I'm sorry that I am missing class today, but you will have plenty to do in order to analyze act I of Macbeth. Below you will find your assignment for today. You should start it in class and finish it for homework. Each section (characters, plot, and language) should be its own comment, so you will each have 3 comments posted below when you complete this assignment.
Characters
For each major character in Act I, write a brief description, in your own words, that best characterizes them, and then provide a minimum of 2 quotes that support your characterizations.
Be sure to include the act, scene, and line number for each quote. (1.3. 14-17).
Plot
For each scene, write a brief description of the action taking place, describe the mood and how Shakespeare sets it. What symbols and motifs are present in each scene? Be sure to include any significant quotes (act.scene. line numbers) and why you think those quotes are important.
Language
1. Macbeth rarely speaks directly of killing Duncan. Instead, he uses less brutal language, or euphemisms. Read Macbeth's speech at the opening of Act I scene vii; underline all the words that refer to the murder of Duncan (there are at least 12).
Why do you think Macbeth avoids using the words "murder", "kill" etc?
What does this tell you about Macbeth's state of mind during this part of the play?
2. Examine Lady Macbeth's influence on Macbeth. Macbeth contemplates the murder of Duncan, but is not fully convinced to go through with it. Lady Macbeth helps to ensure that this terrible deed of regicide is done. How does she go about convincing Macbeth to kill King Duncan? Find specific quotes to support your assertions. What does this say about her and about Macbeth?
3. The Witches play a critical role in Macbeth. How do they influence Macbeth? How do they influence Banquo? Are the witches truly evil or do they simply provide opportunities for others to act upon their own evil intentions?
Answer these questions in the comment section below- take your time and write a thorough and thoughtful response. Your answers should be a minimum of 6 sentences for each question and should also include at least one quote properly cited.
Just complete the character section and the language section tonight for homework. Don't worry about the plot section.
Just complete the character section and the language section tonight for homework. Don't worry about the plot section.
Duncan is the King of Scotland as he is depicted as a true monarch. He is the model of a benevolent ruler and considers himself divine.
ReplyDelete"We will establish our estate upon our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter the Prince of Cumberland." (1.4 37-39) This quotes shows how Duncan has his estate's best at heart and cares about the kingdom.
"It is a banquet to me. Let's after him, whose care is gone before to bid us welcome: It is a peerless kinsman." (1..4 56-58) Duncan's personality is very genuine, for he cares about other people and exemplifies friendship.
Malcolm is King Duncan's oldest son, and has been announced heir to the throne of Scottland. He is very similar to his father thus far because they both are a representative of order.
"This is the sergeant who like a good and hardy soldier fought 'gainst my captivity. Hail, brave friend!
Say to the king the knowledge of the broil as thou didst leave it." (1.2 21-27)
"My liege, they are not yet come back. But I have spoke..." (1.4 278-279)
Macbeth is a strong warrior who fights and is one of the leaders of Duncan's army. After listening to the witches prophecy, he contemplates whether to kill the king.
"If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well it were done quickly. If th’assassination could trammel up the consequence, and catch with his surcease success: that but this blow might be the be-all and the end-all, here, but here upon this bank and shoal of time, we’d jump the life to come." (1.7 1-28)
"Stars, hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires." (1.4 52)
Macbeth
ReplyDeleteMacbeth is the hero of this tragic play. He begins as a brave, loyal, and honorable soldier and thane, but is driven down a dark, murderous path by the false promise of three witches.
“The service and loyalty I owe, in doing it, pays itself.” (1.4, 21-22)
“If chance will have me king, why chance may crown me without my stir.” (1.3, 143-144)
“The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’erleap, for in my way it lies...Let not light see my black and deep desires…” (1.5, 48-50)
Banquo
Much like Macbeth, Banquo is a dutiful and devoted soldier and thane who lives to serve the king. In Act 1, he seems intelligent and observant, as he was very skeptical of the witches.
