To what extent are universal themes presented in Shakespeares Macbeth and either Kurosawas Throne of Blood and/or Polanskis

Macbeth. In your answer, you must refer to the context of the different texts. William Shakespeares Macbeth and Akira Kurosawas Throne of Blood present various universal themes that relate to the human condition to reflect their respective authors concern for the abuse of power. Both these texts present the themes of consequences of ruthless ambition and guilt and conscience. The equivocal nature of man is also shown through the universal theme of appearance versus reality. In both Shakespeares original play and Kurosawas film adaptation, the universal theme of the consequences of ruthless ambition is used to convey the authors respective contexts. Written in the early 17th century, Shakespeare appeals to the new monarch James I in his play, Macbeth, by presenting him symbolically as the benevolent English King Edward in his play, contrasted with the malevolent Macbeth. The play also perhaps alludes to the need for wise leadership from the new King through his portrayal of the consequences of ruthless ambition. The consequences of ruthless ambition are highlighted to a significant extent through the use of visual imagery and personification: Bleed, bleed, poor country! The visual portrayal of Scotland bleeding highlights the extent of the Macbeths consequences for is abuse of power. Shakespeares figurative use of blank verse: I have no spur/To prick the sides of my intent, but only/Vaulting Ambition, which oer leaps itself/And falls on the other. further highlights the motivation of ambition that can lead to disastrous consequences if one acts ruthlessly. Shakespeare, to a great extent, alludes to the need for wise leadership from the new monarch, James I, through an appealing portrayal of the disastrous consequences of ruthless ambition. Like Shakespeare, Kurosawa conveys the consequences of ruthless ambition in Throne of Blood; however, in his case, the film is arguably a reflection of post-world war II Japan devastated by the tyrannical rule of Emperor Hirohito. Kurosawa does so by presenting an apocalyptic landscape as well as the portrayal of a tyrannical Taketori Washizu. Kurosawas use of an establishing shot of the bleak and barren landscape, shrouded by a thick layer of mist in the opening scene of the film arguably symbolises the eventual destruction of Washizu, as a result of his own ruthless ambition. Kurosawas use of diagetic sound of the rain of arrows coupled with a wide shot of Washizu falling to the ground portrays Washizus violent and dramatic death, further highlighting the consequences of ruthless ambition. To a large degree, Kurosawas portrayal of an apocalyptic landscape and the dramatic death of Washizu arguably reflect the disastrous outcome of World War II for Japan under the tyrannical rule of Emperor Hirohito.

Both Shakespeare and Kurosawa present the theme of guilt and conscience to reflect the detrimental outcome when individuals defy their conscience for power and the guilt that results from this. Shakespeare presents the tragic consequences for Macbeth as he suppresses his conscience to maintain power. This is evident in Shakespeares use of symbolism and hyperbole, Will all great Neptunes ocean wash this blood/Clean from my hand? The use of hyperbole highlights the severity of Macbeths crimes by conveying that not even all the oceans water will be able to wash away the blood on his hands, arguably symbolising his guilt. In a different and similar manner, Kurosawa demonstrates this idea in Throne of Blood. Taketori Washizu, Macbeths counterpart in Throne of Blood, defies his conscience in order to fulfil his ambition of becoming Lord of Spider Webs Castle. Kurosawas presentation of his cultural context through the use of the Japanese Noh theatre conveys to a certain extent the guilt of Washizu as he sees hallucinations of Mikis ghost. The use of a medium shot of Washizu and Mikis ghost, followed by zooming into a close-up shot of Washizus fearful expression conveys Washizus deep level of guilt for his actions. Both Shakespeare and Kurosawa show the result of what happens when an individual suppresses their conscience to fulfil their desires; however, Kurosawa is arguably more effective in his presentation to a greater extent. The equivocal nature of the human condition is presented in Macbeth and Throne of Blood through the universal theme of appearance versus reality. Shakespeares notable use of rhyming couplets in Macbeth, False face must hide what the false heart doth know, conveys the deceitful nature of man as their false appearance hides their inner true self. Similarly, Kurosawa also presents the universal theme of appearance versus reality in Throne of Blood; however, in his case, the portrayal is of the authors Japanese cultural context through the use of Noh theatre. The use of close up shots of Lady Asajis traditional make-up, which makes her appear as though she is wearing a mask, along with her virtuously expressionless face, arguably conveys her delusive appearance contrasted with her mysterious character. Lady Asajis refined gestures as well as minimal movement further portray her mysterious appearance, as opposed to her inner manipulative nature. Whilst both authors have uniquely presented the equivocal nature of the human condition, Kurosawas Throne of Blood is perhaps more graphic and expressive of the authors cultural context to a greater extent than Shakespeares Macbeth. William Shakespeares Macbeth and Akira Kurosawas Throne of Blood reflect their respective authors concern for the abuse of power and the disastrous consequences that can result. Whilst both these reflect this through the presentation of universal themes relating to the human condition, Kurosawa is arguably more effective and expressive in his portrayal to a more significant extent than Shakespeare does.