Shakespeare Electronic Conference, Vol. 4, No. 137.  Friday, 5 March 1993.
 
(1)     From:   Kay Stockholder <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
        Date:   Friday, 5 Mar 93 07:33:30 PST
        Subj:   SHK 4.0126  Q: "a naked new-born babe"
 
(2)     From:   Timothy Pinnow <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
        Date:   Friday, 5 Mar 93 11:42:52 CST
        Subj:   [Re: "a naked new-born babe"
 
 
(1)----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From:           Kay Stockholder <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Friday, 5 Mar 93 07:33:30 PST
Subject: Q: "a naked new-born babe"
Comment:        SHK 4.0126  Q: "a naked new-born babe"
 
I think about that image as related to the many images of children and of the
childlike and tender that Macbeth destroys in the process and aftermath of
killing Duncan. Just as he knows the deep consequences of his act before he
performs it, he also forsees that the pity he surpresses in perfomring it will
return to avenge it. He renders tender and familial his enemy, as he also
forsees when he muses on the "even handed justice".
 
(2)----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From:           Timothy Pinnow <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Friday, 5 Mar 93 11:42:52 CST
Subject:        [Re: "a naked new-born babe"]
 
As I read the previous discussions about that extended simile of the "new
born babe" in the Scottish play, I find myself wondering just how simple
you can make that comparison and still not lose its flavor.  So, from my
sinplistic (note purposeful misspelling) actor's point-of-view (which I
admit lacks any great depth)--I believe I would play the line as meaning:
"If I allow myself to feel pity, I will be as defenseless as a naked babe
and stand there teary-eyed (irresolute)  as if there were a strong wind
blowing in my eyes."  Yup, that's definitely simple--but playable, I think.
 
 
                                                  Timothy Dayne Pinnow
                                                  Ass't. Prof. of Theatre
                                                  St. Olaf College
                                                  1520 St. Olaf Ave
                                                  Northfield MN  55057
                                                  ph. 507/646-3327
                                                  Internet: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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