Macbeth

Di William Shakespeare

Macbeth è tra i più conosciuti drammi di Shakespeare, nonché la tragedia più breve. Frequentemente rappresentata e riadattata nel corso dei secoli, è divenuta archetipo della brama di potere e dei suoi pericoli.

Per la trama Shakespeare si ispirò liberamente al resoconto storico del re Macbeth di Scozia di Raphael Holinshed e a quello del filosofo scozzese Hector Boece. Molto popolare è anche la versione operistica di questa tragedia, musicata da Verdi su libretto di Francesco Maria Piave.

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• Lingua: Italiano
• Editore: E-text
• Data di uscita: 1 lug 2014
• ISBN: 9788897313649

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright the world has seen. He produced an astonishing amount of work; 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and 5 poems. He died on 23rd April 1616, aged 52, and was buried in the Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.

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TITOLO: Macbeth

AUTORE: Shakspeare, William

TRADUTTORE: Raponi, Goffredo

CURATORE: Raponi, Goffredo

NOTE: si ringrazia il Prof. Goffredo Raponi per averci concesso il diritto di pubblicazione. Questo testo è stato realizzato in collaborazione con l'associazione Festina Lente C.I.R.S.A..

CODICE ISBN E-BOOK: 9788897313649

DIRITTI D'AUTORE: si

LICENZA: questo testo è distribuito con la licenza specificata al seguente indirizzo Internet: http://www.liberliber.it/online/opere/libri/licenze/.

TRATTO DA: traduzione originale da William Shakespeare, The Complete Works, a cura del prof. Peter Alexander, Collins, London & Glasgow, 1960, pagg. XXXII - 1376

CODICE ISBN FONTE: informazione non disponibile

1a EDIZIONE ELETTRONICA DEL: 7 marzo 1998

2a EDIZIONE ELETTRONICA DEL: 22 luglio 2014

INDICE DI AFFIDABILITA': 3

0: affidabilità bassa

1: affidabilità media

2: affidabilità buona

3: affidabilità ottima

DIGITALIZZAZIONE:

Goffredo Raponi, Filippo Raponi

Festina Lente C.I.R.S.A.

REVISIONE:

Claudio Paganelli, [e-mail]

Giulio Mazzolini (ePub)

Ugo Santamaria

IMPAGINAZIONE:

Goffredo Raponi, Festina Lente C.I.R.S.A.

Massimo Rosa (ePub), [e-mail]

PUBBLICAZIONE:

Marco Calvo

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MACBETH

Tragedia in cinque atti

di

William Shakespeare

Traduzione e note

di

Goffredo Raponi

NOTE PRELIMINARI

Il testo inglese adottato per la traduzione è quello curato dal prof. Peter Alexander (William Shakespeare – The Complete Works, Collins, London & Glasgow, 1951/60, pagg. XXXII1370), con qualche variante suggerita da altri testi, in particolare quello dell'edizione dell'"Oxford Shakespeare" curata da G. Welles & G. Taylor per la Oxford University Press, New York, 1988/94.

Alcune didascalie ed indicazioni sceniche (stage instructions) sono state aggiunte dal traduttore per la migliore comprensione scenica alla lettura, cui questa traduzione è essenzialmente intesa ed ordinata. Si è lasciato comunque invariato, rispettivamente all'inizio ed alla fine di ciascuna scena – o all'entrata ed all'uscita dei personaggi nel corso della stessa scena – la rituale indicazione Exit / Exeunt, avvertendo peraltro che non sempre essa indica movimenti di entrata ed uscita, potendosi dare che i personaggi cui essa si riferisce o si trovino già in scena all'inizio di essa, o vi restino al termine.

Il metro è l'endecasillabo sciolto, alternato da settenari.

I nomi dei personaggi che si prestano alla italianizzazione (Duncano, Fleante) sono resi nella forma italiana.

Dalla citata edizione dell'Alexander è anche riprodotta la divisione in atti e scene (che, com'è noto, non si trova nell'in-folio, ma è stata elaborata, con l'elenco dei personaggi, da diversi curatori nel tempo, con varianti talvolta cospicue).

