Inference across the texts using ChapGPT

Short Course Q&A ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers
1

If we want to draw critical themes or inferences by analyzing a series of texts, is that possible with ChapGPT?

2

Hi Pranathi,
from a linguistic point of view, this should be possible depending on the type of texts. What kinds of texts did you have in mind?

For example, with William Shakespeare’s works, here is the ChatGPT prompt I went for and ChatGPT’s output. Hope that helps!

/Beata

Prompt:
Draw three main critical themes from “Hamlet”, “Mackbeth” and “Romeo and Juliet”

ChatGPT:
Certainly! Here are three main critical themes from each of the plays “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “Romeo and Juliet”:

“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare:

  1. Revenge and Madness: The theme of revenge is central to the plot of “Hamlet.” The play explores the psychological and moral complexities of seeking vengeance, as well as the consequences of such actions. Hamlet’s feigned madness also adds a layer of ambiguity to the theme, raising questions about the nature of sanity and the manipulation of appearances.
  2. Corruption and Decay: The play presents a world in decay, where political corruption and moral decay are pervasive. The imagery of disease, death, and decay is recurrent, reflecting the deteriorating state of Denmark. This theme is embodied in Hamlet’s famous soliloquy “To be or not to be,” where he contemplates the pains of existence in a corrupt world.
  3. Appearance vs. Reality: Throughout the play, characters frequently hide their true intentions and emotions behind masks, leading to a stark contrast between what is perceived and what is real. This theme is evident in the deceitful actions of several characters, including Claudius, Polonius, and Hamlet himself, as they manipulate appearances to achieve their goals.

“Macbeth” by William Shakespeare:

  1. Ambition and its Consequences: “Macbeth” is a tragic exploration of the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. The main character, Macbeth, becomes consumed by his desire for power, leading him to commit heinous acts. The play highlights the moral and psychological toll of ambition and the tragic downfall it can bring.
  2. Supernatural and Fate: The play incorporates elements of the supernatural, such as the witches’ prophecies, which influence the actions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The theme of fate and the idea that characters’ destinies are preordained or influenced by supernatural forces contribute to the sense of inevitability and tragic outcome.
  3. Guilt and Remorse: The guilt that plagues Macbeth and Lady Macbeth after the murder of King Duncan is a central theme. Both characters experience intense remorse, with Lady Macbeth’s guilt driving her to madness and Macbeth grappling with his growing sense of guilt and paranoia, leading to a downward spiral.

“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare:

  1. Love and Conflict: The central theme of “Romeo and Juliet” is the passionate love between the titular characters, Romeo and Juliet, despite the deep-seated feud between their families, the Montagues and Capulets. The play explores the idea that love can transcend societal boundaries and the tragic consequences of such love in a hostile environment.
  2. Fate and Free Will: “Romeo and Juliet” raises questions about the role of fate in shaping the lives of individuals. The characters often speak of fate and destiny, and the events of the play suggest that the lovers are ultimately subject to forces beyond their control. However, the choices and actions of the characters also play a significant role in the unfolding tragedy.
  3. Youth and Impulsiveness: The impulsive actions of the young lovers contribute to the rapid escalation of the conflict and the tragic outcome. Their passion and willingness to defy societal norms reflect the impetuousness of youth, leading to hasty decisions that contribute to the fatal conclusion.
3

Thanks for the quick response but I am looking for common themes across these three not individually.

4

Looks like this is also possible - have a look at my prompt and ChatGPT’s response below.
Personally, I would imagine this depends on the type of text though.

Prompt:
Draw common themes across these three plays

ChatGPT:
Certainly! While each of the three plays— “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “Romeo and Juliet”—has its own distinct themes, there are some common overarching themes that can be identified across all three works:

  1. Tragedy: All three plays are classified as tragedies by Shakespearean standards. They follow a similar tragic structure involving the downfall of their main characters due to a combination of personal flaws, external pressures, and adverse circumstances. The plays explore the human capacity for suffering and the consequences of unchecked emotions and actions.
  2. Conflict and Violence: Each play features varying degrees of conflict and violence, which drive the narratives forward. Whether it’s the political intrigue and power struggles in “Hamlet” and “Macbeth,” or the feuding families and street brawls in “Romeo and Juliet,” the presence of conflict contributes to the tension and eventual tragedy.
  3. Ambition and Its Pitfalls: The theme of ambition and its potential negative consequences is a thread that runs through all three plays. In “Hamlet,” Claudius’s ambition leads to his treacherous actions. Macbeth’s unchecked ambition brings about his tragic downfall. In “Romeo and Juliet,” the ambitions and vendettas of their families lead to a series of tragic events.
  4. Love and Passion: Love, particularly passionate and intense love, is a central theme in each play. Whether it’s the romantic love between Romeo and Juliet, the familial love in “Hamlet,” or the marital relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, love’s complexities and its ability to drive characters’ actions are evident.
  5. Moral Ambiguity: The plays delve into the gray areas of morality and ethics. Characters often face dilemmas that challenge their sense of right and wrong. Claudius’s murder of King Hamlet, Macbeth’s actions driven by ambition, and Romeo and Juliet’s defiance of their families’ wishes all showcase the moral complexities that characters navigate.
  6. Fate and Free Will: The interplay between fate and personal agency is present in all three plays. Characters struggle with the idea of whether their destinies are predetermined or if they can shape their own paths. The tension between fate and free will adds depth to the characters’ motivations and decisions.
  7. Deception and Manipulation: Deception and manipulation are recurring elements in these plays. Characters often disguise their true intentions or manipulate others to achieve their goals. Whether it’s Hamlet’s feigned madness, the witches’ prophecies in “Macbeth,” or the clandestine actions of various characters in “Romeo and Juliet,” deception drives the plots forward.
  8. Social and Political Turmoil: The plays often depict a world in turmoil—whether it’s the political unrest in Denmark in “Hamlet,” the destabilization caused by Macbeth’s actions, or the ongoing feud between the Montagues and Capulets in “Romeo and Juliet.” These elements contribute to the sense of a world in disarray.
    These common themes reflect Shakespeare’s exploration of complex human experiences and emotions that continue to resonate with audiences across time and cultures.
5

Thank you for sharing. I have a dataset where I am trying to draw common themes. Probably if LLM is already trained with this data, maybe it is possible. Let me give it a shot.