Power-Washing in the Classics - Macbeth
Today in our satirical series we cover the imagery of power-washing that you may have missed in Macbeth...
Act 2, Scene 2: Power-Washing Ambition
(Scene opens with a dimly lit courtyard at Macbeth's castle. Lady Macbeth anxiously paces back and forth, her mind tormented by the fateful prophecies.)
Lady Macbeth: Yet do I fear thy nature is too full o' th' milk of human kindness, Macbeth. The throne, the crown, it beckons thee so near, But hesitation clouds thy noble mind, I fear.
(Macbeth enters, his face illuminated by the moonlight, his mind burdened with thoughts of ambition.)
Macbeth: My dearest partner in greatness, your words weigh heavy upon my soul. 'Tis true, the crown does tempt me so, Yet, visions of bloodshed haunt my dreams, aglow.
Lady Macbeth: Thou art too full o' th' milk of human kindness, To catch the nearest way to the throne, no less. Art thou not a man, daring and fierce? Thou must seize power with a heart that does not pierce.
(Macbeth ponders her words, his inner turmoil evident.)
Macbeth: I dare do all that may become a man, But my heart trembles at the cost, the plan. What if this deed leads to naught but strife? What if bloodshed stains my hands for life?
Lady Macbeth: Oh, weakling! Let not conscience be thy guide, But ruthless ambition that shall not hide. To power-wash the throne, one must be bold, Unafraid of darkness, and stories untold.
(Macbeth's resolve begins to harden, as he contemplates the consequences of his actions.)
Macbeth: If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly. If the assassination Could trammel up the consequence, and catch With his surcease success; that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all here...
(Lady Macbeth's eyes gleam with cunning, seizing the opportunity.)
Lady Macbeth: Then shalt thou be what thou art promised, my dear, The Thane of Cawdor and King without fear. Power-wash away the doubts that bind, And greatness, like a cloak, shall cover thy mind.
(Macbeth takes a deep breath, his decision made.)
Macbeth: I will perform this dark and bloody deed, To secure the throne, and sate ambition's need. The pressure washer of fate shall cleanse my way, As the waters of power wash the guilt away.
(With newfound determination, Macbeth embraces his ambitious fate, setting in motion a chain of events that will forever alter the course of his life.)
(Scene ends with Lady Macbeth, a wicked smile upon her lips, as she watches her husband march towards the throne, powered by his newfound ambition.)