Per esigenze di metrica, i nomi propri inglesi di più sillabe, alla pronuncia inglese sdruccioli, bisdruccioli e perfino trisdruccioli (come tutte le parole di questa lingua monosillabica) sono accentati diversamente, secondo la cadenza nel verso (Màcbeth e Macbèth; Màcduff e Macdùff; Dùnsinane e Dunsinàne)

PERSONAGGI

DUNCANO – re di Scozia

MALCOLM, DONALBANO – suoi figli

MACBETH, BANQUO – generali dell'esercito del re

MACDUFF, LENNOX, ROSS, MENTEITH, ANGUS, CATHNESS – nobili di Scozia

FLEANTE – figlio di Banquo

SIWARD – conte di Northumberland, generale dell'esercito inglese

SEYTON – ufficiale al servizio di Macbeth

Un ragazzo, figlio di Macduff

Un sergente

Un portiere

Un vecchio

Un medico inglese

Un medico scozzese

LADY MACBETH

LADY MACDUFF

Una dama al servizio di Lady Macbeth

Le Fatidiche sorelle

Lo spettro di Banquo e altre apparizioni

Lords, gentiluomini, ufficiali, soldati, sicari, persone del seguito e messi

LA SCENA: In Scozia ed in Inghilterra

ATTO PRIMO

SCENA I

Luogo aperto. Tuoni e lampi.

Entrano tre STREGHE.

1a STREGA —

Quando noi tre ci rivedremo ancora?

Con tuono, lampo o pioggia? Quando, allora?

2a STREGA —

Quando sarà finito il parapiglia,

e sarà vinta o persa la battaglia.

3a STREGA —

Sarà al calar del sole, questa sera.

1a STREGA —

E il luogo?

2a STREGA —

Alla brughiera.

3a STREGA —

Laggiù dobbiamo andare

Macbeth ad incontrare.

1a STREGA —

Vengo, Gattaccio.nota 1

2a STREGA —

Ci chiama Ranocchio.nota 2

3a STREGA —

Veniamo subito, in un batter d'occhio!

TUTTE E TRE —

Per noi il bello è brutto, il brutto è bello fra la nebbia planiamo e l'aer fello.

(Svaniscono nell'aria)

SCENA II

Campo presso Forres. Segnale d'allarme all'interno.nota 3

Entrano RE DUNCANO, MALCOLM, DONALBANO, LENNOX, gente del seguito del re.

S'incontrano con un soldato tutto sanguinante per le ferite.

DUNCANO —

Chi è quest'uomo così insanguinato?

A giudicar da come si presenta,

ci può informar sugli ultimi sviluppi

della rivolta.

MALCOLM —

Questo è l'ufficiale

che da bravo soldato s'è battuto

per evitare che mi catturassero.

Salve, mio prode amico!

Di' al re quello che sai della battaglia,

come tu l'hai lasciata.

UFFICIALE —

Incerte erano ancora le sue sorti,

come due nuotatori che, sfiniti,

cercano d'avvinghiarsi l'uno all'altro,

affogando la loro abilità.

Lo spietato Macdonwald

(che sembra fatto per esser ribelle

perché son tante le scelleratezze

che natura gli fa sciamare addosso)

aveva ricevuto dei rinforzi

di kerni e galloglassinota 4 provenienti

dall'isole a occidente,nota 5

e talmente arrideva la Fortuna

alla dannata sua contestazione,

che sembrava la ganza d'un ribelle.

Ma non gli è valso nulla; ché Macbeth,

il prode – e di tal titolo è ben degno –

a spregio della sorte, spada in pugno,

di cruenti massacri ancor fumante,

quasi fosse il pupillo della Gloria,

s'apre un varco nel mezzo della mischia

fino a trovarsi quel ribaldo a fronte;

né gli porse saluto né congedo

finché non l'ebbe tutto dilaccato

dall'ombelico in giù fino alle chiappe,

infiggendone poi la testa mozza

sui nostri spalti, alla vista di tutti.

