TEOGROMITMM vs. Macbeth: Compare and Contrast

            The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man In the Moon Marigolds (TEOGROMITMM) is a novel filled with symbolism and subtle pokes at the flaws of modern day society. Though it is very different from the classic tale of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, there are some similarities between the old story and this new, Pulitzer Prize winning play.

            Some similarities between both plays include the sanity of the main characters and the role of regret. In TEOGROMITMM, both Beatrice and Ruth have their share of mental problems. Ruth probably has a severe case of OCD, but I can’t imaging what Beatrice could be other than just plain cracked. Both women have the same issues as the matriarch and patriarch of Macbeth. Both are severely troubled by ailments of their minds. Also, the cause of their ailments, or at least the main characters of Macbeth and Beatrice, have the same reason for their inflictions. Beatrice, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth are all suffering from severe regret. Beatrice longs for the days that she wasn’t a mother that had all of her current responsibilities, and the Macbeths are suffering from guilty consciences.

            However, I can honestly say that the similarities stop there. Contrasting the two plays are much less complicated. For one, Tillie is completely unlike any of the characters in Macbeth. A sweet, unassuming little girl that’s hidden in the shadows of her home problems is completely unlike any of the cast members of Shakespeare’s play. Also, unlike Lady Macbeth, Beatrice has some traces of sanity left in her. There are some instances where she shows a trace of compassion here or there—usually to her two daughters—other times, she’s way off the deep end. (Like when she chloroformed the rabbit. That was just whacked.)

            So, there are lots of different ways to compare and contrast the two works of well known fiction. In this case, there’s quite a few more things different between them then there are things the same. But, then again, it’s probably a good thing that they’re so different. I mean, having to read two things that are really alike? How boring would that be?