“Were such things here as we do speak about? Or have we eaten the insane root, that takes the reason prisoner?” (1.3, 81-84)
[To Duncan] “There if I grow, the harvest is your own.” (1.4, 33-34)
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth is Macbeth’s faithful wife, who will support her husband in everything he does, even if it is murdering the king. She has peculiar morals, however, as she prays to spirits to save her from the feelings of guilt and remorse that will inevitably come with committing a crime, but she is the one who pushes Macbeth to commit the crime in the first place.
“...That I may pour my spirits in thine ear and chastise the valor of my tongue all that impedes thee from the golden round, which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crown’d withal.” (1.5, 25-29)
“Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here and fill me from crown to the toe topfull of direst cruelty; make my blood thick, stop up th’access and passage to remorse that no compunctious visitings of nature shake my fell purpose nor keep peace between th’effect and it.” (1.5, 39-46)
The Witches
Appearing in the first scene, the witches are an ominous presence who seem to enjoy causing pain. They use deceit and trickery to mess with the minds of humans, particularly Macbeth.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air.” (1.1, 12-13)
“The weïrd sisters, hand in hand, posters of the sea and land, thus do go, about, about, thrice to thine, and thrice to mine, and thrice again, to make up nine. Peace, the charm’s wound up.” (1.3, 30-35)
“All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter.” (1.3, 48)
Macbeth, the protagonist, is a middle aged military captain who is brave and loyal to his country. However, his thoughts become malicious when the idea of being king is presented to him by the witches’ foretelling.
ReplyDelete“For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name- disdaining Fortune, with his brandish’d steel, which smok’d with bloody execution, like Valour’s minion carved out his passage till he fac’d the slave, which ne’er shook hands, more bade farewell to him, till he unseam’d him from the nave to th’chaps and fix’d his head upon our battlements.” (1. 2,16-23)
“My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of man that function is smother’d in surmise, and nothing is, but what is not.” (1.3, 138-141)
Banquo is Macbeth’s companion and war captain is recognized, along with Macbeth, for his successful military conquests. Banquo does not fall into the witches’ mind game as easily as Macbeth, and warns him of the trickery often associated with them.
“I must report they were as cannons over-charg’d with double cracks; so they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe. Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds or memorize another Golgatha, I cannot tell.” (1.2, 36-41)
“That trusted home, might yet enkindle you unto the crown, besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ’tis strange, and oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths; to win us with honest tries, to betray’s in deepest consequence.” (1.3, 119-125)
Lady Macbeth is willing to do anything for her husband to become king, even killing. She is manipulative but knows the difference from right and wrong, however she ignores her conscious in planning to murder those in the way of Macbeth becoming king.
“Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be what though art promis’d; yet do I fear thy nature, it is too full o’th’milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great, art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it. What thou wouldst be great, art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it. What thou wouldst highly,that wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, and yet wouldst wrongly win. Thou’dst have, great Glamis that which cries, ‘Thus thou must do’ if thou have it; and that which rather thou dost fear to do, than wishes should be undone. Hie thee hither, that I may pour my spirits in thine ear and chastise with the valor of my tongue all that impedes thee from the golden round, which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crown’d withal.” (1.5, 14-29)
“Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here and fill me from the crown to the toe top full of direst cruelty; make thick my blood, stop up h’access and passage to remorse that no compunctious visitings of nature she my fell purpose nor keep peace between th’effect and it. Come to my woman’s breast and take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers, wherever in your sightless substances you wait on nature’s mischief. Come, thick night, and pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, that my keen knife see not the wound it makes, nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark, to cry ‘Hold, hold.’”(1.5, 39-54)
King Duncan is very appreciative of the loyalty of the country that Macbeth possess, and he expresses his gratitude by naming him Thane of Cawdor. His fatal mistake occurs when he names Malcolm Prince of Cumberland, and Macbeth’s wrath turns his plan into a reality. His trust is easily given, and this results in the betrayal of the past Thane of Cawdor and eventually Macbeth’s.
“Only I have left to say, more is thy due than more than all can pay.” (1.4, 20-21)
“True, worthy Banquo, he is so valiant, and in his commendations I am fed; it is a banquet to me.” (1.4, 54-56)
Malcolm is named the heir to King Duncan, and is viewed as an obstacle to the throne to Macbeth. Macbeth will do anything to become king, and Malcolm’s fate looks like it’s going to take a turn for the worst because Macbeth envisions him being eliminated.