DUNCANO —

Prode cugino!nota 6 Degno cavaliere!

UFFICIALE —

Senonché, come avviene che dal punto

dove il sole s'irradia sulla terra

si scatenano i grossi fortunali

che squassano le navi,

e balenano i fulmini tremendi,

così accadde che proprio dalla fonte

donde sembrava venirci sollievo,

traboccò lo sconforto. Ascolta, ascolta,

o re di Scozia: non sì tosto il braccio

della giustizia, armato di valore,

avea costretto i saltellanti kerniNota 7

ad affidarsi alle loro calcagna,

che il signor di Norvegia,

valutando il momento favorevole,

decide di sferrare un nuovo assalto

con truppe fresche ed armi ben forbite.

DUNCANO —

E questo non ha forse scoraggiato

Banquo e Macbeth, i nostri generali?

UFFICIALE —

Sì, come un passero scoraggia un'aquila

e una lepre un leone.

A voler dire quello che sembravano,

eran due colubrine a doppia carica,

tanti erano i lor colpi, sempre doppi

e raddoppiati menati al nemico.

Salvo che non avessero intenzione

di farsi il bagno in fumanti ferite

e far rivivere un nuovo Golgota,nota 8

non saprei proprio dire… Ma io svengo,

le mie ferite gridano al soccorso.

DUNCANO —

Queste parole bene ti si addicono,

come le tue ferite: l'une e l'altre

traspirano valore…

(A quelli del seguito)

Andate, voi,

a procurargli subito un dottore.

(Esce l'ufficiale, sorretto da soldati)

Chi viene?

Entrano ROSS e ANGUS

MALCOLM —

Il nobile Thanenota 9 di Ross.

LENNOX

Recensioni su Macbeth

[sdtaylor555 · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

I'm not a big Shakespeare fan, so I won't rate any of his works very high

[jfoster_sf · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

Classic tragedy.

[jonfaith · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on the other.

Last winter I heard a report on NPR about Stalin's dacha in Sochi. Such featured some curious design features including a bulletproof sofa with extended headrests that prevented his head being exposed from behind to an assassin. The curtains were also shorter in length from the top to prevent someone from hiding from behind them. As I drove I mused as to what sort of world-view would emerge from someone's sense of self and safety?

The Bard's tale chooses not to address the policy of Macbeth but rather allows him only time to address his version of destiny in such a spirited supernatural environment. Macbeth is a rushed affair. It lacks the splendid pacing of Hamlet. Apparently Fortune favors the breathless as the narrative steps are sprinted and obstacles leaped like some wonky Wuxia. Despite all the gore, there isn't a great deal of introspection or even calculation. Such is strange but not so much as some things one finds on the Heath.(postscript: I just watched the Patrick Stewart led PBS film version: it was simply an avalanche.)

[decemberbird · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

The Scottish general Macbeth happens to meet three witches, who predict that he will become king. So Macbeth and his wife decides to murder Duncan, the Scottish king. Lady Macbeth smears blood on the swords of the sleeping guards, so they will be accused of the murder. When the king's body is discovered by a nobleman named Macduff, Macbeth kills the guards saying that they are guilty of the crime because of the blood on their swords. Macbeth becomes king and more murders occur, but the guilt of the murder tortures Lady Macbeth and she decides to commit suicide. In the end, Macduff kills Macbeth to avenge Duncan, and he becomes king.I think Macbeth has more than one theme. Greed, guilt, ambition and revenge. It showed me how far humans will go for money and reputation. Macbeth killed king Duncan for power, Lady Macbeth committed suicide because of guilt, Macduff killed Macbeth because of revenge. These feelings drive humans mad and make us do the unthinkable, like murder. I realized that most of the sinful things in this world is fueled by the lust for power, money and love.This story is very deep and filled with complicated emotions, which almost makes it difficult to understand. There are many wise thoughts that will keep you thinking and you will realize obvious things that you have never thought about before. I think Shakespeare has written many intelligent plays and this is definitely one of the best. I really recommend this book.

