ŠEKSPIROV MAGBET U MODERNOM POzORIŠTU (DVE VERzIJE TIRANINA)

Abstract

In this paper a comparison has been laid out between Shakespeare’s Macbeth and O’Neill’s Emperor Jones. The goal of such an approach is to establish the basic patterns common for both playwrights, as well as to emphasize where the modern author diverted from the Shakespearian standard and why. The comparison is conducted by focusing on the titular characters and their worlds. Specifically, we have examined their cruel mannerisms in combination with their ambition, as well as emphasizing the consequences of such an approach. In Shakespeare’s play we have a noble warrior who degrades to the status of a malevolent schemer by committing murders, thereby emphasizing the potential for evil that lies in everyone, even the audience itself. O’Neill repurposes the Shakespearian motif for his own goals. Through Jones, who shares many personal traits with Macbeth, O’Neill demonstrates the destructive impact of the past and hiding behind a persona can have on (collective and individual) present and future. Both authors succeed in surpassing the archetype of the villain in a play and deliver to their audience unique individuals.