The Scottish Play

In our final episode for 2025, and a double episode into the bargain, we discuss the work of probably the most highly acknowledged poet in the Western tradition – William Shakespeare. Shakespeare wrote 37 plays, predominantly in iambic pentameter, as well many sonnets and other verse. His effect on literature, and culture in general is huge.

We have elected to focus on his verse in one play, Macbeth, often regarded as ‘unlucky’ by performers but a source of great poetic riches, both concise in language and expansive in themes. We hope you will enjoy this episode, which is much longer than most of our pods but seems a necessary indulgence when dealing with ‘the bard.’

Verse discussed in this episode:

Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 1

Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 3 (“Two truths are told” – “But what is not”. )

Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 5 (“The raven himself is hoarse” – to cry “Hold, Hold!”)

Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 7 (“If it were done” – “And falls on th’ other –“)

Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 7 (“What beast was then” – ‘Have done to this”)

Macbeth | Act 5, Scene 1 (“Out, damned spot” – “To bed, to bed, to bed!”.)

Macbeth | Act 5, Scene 3 (“I have lived long enough” – “and dare not.”)

Macbeth | Act 5, Scene 5 (“She should have died” – “Signifying nothing”.)

William Shakespeare – Macbeth Act 5 Scene 8 (Final Scene) | Genius – (‘I will not yield” – “Hold enough”.)

Announcements:

We wish everyone season’s greeting and will see you again in March 2026. The Louis Joel Summer Program is packed with great activities and can be accessed via this link - Louis Joel Arts & Community

Credits:

Hosts: Peter Roberts, Colleen Murphy & Lesley Lamb

Original music composed by Andrew Gilpin and Sam Price.

Editor: Colleen Murphy