From The Plays of William Shakespeare

Collecting together commentary and critique on the Scottish play, this chapter presents varied discussions of the text and the theatrical productions. It discusses the works from the play of William Shakespeare by Johnson Samuel. The play is deservedly celebrated for the propriety of its fictions, and solemnity, grandeur, and variety of its action; but it has no nice discriminations of character, the events are too great to admit the influence of particular dispositions, and the course of the action necessarily determines the conduct of the agents. The danger of ambition is well described; and it know not whether it may not be said in defense of some parts which now seem improbable that in Shakespeare's time it was necessary to warn credulity against vain and illusive predictions. The passions are directed to their true end. Lady Macbeth is merely detested; and though the courage of Macbeth preserves some esteem yet every reader rejoices at his fall.