Darkwood: Circus Inferno

Growing Unease

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The soft hum of voices filled the classroom as students settled into their seats for English class. Wei, Xul, and Ambrose were among the last to enter, each taking their spots near the back of the room. The classroom was quiet, save for the occasional shuffling of papers and books. At the front, Sterling stood with a calm but focused expression, his blind eyes looking straight ahead. He held a book in one hand and a cane in the other, though he rarely needed the latter, given Artemis, his owl companion, perched silently on his desk.

"Alright, everyone," Sterling’s voice was steady and calm, with a hint of authority that naturally commanded the attention of the class. "Today we’ll be continuing our analysis of Shakespearean tragedy, focusing on Macbeth."

Wei immediately focused, scribbling the title into his notebook. He had always found literature fascinating, especially the way words could carry emotion without needing to be spoken. Next to him, Ambrose absentmindedly twirled a pencil between his fingers, casting a sideways glance at Xul, who was already slouching back in his chair, looking half bored.

Sterling tapped his book gently. "Ambrose, could you start us off by reading Macbeth’s soliloquy from Act 5, Scene 5? ‘Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow…’"

Ambrose sighed but nodded. He knew Sterling had sharp ears and would catch any reluctance in his tone. Flipping to the right page in his textbook, he cleared his throat and began reading aloud:

“‘Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time…’”

His voice was steady, even if there was a hint of hesitation in it. As Ambrose read, Sterling tilted his head slightly, listening closely. Artemis, perched beside him, ruffled her feathers quietly, as if sensing the atmosphere in the room.

Wei’s gaze shifted from the text to Sterling. Though the teacher couldn’t see in the traditional sense, there was something about his presence that made him seem far more aware than most people. Wei tapped his pencil thoughtfully, appreciating how Sterling had a way of making classic literature feel more alive.

Ambrose continued reading, his voice filling the room, “...‘It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.’”

Sterling nodded in approval as Ambrose finished, his voice lingering on the final word. "Excellent, Ambrose. Now, what do you think Macbeth means by ‘full of sound and fury, signifying nothing’?"

Ambrose leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the question. "I think… Macbeth’s realizing that everything he’s done—the bloodshed, the power he’s gained—it’s all meaningless in the end. Like, no matter what, it all fades away."

Sterling smiled softly. "Good. Shakespeare often wrestled with the idea of mortality and futility. Macbeth’s descent into despair shows us how even the most ambitious of men can feel utterly lost."

Xul, who had been silent up until now, raised a hand lazily. "Yeah, but doesn’t Macbeth bring this on himself? I mean, the guy kills his way to the top. He’s not exactly a victim here."

Sterling turned slightly toward Xul, intrigued. "True, Macbeth’s actions are what lead to his downfall. But that’s what makes Shakespearean tragedy so powerful. It’s the character’s own choices, their flaws, that bring about their ruin. He becomes a victim of his own ambition."