ReplyDelete“Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter the Prince of Cumberland, which honor must not unaccompanied invest him only, but signs of nobleness like stars shall shine on all deservers.” (1.5, 39- 42)
“The Prince of Cumberland; that is a step on which I must fall down, or else overlap, for in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires, the eye wink at the hand. Yet let that be, which the eye fears when it is done to see.” (1.5, 48-53)
The witches create Macbeth’s dilemma by telling him that he is to become Thane of Cawdor and eventually king. When Macbeth discovers that they were right about him being Thane of Cawdor, his moral lines become blurred because fantasizes doing whatever it takes to become king. The witches give off the impression that there is not a difference between morality and immorality, which will play a large role in the development of this tragedy and Macbeth’s deterioration.
“That trusted home, might yet enkindle you unto the crown, besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ’tis strange, and oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths; to win us with honest tries, to betray’s in deepest consequence.” (1.3, 119-125)
“This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor. If good, why do I yield to that suggestion, whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my is against the use of nature?” (1.3, 129-136)
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (1.1, 12)
Plot
ReplyDeleteMacbeth met 3 witches as he and Banquo was on his way home back to the king and the witches told him that he would be King and thane of Cawdor and he became Thane of Cawdor. He now is wondering what will happen. Macbeth writes his wife a letter telling her what happened with the witches and Lady Macbeth will not stop and she will make sure that he becomes King. When Macbeth returns home, the king decides to go over to Macbeths house for a surprise party. Lady Macbeth gets everyone full and drunk and sends them back home. Now they are going to plot to kill King Duncan in his sleep.
Language:
ReplyDelete1. Macbeth refuses to speak about the regicide directly because he is aware of the immorality in killing another person. He does mention synonyms of murder, but he speaks hypothetically as if he’s not going to go through with it. His hypothetical speech is depicted in the beginning of scene seven while contemplating his options, “If th’assassination could trammel up the consequence and catch with his surcease, success, but this blow might be the be-all and end-all—here, but here, upon this bank and shoal of time, we’d jump the life to come.” (1.7, 1-7) He uses words referencing killing, but not directly saying it. He refers to other people killing the king, for example when thinking about his loyalty to the king, “He’s here in double trust: first, as I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; then as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself.”(1.7, 12-16) Macbeth knows he wants to become king, meaning that he would have to commit murder, but he is too fearful to physically kill another person.
2. With the idea of killing in order to become king already planted in Macbeth’s mind, Lady Macbeth only needs to push him a little further to get what she wants. To convince to kill the king, she tells him in scene seven that he will regret being a coward and that he should take his opportunity. She says, “Art thou afeard to be the same in act in thine own act and valor, as thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’s the ornament of life, and live a coward intwine own esteem, letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would,’ like the poor cat i’th’adage?”(1.7, 38-45) In this quote, she references a cat who wishes to eat fish but is too afraid to dip its feet in the water, just as Macbeth has the desire to kill the king, but is too afraid to carry out the action of killing itself. She furthers this idea of cowardice by telling him he would be more of a man if he murdered the king, “When you durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man. Nor time nor place Did then adhere, and yet you would make both.” She tells him in this quote that when he did not have the opportunity, he was willing to do it, but now that he has it, he is unable to carry out the action. Her demeaning influence on Macbeth only makes Macbeth want to do the action more, to fulfill her prophecy that he will be a braver man. The way that Lady Macbeth controls Macbeth illustrates her power over him and how easily he is manipulated by her simply by making him feel inferior.
