Tag Archives: Macbeth

Sin is first in the will: a brief lesson in morality from Lady Macbeth

Posted on February 20, 2020 by marklangley

Of all the authors we should compel our students to read, surely no one is so foolhardy as to demand a reason for reading Shakespeare. I can forgive the one who asks, Why should students read Aeschylus? Or Why do you force them to … Continue reading →

Posted in aeschylus, Augustine, catholic education, classical education, Literature, Shakespeare, Temptation | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Did You Know That Your Soul Has Twenty Six Powers?

Posted on January 27, 2019 by marklangley

Though I never saw it with my own eyes, it is said that the two words “Know thyself” were inscribed over the entrance to the Temple at Delphi. γνῶθι σεαυτόν That the seven wise men of Greece chose to have … Continue reading →

Posted in Delphi, philosophy, Shakespeare, soul | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

Posted on March 22, 2015 by marklangley

I’m not so certain that I want to be king of Scotland anymore. After reading The Tragedy of Macbeth with my students, I am having a difficult time shaking off a sense that life is meaningless when worldly ambition is the governing principle. … Continue reading →

Posted in beauty, classical education, Literature, Seven Fine Arts, Shakespeare | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Attempt And Not The Deed Confounds Us.

Posted on February 27, 2015 by marklangley

Of all the authors we should compel our students to read, surely no one is so foolhardy as to demand a reason for reading Shakespeare.   I can forgive the one who asks, Why should students read Aeschylus? Or Why do you force them … Continue reading →

Posted in classical education, Literature, Shakespeare | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Shakespeare and Lying (A Useful Example)

Posted on February 22, 2013 by marklangley

I can’t remember which pope said something to the effect that a thorough reading of Shakespeare constituted a complete education in Ethics. I was struck by that today, reading Macbeth Act iv scene 3. Ross enters fresh from Scotland and … Continue reading →

Posted in Shakespeare | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

γνῶθι σαὐτόν Know thyself

Posted on February 16, 2013 by marklangley

I am reading Macbeth with my ninth grade English Literature class and was particularly delighted with this little nugget of wisdom in Act 4 scene 2. Lady MacDuff has just discovered that her husband has fled and Ross is attempting … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature, Shakespeare | Tagged , , | 5 Comments