Differences and Similarities between the Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth

Have you ever watched The Little Shop of Horrors or read Macbeth? The Little Shop of Horrors is an entertaining film from the 1960s about a deficient florist that invents a people-eating plant. Macbeth is a tragedy about a general that becomes consumed with the idea of holding power in the Kingdom of Scotland. The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth are different regarding the time periods that each story is set in and the quality of each script, but are similar by using death in an attempt to be successful.

The first difference between The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth is the time periods that each story takes place in. The Little Shop of Horrors transpires in the 1960s. During that time, fashion and conversation were more modernized than that displayed in Macbeth. Individuals dressed in clothing similar to what is worn presently. Men, especially Mr. Mushnick and Seymour, wear nice shirts and slacks while women such as Audrey wear dresses, nice tops, and skirts. The characters converse using the same vocabulary that individuals use today. Macbeth, on the other hand, is set in the Renaissance and Elizabethan Eras. During that time in history, fashion and vocabulary were very formalized. Males like Macbeth, Banquo and his son, and Duncan and his sons dress in nice shirts, blazer coats, and knee-length trousers. Females such as Lady Macbeth and Lady Macduff wear gowns with fitted bodices and fuller skirts. Their choice of vocabulary is intricate and resembles Old English. Words like “whence,” “hath,” and “thou” are used frequently.

The second difference between The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth is the quality of each script. The Little Shop of Horrors is a poorly written and performed film. The screenwriters were drunk and wrote the movie in one day and then had it completely filmed in two days. The screenplay includes a human flesh-eating plant, Audrey Junior, which often shouts “Feeeeed meeeee.” As a result, Seymour, an employee at Mr. Mushnick’s flower shop, murders three individuals to feed to the plant. During the Sixties, though, B movies were very popular. Therefore, it is no surprise that the script and acting is worse than what one would see on television today. Compared to The Little Shop of Horrors, Macbeth is a very well written play. In fact, it was written by William Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers in the English language. During Shakespeare’s time, comedies, tragedies, and histories were common plays to be performed. Accordingly, the playwright wrote the classic tragedy, Macbeth. The play’s plot is structured and thorough. It begins with Macbeth receiving a prophecy from the three witches stating that he will reign as the King of Scotland one day. Next, he realizes that their prediction may indeed be correct. Then, several other individuals become involved and people who threaten Macbeth’s position in the kingdom are murdered. In the end, Macbeth notices that he misinterpreted the prophecy and is murdered by Macduff.

Despite the differences between The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth, there is a similarity within each script – the characters use death in an attempt to be victorious. In The Little Shop of Horrors, Mr. Mushnick’s flower shop’s success depends on Seymour’s new plant, Audrey Junior, which he names after his crush and Mr. Mushinick’s daughter, Audrey. Once again, the plant feeds off of human flesh and blood and is very demanding. As a result, Seymour is persuaded to kill a dentist, a railroad detective, and a promiscuous woman in order to help Audrey Junior continue to survive and attract more customers. As has been stated, in Macbeth, the Scottish thane is told that he will be the King of Scotland one day. He is skeptical of that prediction until he is triumphant in battle. Then, Macbeth either kills or has several individuals murdered who he thinks is an ultimatum to his rank. In spite of each of the main character’s endeavors to be successful, Seymour and Macbeth are both dead at the finish of each script.

To conclude, The Little Shop of Horrors and Macbeth are different regarding the time periods that each story takes place in and the quality of each script, but are similar by striving to be victorious using death. Watching this film or reading this play would be an exceptional pastime for any individual and would certainly leave one speechless.

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