[tygers_eye · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

A shakespeare play full of tragedy, love, and a crazy hunger for power. An amazing play by William Shakespeare.

[aethercowboy · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

The Scottish play is well known for those who know a thing or two about Shakespeare. This play tells the tale betrayal, guilt, hubris, and witchcraft, threading together plots and wordplay only as Shakespeare could do.Recommended for any fan of Shakespeare, or by any fan of British fantasy.

[0912katie · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

I had never thought of reading “Macbeth”, but since I read, Romeo and Juliet at school and at home, I started to like how the structures of Shakespeare poems or plays were set up. What got my attention is the cover of the book because it has a king and a queen, so I thought it had to do with the rich and high-class society. After reading the beginning of the story, I thought Macbeth was a good and loyal man to King Duncan. All of the “Great men” turned out to be fake because all he wanted was to be king, but there was already a king. Three witches had told him that he was going to be king but he had to kill the king. His ambition led him to killing the king and any witness. His wife thought that killing the king was the quickest way to achieve the destiny the witches promised. Macbeth is duly proclaimed the new king of Scotland, but recalling the witches’ prophecy, he arranges the murder of his fellow soldiers Banquo and his son Fleance, both of whom represent a threat to his kingship. Fleance escapes but his dad dies. The next day, according to the witches’ prophecy Macbeth should be aware of an enemy called ‘not born of woman”. Macduff allegiances to young Malcolm and Macduff surrounds and kill Macbeth and Malcolm is crowned the King of Scotland. Not a very good ending for the protagonist but he got what he deserved because his ambition to be powerful lead him to the tomb. Finally, I think this is a great book and I recommended to anybody that likes ambition, mystery, witches, and magic. I love this book and I would like to read more Shakespeare books later on.

[06nwingert · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

'Double, double, toil and trouble. Fire burn and cauldron bubble. By the pricking of the thumbs, something wicked this ways comes.'That just about sums up Macbeth, the epitome of self-fulfilling prophecies and ambition. Macbeth, driven by the witches' prophecy, murders all who stand in his way of power.

[ncgraham_1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Macbeth is Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy and, many would say, his darkest. I’ve also called it my favorite for several years, although I never read it until now, my familiarity with it being limited to the video with Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. So I am very sorry that my experience reading it was not more enjoyable.For sometimes that is what determines our enjoyment of a book or play: the experience, rather than the work itself. Something just doesn’t click, or we come to the material with the wrong material, and from then on everything is ruined. That was how it was for me and Macbeth. I still enjoyed it—but not the way I enjoyed Much Ado About Nothing, or even The Merchant of Venice. Maybe the comedies are simply easier for me to comprehend. I read this play alongside my brother, who had been assigned it in school, and when I tried to explain some of the themes to him I found I was having difficulty with it, even though I had previously thought them fairly simple and straightforward (for Shakespeare, that is).I think in the end what draws me to this play is that it shows us a world where evil is very real, and yet it does not allow for it to completely triumph over goodness. From the witches’ devilish incantations to the guilt Lady Macbeth shows in her famous sleepwalking scene, this is a study of evil, sin, and suffering in all their various forms: vain ambition, jealousy, negligence (one could argue that Macduff is guilty of this—I like that Shakespeare’s good guys are complex even in plays like this), death, revenge. And yet in the end, the Macbeths get their just deserts, and all is righted. (Of course, there are some scholars who maintain that this is not the case, because Duncan was a usurper and Macbeth historically was really in line for the throne. Whatever. They’re old curmudgeons and just want to take away my happy ending.)Along with the play in book form, I do still recommend the video with McKellen and Dench. As it is based on a stage production, it follows the text very closely, and both stars perform superbly. I’ve seen sections of the old Orson Welles film as well, and while it is splendid visually, it is more of an interpretation of Shakespeare’s work than a performance. I assume that many of the other film versions suffer from similar changes.

