Analyses

Scene One Analysis

This scene most directly mirrors the original literature, both in length and format. The witches, or secretaries in this interpretation, speak in rhymes, following a similar, if shortened, scheme. The secretaries met and discussed plans for gathering later in the hopes of meeting Ron Macburgundy, a most obvious parallel to the plans made by the witches.

Scene Two Analysis

The second scene features the first appearance of the Scottish king, Duncan – represented by lead anchor on the top news station in the country, Duncan Doenaught. In both versions of the tale, Duncan is informed of Mac(beth/burgundy)’s achievements and promptly rewards him for said achievements. Macburgundy’s promotion to the six o’clock spot symbolized Macbeth’s new thaneship. The captain’s speech in the original text served to inform Duncan of the recent accomplishments of Macbeth, and thus he is shown as a messenger in the new edition, as that is the only purpose he served in the original.

Scene Three Analysis

Scene three sees possibly the most use of devices in the first parodied act. The story of the third secretary portrays a few aspects of Shakespeare, both poking fun at his dialect and substitution of letters for apostrophes, a device frequently employed by the writer. When Ron Macburgundy enters the scene, he stumbles, falls, and blames it on someone other than himself, creating a ruckus similar to the beating of the drum when Macbeth first entered the scene.

Scene Four Analysis

Scene Four utilizes several literary devices. Duncan's speech is peppered with consonance and a rhyming sentence that gives it a rhythmic quality. Duncan also foreshadows tragedy by naming his heir apparent. Macburgundy is deeply perturbed and uses the excuse that The Electric Company, an allusion to the 70's tv series, is on. Ron proves his dire tone by using an interesting rhyme pattern in the last lines. He also uses the analogy of being a snake slithering in high grass, unbeknowst to anyone.

Scene Five Analysis

In Scene 5, Lady Veronica receives a fax from Ron MacBurgundy about his desire to achieve Duncan’s status within the world of news casting. She convinces him to go through with his ideas. All four of the rhetorical devices we’ve found were used in this scene as, without them, the scene felt barren. There are multiple references to alcohol, i.e. “double D (designated driver)” to foreshadow the events of the party found in the next two scenes, as well as to fit the mood and humor.

Scene Six Analysis

Duncan and Branquo's speech is very 70's themed dialect almost. They use a phrases like "dig" and "foxy". There's a simile where a member of the team compares the carpeted elevator to a "Bee Gee's" falsetto.

Scene Seven Analysis  Scene seven primarily deals with Ron MacBurgundy’s indecision with his plot to overthrow Duncan Doenaught and take his position. Lady Veronica, being his accomplice in the crime, is able to aid Ron in believing that he can accomplish this. A few rhetorical devices kept from the original scene were the vast amount of rhetorical questions Lady Macbeth (Veronica) mocks Macbeth (Ron) with. The rhyming couplet at the end of the scene/act was also kept very similar to the original while modernizing it. Lady Macbeth’s reference to killing a baby was changed instead to destroying a loved, precious, and extremely expensive video camera, fitting excellently in the news station setting.