3. The witches influence Macbeth by feeding him the information of becoming Thane of Cawdor, and eventually king. At first, Macbeth and Banquo are skeptical, unsure whether the witches were even talking to them. After the witches vanish, Banquo questions their presence, “Were such things here as we do speak about? Or have we eaten on the insane rout, that takes the reason prisoner?” (1.3, 81-83) However, when the witches prediction becomes true, and Macbeth is named Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth has reason to believe that he may become king. The witches have a profound effect on Macbeth because without him knowing that he may become king, there would be no reason for murder, but because he thinks that there is a strong possibility, he is willing to act upon it. Banquo has a greater sense of judgement than Macbeth about the witches’ foretelling. He warns Macbeth of the trickery that witches are known for, ““That trusted home, might yet enkindle you unto the crown, besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ’tis strange, and oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths; to win us with honest tries, to betray’s in deepest consequence.” (1.3, 119-125)This quote is significant because Banquo explains that although the witches are sometimes correct, believing in everything thy say can result in regret. The witches provide opportunities for others to act upon what they say because Macbeth chooses to believe them, whereas Banquo is more sensible and realizes that they are super natural creatures and it is in his best interest to ignore what they say, true or false. It is Macbeth’s fault that he falls into their trap because he is so mesmerized by the idea of being king that he chooses not to doubt the witches.
ReplyDelete"The raven himself is hoarse
ReplyDeleteThat croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan
Under my battlements. Come, you spirits
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood,
Stop up th’access and passage to remorse,
That no compunctious visitings of nature
Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
Th’ effect and it. Come to my woman’s breasts,
And take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers,
Wherever in your sightless substances
You wait on nature’s mischief. Come, thick night,
And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell,
That my keen knife see not the wound it makes,
Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark,
To cry ‘Hold, hold!’"
- Macbeth (1.5 36-52)
I believe Macbetyh avoids using the words "murder" and "kill" because he is unsure about his decision and almost aborts the mission. He doesn't due to the fact his wife's robust coercing. Which inevitably puts a strain on their relationship.
Lady Macbeth does this by encouraging Macbeth that it is the right thing to do, for it was for told by the witches. As he contemplates he asks his wife, "If we should fail?" his wife retorts by explaining that, "We fail? But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we'll not fail." (1.7 58)
The witches influence Macbeth to make his decisions because they told him his fate, which only made him want it more. They open his eyes to the possibility that he could be king, and having that knowledge overwhelmed not only his desire for power, but also his wife's. The witches influence Banquo is skeptical of their power to tell the future, but becomes more inclined to believe what they say, because their predictions about Macbeth were accurate. "Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none: so all hail, Macbeth and Banquo! Banquo and Macbeth, all hail!" (1.3 68-70) The witches for told the prophecy of Banquo's children who will eventually be king.
I believe that the witches are not at fault for the decisions of any of the characters. The simply provide a motive for other's wrong doings, they have no power over their choices.
Macbeth
ReplyDeleteMacbeth, who is both the eponym of the play and the play’s main character, is truly a tragic hero. While others call him both noble and fair, with the king himself stating that, “More is thy due than more than all can pay.” (1.4 20-21) Our hero is slowly spiraling into the depths of madness. After the weird sisters set his mind upon the thought of him being king, Macbeth becomes obsessed with the thought, famously saying,
“Stars, hide your fires;
Let not light see my black and deep desires:
The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be,
Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.” (1.5 50-53) when he is passed over for the next to the throne position. This downward spiral is both depressing and intriguing, and will be a critical development in the plot.
Lady macbeth
Lady Macbeth is perhaps even more cunning and certainly more extreme “Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be what though art promis’d; yet do I fear thy nature, it is too full o’th’milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.” (1.5, 14-19) than her husband is. Much like her husband, she asks the spirits to make sure that she feels no guilt when she kills Duncan, only that they can, “unsex me here and fill me from crown to the toe topfull of direst cruelty” (1.5, 39-44) which will aid in her treacherous acts.
Duncan
King Duncan, although a powerful man, is an unwitting rube in Macbeth’s plans. Although he names Macbeth Thane of Cawdor, a noble position, “He is so valiant, and in his commendations I am fed; it is a banquet to me” (1.4, 55-56) he skips over Macbeth and assigns his son, Malcolm, the heir to the throne. This sets Macbeth off on his murderous rampage, and leads to the King’s own death.
