Comparing the SparkNotes version of Macbeth with the Oxford University Press version, one can see that it is less sophisticated and meaningful. It is also a much less entertaining and worthwhile read than the original version. The SparkNotes version seems like it is meant for a less educated reader, perhaps a student of a foreign language, or someone who does not want to spend the time reading into the subplots and subtleties of Shakespearean writing, but merely wants to understand the basics of the text. The Sparknotes version is still, however, a useful and lasting text because it provides a basic understanding to those who are not looking for an in-depth study.
On the whole, language in the Sparknotes version of Macbeth, remains unchanged from that of the Oxford version, although there are a few exceptions. The most notable of these is the frequent contraction of a -ed ending to -'d (eg. fixed to fix'd). While none of these changes majorly affect reliability or relevancy, they do affect the general feel of the play.
Both versions of the text contain a page at the beginning listing the characters that appear in the play. However, where the descriptions of the characters in the Oxford version are detailed, the page in the Sparknotes version is much more simpler. For example, Macbeth is a “General in the King’s Army”, whereas in the Oxford text he is “Thane of Glamis, then of Cawdor, later King”. The men who are “thanes (Scottish lords)” in the Oxford text are simply “Noblemen of Scotland”. Seyton is “an Officer attending on Macbeth”, but in the Oxford text he is “Macbeth’s armourer”. In general, the Oxford text is simpler to allow for vocabulary that is more easily understood to the general public. However, this means that some important details are lost.
The SparkNotes version of Macbeth is inferior to the
The Stage Directions are separated into two distinct sections in the SparkNotes version, setting, and action, clearly shown in the first stage direction, where there is the Setting stage direction of "An open Place. Thunder and Lightning." in bold grey letters, followed by the Action stage direction of Enter three Witches, in the classic square bracket. Again in the second scene it follows this model and starts with a Setting stage direction in grey bold letters, followed by a smaller action stage direction. As well, the soldier does not have an exiting stage direction in the oxford university press version, whereas in the SparkNotes version, he exits where Ross and Angus enter in the OUP version, and Ross alone enters a few lines later in the SparkNotes Version. The other anomaly is that the witches vanish at the end of scene I instead of Exitting. The Stage Direction [Witches vanish.] is given in the SparkNotes version in place of Exeunt
All of these things contribute to the general lack of excellence in this version, however, it remains a useful version because the although parts are compromised, the general impact of the text is enhanced for the glancing reader, and though it is a downgrade for the intense reader it makes it a useful tool for those who are looking to understand the fundamental concepts of Macbeth.
5 comments:
I really thought that your observations on the listing of characters and their description was dead on - the vocabulary certainly is meant to make it more accessible.
Lady Mac
I agree with the majority of your observations. The punctuation differs greatly in the Sparknotes version of the text. Colons and m-dashes are added, and in my opinion, it makes it more confusing to read than easier. This version is definitely inferior to the Oxford University Press version. The lack of notes to explain the language and references Shakespeare uses makes it hard for a reader to understand what some lines mean.
One thing that I do not agree with is that the Sparknotes version of Macbeth is simplified to facilitate a less educated reader or someone who is not fluent in English. As you have noted, this version does not include any notes to explain the references and language used which would make it that much more confusing for a reader who does not understand English perfectly. Also, changing certain words such as changing "-ed" to simply "-'d" would do the opposite of aiding a reader who was looking for a simplified text to only get the gist of Macbeth.
Audriana
I completely agree with the fact that the SparkNotes version of the text is unreliable in terms of understanding Macbeth the way that Shakespeare wanted it presented. If a play was to be performed using the SparkNotes version, it would clearly be very different from what Shakespeare had envisioned especially with changes such as "[Witches Vanish.]" (Sparknotes) instead of "Exeunt" (Shakespeare). The witches vanishing would create a very different effect and potentially alter the reader's understanding of whether the witches are mortal beings or not. Like Audriana said though, I disagree with the statement that Macbeth is simplified for less educated readers or people who are not fluent in English. I believe that SparkNotes as a website is generally set up to help those who do not want to go to the trouble of reading through a book thorougly and making their own notes. This can be evidenced by the number of different notes on the site (character descriptions, plot summaries, theme analysis, etc.) Because of this I believe that the SparkNotes version of Macbeth is simplified so that visitors to the site can understand the general idea more easily instead of taking the time to understand precisely what certain lines mean. I believe that it is important for one to truly understand Shakespeare's version and because of this I agree that the SparkNotes version should not be considered reliable, as it appears to be created mainly for lazy readers. Other than that, excellent job and I think you summarized the differences between the SparkNotes version of Macbeth and the Oxford World Classics version very well.
Alex Radu
vic
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