Critical Lens Essay - Macbeth, Animal Farm

William Faulkner once said, “The best literature is about the universal truth such as love, honor, pride, compassion, and sacrifice.” I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Love, honor, pride, compassion, and sacrifice are the key elements for great literature both new and old. These elements keep the story intriguing and helps keep the reader thriving for more. For several reasons “The best literature is about the universal truth such as love, honor, pride, compassion, and sacrifice” is revealed through Macbeth by William Shakespeare and Animal Farm by George Orwell through the use of several literary devices.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare reveals the quote through conflict and irony. Three witches prophesied to Macbeth that he will be king. His first conflict is that he must make a sacrifice. To kill a friend, King Duncan, in order to take the throne. The witches also prophesied that Banquo’s sons will be king, thus begins Macbeth’s second conflict. He must have his best friend Banquo’s son killed in order to protect his throne. These conflicts reveal the quote because killing both King Duncan and Banquo’s son is a huge sacrifice. Irony also proves the quote. Before Macbeth even kills Duncan he is given the title Thane of Cawdor, which the one before him was a traitor. This is ironic because later Mabeth becomes a traitor and kills Duncan. The irony in this story reveals the quote because by given the name “Thane of Cawdor” foreshadows that Macbeth will lose his pride and honor.

Animal Farm by George Orwell shows the quote through theme and characterization. Animal Farm that was once owned by humans was taken over by animals. Two animals stepped up to become leader,