“So well thy words become thee as thy wounds; they smack of honour both.” (1.2, 43-44)
The Three "Witches"
“ ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair:
Hover through the fog and filthy air.’ ” (1.1, 12-13)
This is the ominous warning that the witches give in the very first scene of the play. In every occurrence with them, they attempt to sow treachery into Macbeth, with the prophetic words, “All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter.” (1.3, 48) They are perhaps the visual representation of evil, and are quite menacing.
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ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteMacbeth, a devoted soldier and a captain in Duncan’s army who faces mind-boggling decisions after three witches tell him substantial news that he may soon become king. This news drives him down a dangerous path mentally, as he plans to kill the king.
“ The Thane of Cawdor lives a prosperous gentleman, and to be king stands not within the prospect of belief, no more than to be Cawdor.” (1.3 70-72)
“My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of man that function is smother’d in surmise, and nothing is, but what is not.” (1.3 138-141)
Lady Macbeth, Macbeth’s wife, is helping her husband strive to his goal of the murder of the king, and supports everything he does. She is independent and makes important decisions. She knows this is the highest extent he must go to in order to be king, and plans to make it happen.
“ Thou wouldst be great, art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it.” (1.5 17-19)
“ To alter favour ever is to fear. Leave all the rest to me.” (1.6 72-73)
Banquo, a fellow companion of Macbeth and is there when Macbeth is told he will be king by the witches. Banquo is told he will birth kings, but he himself will not be a king. He is optimistic and stands by Macbeth’s side.
“Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear things that do sound so fair?” (1.3 49-50)
“Were such things here as we do speak about? Or have we eaten on the insane root?” (1.3 81-82)
The witches are untrustworthy when they grant Macbeth and Banquo with astonishing news that leaves them hoping for the best, but the news can also not be trusted because we do not know if it is something we can believe or not.
“All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter.” (1.3 48)
“Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.” (1.3 65)
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ReplyDeleteDuncan is the king, and has recently been betrayed by the Thane of Cawdor. He respects and rewards nobility and loyalty, which is why he names Macbeth, possessive of these qualities, as the new Thane. As a first impression, he appears fair and just. However, his life may be in danger because of Macbeth obsession over becoming king himself.
ReplyDelete“‘So well thy words become thee as thy wounds; They smack of honour both”’ (Shakespeare, 1.2 43-44).
“‘Would thou hadst less deserv’d, That the proportion both of thanks and payment Might be mine. Only I have left to say, More is thy due than more than all can pay”’ (Shakespeare, 1.4 18-20).
Macbeth, the focal character of the play, is a man of much prestige, yet has a major flaw. His valor wins him his position as the new Thane of Cawdor, although in the last scenes of Act I, it is clear that this flaw has begun to derail his conscience. After the witches’ first prediction (Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor) is fulfilled, he becomes consumed in the idea of their second prediction. This consumption is his major flaw. Obsessed with the idea of him being king, these thoughts turn homicidal.
“‘Look how our partner’s rapt” (Shakespeare, 1.3. 141).
“Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires, The eye wink at the hand. Yet let that be, Which the eye fears when it is done to see” (Shakespeare, 1.5 50-53)
The witches are important characters because they set an eerie and dark mood to the play. They seem to represent deceit, darkness, and unbalanced morals. They are in fact, the people who fed Macbeth the half truth that brings him so much trouble.
“‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Shakespeare, 1.1 12).
“‘When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?”’ (Shakespeare, 1.1 1-2)
Lady Macbeth appears to be just a manipulative as the witches. She, like Macbeth, takes great interest in becoming royalty. Her conscience however, is naturally blurred, so she immediately decides to push her husband towards committing regicide. However, she is afraid of feeling guilt.
“‘yet I do fear thy nature, It is too full o’th’milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way”’ (Shakespeare, 1.5 15-16).
“‘... make thick my blood, Stop up th’acess and passage to remorse...”’ (Shakespeare, 1.5 42-43).
Banquo is a loyal friend of Macbeth, and accompanies him when he meets the witches. Banquo is very wise however, and recognizes the dangers behind the witches predictions. This is also shows his good morals, because he would benefit from this prediction as well, yet he stills chooses to expose it.
‘“And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truth; Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s In deepest consequence- ”’ (Shakespeare, 1.3 122-125).
