Unsolvable Problems
Listening to notes about Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of MacBeth, two particular items have stuck with me. It’s about the curse, and then the predictions.
One is the obvious “curse,” and I think I covered that elsewhere. Can’t find my reference at the moment, so the summary is simple: a failing theatre would put on The Tragedy of MacBeth as an obvious draw, then close with the front office or owners, absconding with the proceeds, and that might be the source of the alleged curse.
(See The Leo.)
Unsolvable Problems
But second piece that jumped out, Banquo and his son, Fleance, are set upon by murderous rogues, and in the ensuing sword fight, Banquo admonishes?
(They assault Banquo.)
“O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!
Thou mayst revenge. O slave!”
(Dies.)
Fleance escapes.
(III.iii.17)
Compare that to my version of Geek Pride (1 Henry 6, Talbot & son)?
Quick overview: MacBeth kills his buddy Banquo thereby insuring an easy path to being king. All hail the Thane of Cawdor?
The notes, Fleance is heard of no more, but later, the Three Witches suggest that Banquo’s heirs inherit Scotland. The one set of notes suggested it was an either/or situation, and the character sacrificed his own life so that his son could flee.
It’s a staging issue; it’s an interpretation.