[bell7_1 · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

*some spoilers*Three witches meet Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, and greet him with tidings that he will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Macbeth can't stop thinking about it, and when the first prophecy comes true, he starts pondering regicide with his wife alongside goading him into action.This is the first of Shakespeare's plays that I ever read, and as such it holds a special place in my memory. In high school, it was the one play I was assigned to read, and I just remember the thrill of surprise as the prophecies that Macbeth put his trust in came back to bite him. The excitement didn't disappoint on rereading, even though I knew what was going to happen. I love the theme of fate vs. free will - could Macbeth have avoided his fate? Would he have become king if he did nothing, much like Banquo's prophecy is likewise fulfilled? The arc of the characters as guilt gnaws them fascinates me as well. One of my absolute favorites of Shakespeare's plays. 5 stars.

[mjmbecky · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

Although I'm an English teacher, I have to admit that Macbeth is not one of my personal favorites. Does that mean that the play isn't brilliant? Absolutely not. Shakespeare, once again, exhibits the full range of characteristics and emotions that a human can display. Great play about the way a seemingly good man, can descend into the madness of becoming greedy and a murderer.

[jeroenberndsen · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

Fantastic editions this is, the play on the right page, and explanations and supprt material on the left. You don't have to read it, but if you come across words you don't understand, It's pretty convenient!The story itself, well that off course has lost nothing of it's magic....

[idiotgirl · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

Audiobook. Strangely compelling. Narrated by Alan Cummings. A good part of the charm was the great Scottish reading. I have now downloaded his one man show of Macbeth. This is a very interesting project. Would probably be a .5 because of how interesting the project.

[clara53_1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Re-reading "Macbeth" to refresh my memory before going to see it on stage. Not even trying to assume I can write a review on this classic. But one thing jumped out at me this time: how it took almost no time at all for Macbeth to decide on his murderous deeds after the prophecy of the three witches. It seemed incredible to me how little he hesitated to fulfil that prophecy at the horrible cost. Even though he did have some guilty conscience that tormented him just before and after the king's murder, being urged by Lady Macbeth was all it took...The images are dark throughout, the choice of words is insanely striking. A very good Introduction to the play by Mark Van Doren.

[engpunk77 · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

Actually enjoyed this one, and I typically loathe reading Shakespeare. This and Hamlet are the only ones worth reading, in my opinion.

[martinbodek · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

I cannot believe this is the first full work of Shakespeare's that I've ever read. What have I been doing all my life? The frequent, clever turns of phrase were marvelous. I lucked out with a good book edition choice. This series gives Rashi-like commentary, enabling me to understand the narrative and word choices with clarity. Julius Caesar is next. Meantime, I've got to find a Macbeth performance in my area. Interest piqued.

[trilliams · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Seems like a lot of build up to just suddenly end like that. Damn those witches and their doubletalk. Pro tip: mention this play as often at theatres as possible.

[nmg1-1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

studied this play during 2nd level education. Certain lines still stick with me to this day. Amazing to think of its sheer impact, centuries into the future (and still going strong!).

[aliceanna-1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Truly among the best of the Bard's dramas. Full of great dramatic images -- the supernatural, passion for power and scenes of great intensity. It's easier to follow than King Lear because it moves forward in a straight line with no sub-plots. The ending, with images juxtaposed through the various almost overlapping scenes adds to the dramatic tension.

[danielalgara · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

We have much to learn from Maestro's use of language. In Macbeth, it is surprisingly accessible and fast-paced.

I marvel at his choice at what occurs offstage, like the murder of Duncan. Yet the murder of Macduff's family, including children, happens for all to see. It is postulated that the Duncan scene was cut by someone else. But it actually does something interesting. It increases Macbeth's increasingly murderous character, intensifies his evil as a progression in his paranoia.

I have many more thoughts , of course, but I must stew. Perhaps I'll return to solidify my thoughts on this masterly work of art.

[locriian · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

The ending is the best. That and what always stuck with me was the image of the floating dagger.