“‘True, worthy Banquo, he is full so valiant, And in his commendations I am fed...’” (Shakespeare, 1.5 54-55).
Main Characters
ReplyDelete1. Macbeth
Macbeth, the central character and “tragic hero” of the drama, is a highly respected man with one major flaw; as all “tragic heroes” have. In Act I, Macbeth is greeted by three mysterious witches who predict that he will become the Thane of Cawdor, and one day he will become king. His valiant efforts in the war rightfully earn him the position of Thane of Cawdor, as predicted. This newly acquired position of Thane of Cawdor enthralls Macbeth because it adds legitimacy to the other prediction made by the witches: Macbeth truly believes that he will be named King. He becomes obsessed with this possibility, and it begins to encourage thoughts of violent behavior. It seems as though he will stop at nothing to get what he wants and Macbeth is willing to go as far as to kill the king. Although this may have been a beneficial quality throughout his time fighting in the war, it is clearly a major flaw under these circumstances.
"Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor: The greatest is behind." (1.3, 115-16)
(This quote illustrates his epiphany when he realizes that the witches' predictions may be valid.)
"He's here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murdered shut the door, Not bear the knife itself." (1.7, 12-16)
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth, the wife of Macbeth, is malevolent, strong and sure of herself. While Macbeth feels guilty and ashamed for even thinking of murdering the king, Lady Macbeth feels no such thing. She recognizes that she will need to persuade and urge Macbeth to commit the murder. She strives to erase her natural womanly qualities in order to feel more merciless, eliminate guilt and disregard her conscience.
“...unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood, Stop up th’access and passage to remorse, That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between Th’ effect and it. Come to my woman’s breasts, And take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers, Wherever in your sightless substances You wait on nature’s mischief. Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark, To cry ‘Hold, hold!” (1.5, 40-50)
“That I may pour my spirits in thine ear; And chastise with the valour of my tongue All that impedes thee from the golden round, Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem To have thee crown'd withal.” (1.5, 25-30)
Banquo
Banquo is a close friend of Macbeth and was co-commander with him in Duncan’s army. He is a noble general. Banquo’s prophecy is also foretold to him by the witches after he asks for it. It is promised by the witches that, although he never will, his children will one day inherit the throne.
“But 'tis strange: And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray's In deepest consequence. Cousins, a word, I pray you.” (1.3, 122-125)
“If you can look into the seeds of time, And say which grain will grow and which will not, Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear Your favours nor your hate.” (1.3, 56-60)
Witches
The witches represent temptation in the tragedy, Macbeth. The “weird sisters”, as they are often referred to, are cunning, mischevious and definitely have bad intentions. Their prophecy is what prompts Macbeth to murder King Duncan which is why they represent temptation. If the witches had never placed the possibility of becoming King in Macbeth’s head, then he most likely would never had murdered the King.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air.” (1.1, 12-13)
“The weird sisters, hand in hand, Posters of the sea and land, Thus do go about, about: Thrice to thine and thrice to mine And thrice again, to make up nine. Peace! the charm's wound up.” (1.3, 30-35)
Language
ReplyDelete1a. Macbeth does not use the words ‘murder’ or ‘kill’ in his speech for a couple reasons. First, language in Macbeth’s time was composed of many euphemisms, analogies, and double entendres. Essentially, people never spoke in a straightforward fashion, and often compared their meaning to something else. “And pity, like a naked newborn babe striding the blast...” (1.7, 21-22). This quote is a clear example of how Macbeth uses analogies when he talks, paralleling pity with ‘a naked newborn babe’. Fear is another reason Macbeth is speaking indirectly. King Duncan is in Macbeth’s castle, and Macbeth does not want to be overheard plotting the king’s murder, as that could mean the end of his life.
