Macbeth/Hitler: The Great Man in the Age of Totalitarianism.

The article explores the connections between Shakespeare's character Macbeth and the totalitarian leaders of the 20th century, particularly Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin. It discusses Hannah Arendt's characterization of Adolf Eichmann as a "little man" devoid of the grandiosity associated with Shakespearean villains, contrasting this with the historical tendency of authoritarian figures to craft their identities through comparisons to "Great Men." The author references Roland Mushat Frye's analysis, which argues that literature, particularly Shakespeare's works, can provide insights into the nature of tyrannical evil, despite the unique and unprecedented horrors of modern totalitarianism. Frye emphasizes the importance of understanding the moral complexities of such figures through literary lenses, highlighting the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's portrayal of ambition and megalomania. [Extracted from the article]