麦克白中希腊神话原型研究

外国语学院

题目：Analysis on the prototypes form Greek Mythology in Macbeth

学号：201310010332

姓名：许笑晴

专业班级：英语133

指导教师：方薇

2015年01 月04 日

Abstract: Shakespeare‟s creation of drama is influenced a lot by Greek Mythology. One of his greatest tragedies, Macbeth, to a large extent, reflects his using of the prototypes of Greek mythology. This paper aims to find out what prototypes of Greek Mythology Shakespeare used in Macbeth and analyze them one by one.

Key words: Macbeth, Greek Mythology, prototype

1.Introduction

Western literature derives from Greek literature, and Greek literature stems from Geek Mythology. Therefore, in most of western literature, we can see a lot of prototypes of the characters in Greek Mythology. The creation of much literature is based on Greek Mythology, such as some epics, dramas, novels and so on. All of these absorb plenty of nutrients, and then get processed and decorated, finally becoming masterpieces popularized by a great amount of readers. As we all known, William Shakespeare is the greatest playwriter in English literature. Many traces of Greek Mythology can be found in his dramas. In his course of creation, two major ways of referring to Greek Mythology are used, one is using the stories directly, such as Troilus and Cressida, the other is employing metaphor to combine the characters in Greek Mythology and the figures in his drama, enriching the implied meaning of his drama. Macbeth, as one of the most famous tragedies created by Shakespeare, draws a lot people‟s attention all over the world. In Macbeth, Shakespeare rebuilds the characters in Greek Mythology. Some figures and plots in Greek Mythology are reflected in Macbeth, but we can‟t the exactly same figures and plots in Greek Mythology and Macbeth. Macbeth is a reflection of Shakespeare‟s second way of using Greek Mythology.

2.Plot

The play opens amidst thunder and lightning, and the Three Witches decide that their next meeting shall be with Macbeth. In the following scene, a wounded sergeant reports to King Duncan of Scotland that his generals—Macbeth, who is the Thane of Glamis, and Banquo—have just defeated the allied forces of Norway and Ireland, who are led by the traitorous Macdonald and the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth, the King's kinsman, is praised for his bravery and fighting prowess.

The Three Witches greet them with propheciesand though Banquo challenges them first, they address Macbeth, hailing him as "Thane of Glamis," "Thane of Cawdor," and that he shall "be King hereafter." Macbeth appears to be stunned to silence. When Banquo asks of his own fortunes, the witches respond paradoxically, saying that he will be less than Macbeth, yet happier, less successful,