1b. This soliloquy reveals that Macbeth is almost reluctant to kill Duncan. He states, “If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well it were done quickly.” (1.7, 1-2). In this quote, Macbeth is wishing that this ‘deed’ would be done quickly and efficiently, as he does not want to do it. Unfortunately, Macbeth is also of the belief that this is the right thing to do, as the witches promised him that he would be king, but Duncan announced his heir to the throne would be his son, Malcolm. Convinced that he is meant to be king, Macbeth wants to kill Duncan and take the throne for himself, but he is struggling with the idea of murdering the king. Macbeth, it seems, is also quite fond of Duncan, as he explains in the beginning of scene 7. “First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; then, as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself.” (1.7, 13-16). Macbeth is a friend and servant to the king, and does not want to kill him, but feels he must.
2. “Art thou afeard to be the same in thine own act and valour, as thou art in desire?” (1.7, 39-41). Lady Macbeth says this to Macbeth when he tells her that he is not sure about going through with the murder. In this quote, she is accusing Macbeth of being afraid to take action on his desires. She is implying that, as a real man, Macbeth should always try to obtain whatever he wishes, even if that means taking drastic measures. “And live a coward in thine own esteem, letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would’..?” (1.7, 43-44). In this quote, Lady Macbeth accuses Macbeth of being a coward. These lines have a large influence on Macbeth, as he is a prideful man (like most men), and he will never have anyone, especially his wife, denounce him in such a way. These quotes also display the large impact Lady Macbeth has on her husband: he wants to impress her and make her proud, and if she acts disappointed in him, he will do exactly as she says in order to be in her good graces.
3. The witches seem to be the cause of the play’s main conflict. They tell Macbeth the half-truth that he will be Thane of Cawdor, and then king. Almost immediately after they disappear, Macbeth is told that he will, in fact, be the Thane of Cawdor. “All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor. All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter.” (1.3, 47-48). He assumes that since one of their predictions came true, the other one must as well. This makes Macbeth very expectant of becoming king. Unfortunately for him, Malcolm, King Duncan’s son, is named heir to the throne. This small act sends Macbeth off the deep end, thanks to the witches. On the other hand, the witches do not influence Banquo nearly as much. They tell him that his sons will be kings, which is great news for him, but he will most likely not be around to see this prediction come true. Additionally, the entire time the witches are telling Macbeth and Banquo of their future, Banquo is skeptical and a little wary of these strange women, almost as if he knows they have evil intentions.
Macbeth
ReplyDeleteMacbeth is a wealthy, powerful man with great political influence, as he begins the book as the Thane of Glamis. Macbeth seeks to gain a higher position throughout the book and he is willing to commit murder to achieve this goal. This proves that he has a vociferous hunger for power. Although this information is revealed to the reader, there is no doubt that Macbeth has admirable traits as well. He sometimes feels remorse for his evil thoughts, which demonstrates that he is a round character.
1. “The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’er leap, for in my way it lies.” (Act 1 Scene 4, Line 48-50)
2. “The eye wink at the hand. Yet let that be which the eye fears when it is done to see.” (Act 1 Scene 4, Line 52-53)
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth is an independent woman, who is not intimidated by any male figure of higher status. She suffers from the same form of greed that her husband does, as she has an endless desire for power. Lady Macbeth uses her deceit and wit to assist her husband in committing a murder. With her strong and driven demeanor, she is willing to intervene when her husband’s kindness causes him to lose sight of being king. Like her husband, it is seen in some lines that Lady Macbeth knows her intentions are evil and morally unjust, proving her roundness of character.
1. “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here And fill me from the crown to the toe topfull of direst cruelty; make thick my blood, stop up th’access and passage to remorse…” (Act 1 Scene 5, Line 39-43)
2. “Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be what thou art promis’d; yet do I fear thy nature, it is too full o’th’milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.” (Act 1 Scene 5, Line 14-17)
Duncan
King Duncan is the man whom Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plot to murder in order to seize possession of the throne. He is kind, well spoken, and assertive. Duncan seems as though he is a successful ruler. This causes a deeper conflict within the reader, as it is not easy to decide whether to view Macbeth’s intentions either in a positive or negative way. He also introduces irony to the play by granting Macbeth with the title of Thane of Cawdor, and therefore giving Macbeth an incentive to kill him. He praises him despite
1. “So well thy words become thee as thy wounds; they smack of honour both. Go get him surgeons.” (Act 1 Scene 2, Line 43-44)
2. “O worthiest cousin, the sin of my ingratitude even now was heavy on me. Thou art so far before, that swiftest wing of recompense is slow to overtake thee.” (Act 1 Scene 4, Line 14-16)
Banquo
ReplyDeleteBanquo is Macbeth’s comrade, who journeys with him through battle. He is with Macbeth when he is told he will be king. He receives fortunes as well, claiming his sons will become kings and that he himself will be greater and happier than Macbeth in some ways. He inspires Macbeth to believe there might be truth behind the words of the witches. Banquo is intelligent and brave, as he fights along Macbeth during war. His lines often involve agricultural terminology, including words such as grow and harvest. These words may be tied to a larger theme of the play.
