Ben Crystal | Pt 3: dialogue in Macbeth | Speaking the bright & beautiful English of Shakespeare

Summary

The script delves into Shakespeare's innovative approach to dialogue and rhythm, particularly in *Macbeth*. It highlights how Shakespeare built on Marlowe's techniques, allowing characters to express natural speech patterns within heightened poetic language. Through an analysis of a pivotal scene after Macbeth's murder of Duncan, the discussion emphasizes the significance of pauses and syllable counts, showcasing how they enhance dramatic tension and character interactions. The exploration reveals Shakespeare's ability to blend poetry with human emotion, making his works resonate on a deeply personal level.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Shakespeare worked consistently with the same group of actors for over fifteen years, refining his craft and techniques.
• 📜 Christopher Marlowe's innovative use of poetic style in dialogue paved the way for Shakespeare's subsequent developments in naturalistic speech.
• 🗣️ Shakespeare broke traditional rhythm to reflect the natural non-fluency in human speech while maintaining a heightened poetic form.
• 🔍 Analyzing specific scenes, like Macbeth's dialogue after killing Duncan, reveals Shakespeare's strategic use of syllable count to create pauses for dramatic effect.
• ⏳ Pauses in dialogue serve as crucial moments for character reflection and audience engagement, enhancing the emotional weight of the scene.
• 👂 The characters' reactions are as important as their lines, demonstrating the interplay of dialogue and non-verbal communication in performances.
• 🤔 Lady Macbeth's response to Macbeth shows her quick thinking and preparedness, contrasting with the tension of the moment.
• 📊 Syllable counts and rhythm in Shakespeare's works are deliberate, allowing for moments of improvisation and emotional depth.
• 🎶 Shakespeare's writing style evolved to become more improvisational, resembling a musician's creativity within a structured melody.
• ❤️ The beauty of Shakespeare's work lies not only in its poetic nature but also in its ability to capture and express the complexities of human experience.

Q & A

How did Shakespeare innovate theatrical speech compared to his predecessor Marlowe?

Shakespeare built upon Marlowe's idea of using poetic style to create more natural-sounding speech for characters, but he took it further by breaking the established rhythm to reflect the natural non-fluency of human speech.

What is significant about the syllable count in Shakespeare's lines?

Shakespeare often used lines of varying syllable counts, like the example of 'I have done the deed,' which has five syllables, allowing actors to create pauses that enhance the emotional depth and context of the scene.

What role do pauses play in the delivery of lines in 'Macbeth'?

Pauses are crucial for dramatic tension and character reflection. They give actors space to convey emotion and allow the audience to absorb the gravity of the moment, as seen when Macbeth hesitates after stating he has killed Duncan.

Why is Lady Macbeth's reaction to Macbeth's revelation significant?

Lady Macbeth's initial pause before answering reflects her surprise and the tension of the moment. It shows her composure is challenged by the gravity of Macbeth's actions, revealing the complexity of their relationship.

How does the structure of Shakespeare's dialogue contribute to character development?

The structure often provides opportunities for characters to reveal their inner thoughts and feelings through their speech patterns, pauses, and responses, which helps to develop their personalities and motivations.

What does the use of sound imagery, like the owl and cricket, symbolize in the scene?

The owl's scream and the cricket's cry serve as ominous symbols of death and foreboding, enhancing the mood of guilt and anxiety after Duncan's murder, reinforcing the themes of fate and moral consequence.

In what way does Shakespeare's use of improvisation in his writing reflect on his skill as a playwright?

Shakespeare's improvisation with pentameter and rhythm showcases his deep understanding of human speech and emotion, allowing him to create a dynamic and relatable dialogue that feels both poetic and authentic.

What does the discussion of syllable counts reveal about the actors' performance choices?

The analysis of syllable counts provides insight into how actors can manipulate their delivery to enhance dramatic effect, using the gaps in speech to fill with non-verbal acting that adds to the scene's intensity.

How does the example of modern soap operas relate to Shakespeare's writing?

The comparison illustrates how both Shakespeare and modern writers create moments of dramatic pause that allow for character reactions, drawing on relatable human emotions to engage the audience.

Why does the speaker emphasize the human aspect of Shakespeare's work?

The emphasis on humanity highlights that Shakespeare's beauty lies not in strict poetic form, but in his ability to portray complex human emotions and experiences, making his characters relatable and timeless.