[mbmackay · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Re-read this classic in the Signature Shakespeare edition - beautiful presentation, and useful notes and explanations. Interesting to contrast the awful reputation of the Shakespearian Macbeth with the vastly different person that historians now document. I read a book on the real Macbeth a few years ago which claimed that he was the most unfairly maligned figure in history. But you read the play for Shakespeare, not historic accuracy, and this play is a ripper. Read March 2015

[m.belljackson · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

MACBETH ranks with A Midsummer Night's Dream as my favorite Shakespeare.It deals with how we all face Evil, the consequences within and without.The opening lines, here and in Roman Polanski's indelible film, often stay with readers foreveras do so many other memorable words, fears, and actions.The only reason for not ranking it a Five Star-Plus book is MacDuff.Like his wife, I still can figure out no logical reason for leaving his wife and children behindwhile he flees to England. And why did he not tell his cousin to hide or bring them when the cousin stopped to see them?Ideas welcome.

[rosamie.bautista · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

Opening with the prophecies of the three witches always caught my imagination. I love how the story relates to that throughout the play, and also how Macbeth is intrigued that he may indeed become king. It adds a great, dramatic effect. Beginning to end this is a brilliantly written play.

[barb_h_1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Audiobook. It was done like a play and very enjoyable =)

[judithrs · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

Macbeth; Complete Study Edition. William Shakespeare, edited by Sidney Lamb. As soon as I found out the Shakespeare Festival was putting on Macbeth, I knew I wanted to see it, but I held back when I found out this production was to be set in a post-apocalyptic society. I have always wanted Shakespeare the way I think “it’s ‘sposed to be.” But the more I thought about it, the more intrigued I was. So when I decided to see it, I decided to re-read it, and I am glad I did. This is good edition for people like me who haven’t read Shakespeare. There are plenty of explanatory notes that explain the history surrounding the play and the unfamiliar vocabulary.

[regularguy5mb · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

Dark and supernatural, Macbeth is one of my favorite of Shakespeare's tragedies. One of the biggest questions I always ask is, "Would the weird sisters' prophecies come to pass even if Macbeth hadn't gone all murder crazy?"Macbeth is a great cautionary tale of the dangers of ambition, especially when it comes to power. Shakespeare explores what lengths men will go to for power, especially when they believe it is owed them.Adding this copy to my Little Free Library in hopes that someone in the neighborhood can learn something from it, especially as certain phrases remind me of the current political climate and I know the way my neighbors tend to vote.

[bookomaniac-1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

1606, Shakespeares meest intense tragedie, confrontatie met de kracht van het kwaad.Ook zijn kortste stuk, sterk geconcentreerd. Doordrenkt met demonische energie (via woorden als duisternis en bloed).“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player/ that struts and frets his hour upon the stage/ and then is heard no more: it is a tale / told by an idiot, full of sound and fury / Signifying nothing”.Spijtig van het zeer flauwe einde.

[atothel · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

Classic. My favorite SS play.

[meandmybooks-1 · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

This is one of my favorites! Macbeth's corruption, Lady Macbeth's savage ambition, the deliciously spooky menace of the witches... It's just such fun! And perfect late October reading (I could pretend that I fell behind in my “All Shakespeare in a Year” reading just so Macbeth would fall at the right time of year.)I've read this quite a few times before – my kids acted in an adapted version when they were small, in which “the Curse” was demonstrated when our Macbeth tripped and split his forehead on the edge of the cauldron, and my daughter was the cutest little witch ever – and, as with most great literature, the play just gets better with each reading. This time I supplemented my reading with Garry Wills's “Witches and Jesuits,” which, while perhaps a bit overstated in its claims, is interesting and pointed me to some aspects I'd previously missed, and also Marjorie Garber's wonderful chapter on the play in her “Shakespeare After All.” The Arkangel recording, with Hugh Ross and Harriet Walter (and David Tennant as the porter!) is marvelous, and, as a fun “extra” I watched the Shakespeare Retold version, in which Macbeth is a very ambitious head chef in a popular restaurant. Highly recommended.