, as he represents Macbeth as a
morality play, warning audiences past and present of the destruction that follows
when ambitions goes beyond moral constraints.

A) Listeners gain insight into the main cause of Macbeths moral decline and through
this, Lady Macbeth ventures beyond the boundaries of morality. This is portrayed in
Macbeth and Lady Macbeths willingness to commit wicked deeds in pursuit of the
crown and its fortunes. Dramatic irony in the phrase, Nothing is, but what is not,
conveys Macbeths aside to characterise his nullified respect for social order, which
indicates the extent of Macbeths thirst for power. Through his malicious actions, he
disregards the existence of his morals and loyalty to Duncan. Moreover, this
represents the start of Macbeths imminent moral decline, defying the honourable
behaviour that was expected of him, but rather, willing to overstep his boundaries to
manifest in unlawful deeds as a result of his overwhelming ambition.

B) Listeners gain insight into the main cause of Macbeths moral decline as stated by
Meineck, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth step outside the boundaries of normal moral
behaviour which I think is most peoples fantasy. He suggests that it is human nature
to be willing to step outside moral boundaries with hopes of gaining insights into the
unknown and its fortunes. This is seen in Macbeth and Lady Macbeths willingness to
commit wicked deeds in pursuit of the crown and its fortunes. This parallels with the
dramatic irony Shakespeare employs in Nothing is, but what is not, in Macbeths
aside to characterise his nullified respect for social order and a fixed hierarchy. In this
line, it is indicated that Macbeth was so blinded by his thirst for power beyond his
means, that he disregards the existence of his morals and his loyalty to Duncan.
Moreover, this represents the start of Macbeths imminent moral decline, defying the
honourable behaviour that was expected of him, but rather, willing to overstep his
boundaries to manifest in unlawful deeds as a result of his overwhelming ambition.
A) As well as exploring the fantasy which comes with acting beyond the moral code of
conduct, Meineck also presents to audiences Gods methods of punishing those who
did not act upon their moral compass. Caesuras employed by Shakespeare in Let the
earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold! reflects Macbeths
state of emotional turmoil and heightened paranoia when he sees Banquos ghost. The
use of exclamations and truncated sentences develops the deterioration of Macbeths
mental state into madness and guilt that was the consequence of allowing ambition to
dictate Macbeths behaviour, rather than his morals. This idea is supported by
Meinecks insight, It is very timely the way the play presents as to what happens
when you just go for it. From this, Meineck is suggesting that the dire ramification of
overstepping moral boundaries outweighs the fluid nature of breaking the rules. In
conjunction with this, Meineck also states, We admire that to a certain extent, but
there are ramifications to that. So I think we love watching the train wreck. The
comparison of Macbeths moral decline to a trainwreck, further portrays Macbeth as a
morality play, warning audiences of the severe consequences that were faced by
Macbeth for his immoral actions.

A) As well as exploring the fantasy which comes with acting beyond the moral code of
conduct, Meineck also presents Gods view of punishing the sinners, who did not
uphold their moral compass. Caesuras employed by Shakespeare in Let the earth hide
thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold! reflects Macbeths state of
emotional turmoil and heightened paranoia when he sees Banquos ghost. The use of
exclamations and truncated sentences develops the deterioration of Macbeths mental
state into madness and guilt that was the consequence of allowing ambition to dictate
Macbeths behaviour. This idea is supported by Meinecks insight, It is very timely
the way the play presents as to what happens when you just go for it suggesting that
the dire ramification of overstepping moral boundaries outweighs the fluid nature of
breaking the rules. In conjunction with this, Meineck also states, We admire that to a
certain extent, but there are ramifications to that. So I think we love watching the train
wreck. The comparison of Macbeths moral decline to a trainwreck, further portrays
Macbeth as a morality play, warning audiences of the severe consequences that were
faced by Macbeth for his immoral actions.

B) Therefore, Meineck has articulately portrayed the key issue of morality that was
evident in the introduction of Shakespeares play, in such a manner to allow
audiences to see Macbeth as a morality play. He has also been able to deepen the
audiences appreciation for Macbeth as he informs listeners of the dire consequences
that were faced by Macbeth as a result of his overwhelming desire for power.

B) Therefore, Meinecks commentary has been able to provide insight into the severe
consequences of surpassing our moral boundaries. In his commentary, Meineck has
articulately portrayed the key issue of morality that was evident in the introduction of
Shakespeares play. As well as this, he has also been able to deepen the audiences
appreciation for Macbeth as he educates listeners of the dire consequences that were
faced by Macbeth as a result of his willingness to do anything to seize the throne.