The Moment of Recognition in “Macbeth” and “Hedda Gabler”

The Moment of Recognition in â€Å"Macbeth† and â€Å"Hedda Gabler† The drive to succeed, to have power, and to be in control are forceful things. So powerful that they can blind people – corrupt ones ambitions and morals, and make them walk straight off the path of success they planned for themselves. As seen in â€Å"Macbeth† by William Shakespeare, and â€Å"Hedda Gabler† by Henrick Ibsen the urge for power, control, and success can overcome ones better judgement. The two plays tell a tragic story about the characters from whom each play gets its name. For both Macbeth and Hedda the impulse of their desires is what in the end leads them to their most unfortunate downfall and moment of recognition. Through these sovereign desires found in both†¦show more content†¦For both Macbeth and Hedda this was the case as they found themselves very deeply perplexed in the situations they created for themselves. And as a result Macbeth and Hed da were so emotionally detached from who they used to be. But, despite this, both Macbeth and Hedda had a moment of recognition – a moment when they realized that what they have done cannot be undone, and they have in fact gone too far. Without question Macbeth had gone too far in his quest for power and nothing could justify his actions. It is not until his wife Lady Macbeth dies that he finally realized the reality of what he has done, and of course that it cannot be undone: She should have died hereafter; There would have been a time for such word. Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow Creeps in this pretty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lightened fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Lifes but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard o more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. (Macbeth, 5.5 17-28). Macbeth can see that his life has become completely empty now, and all the power he so desperately sought means nothing – he has gone too far. Macbeth takes his life as his final chance to have control. This is exactly Heddas final chance for control over her life as she finds her self under the control of her husbands