1. “There if I grow, the harvest is your own.” (Act 1 Scene 4, Line 33-34)
2. “Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear things that do sound so fair?” (Act 1 Scene 3, Line 49-50)
The Witches
The witches consist of three peculiar women who convey various fortunes to Macbeth and Banquo. They are extremely odd in looks and in speech. The witches spark the initial conflict of the play by telling Macbeth he was going to be king. This message could have been a fortune, but it could also have been the women trying to sway Macbeth into committing murder. This ploy proves that the witches are cunning and evil at heart. There cryptic speech frequently portrays different motifs, including the comparisons between “foul” and “fair”
1. Fair is foul, and foul is fair. (Act 1 Scene 1, Line 12)
2. All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor. All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter.” (Act 1 Scene 3, Line 47-48)
Language:
ReplyDelete1. Throughout this part of the play, Macbeth is feeling apprehensive and confused. He does not understand why he is having these thoughts of killing the king. He knows that it is morally wrong to be having these thoughts and ideas. Because of this, he feels ashamed of himself and therefore avoids stating his thoughts plainly. However, Macbeth certainly hints at what he desires to do, as seen in this quote: “The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires: The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be, Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.” (1.5, 48-53). Macbeth is a well respected, brave and valiant man... he is surprised about his own desire. Macbeth knows what he wants to do, and this in itself is what he is afraid of.
2. Although Macbeth originally had the idea to murder Duncan in order to become king, he most likely would not have gone through with it if it were not for Lady Macbeth’s guidance and persuasion. Lady Macbeth is malevolent, manipulative, convincing, strong and, most importantly, she is sure of herself. Macbeth is well-liked, honored and brave and he has good morals and values. He is ashamed for even thinking of murdering the king and is extremely hesitant to actually carry out with his thoughts, as seen in this quote: “First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself.” (1.7, 13-16). Lady Macbeth feels no such thing. She immediately recognizes that she will need to persuade Macbeth to go through with the murder. “To be the same in thine own act and valour As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,' Like the poor cat i' the adage?” (1.7, 40-45). Lady Macbeth belittles and degrades Macbeth in order to get what she wants, which demonstrates her manipulative nature. She recognizes that he takes great pride in himself, and decides to attack his weaknesses. Macbeth wants to prove himself to Lady Macbeth and therefore he decides to go through with it. Her persistent and earnest suggestions for Macbeth to kill Duncan definitely are successful.
3. The “weird sisters”, as they are often referred to, are mischevious and definitely have bad intentions. The witches are not truly evil because they simply provide opportunities for others to act upon their own evil intentions. The witches represent temptation. Their prophecy is what prompts Macbeth to murder King Duncan which is why they represent temptation. If the witches had never placed the possibility of becoming King in Macbeth’s head, then he most likely would never had murdered the King. They may have insinuated Macbeth’s violent actions, however they did not make him murder somebody. It was entirely his choise to fall into their trap of temptation. Banquo is a foil of Macbeth because although he has hopes and dreams of the witches’ prediction becoming true, Banquo makes a rational decision unlike Macbeth. He recognizes the witches’ suspicious prediction. Instead of murdering someone, he does not choose to act on his hopes like Macbeth does. Banquo provides an example of what occurs when one does not give in to temptation and Macbeth provides an example for when one does. The witches clearly find great amusement in messing around with Macbeth’s life and well-being, yet they are not evil.
I believe that Macbeth avoids words surrounding the regicide due to his reluctance in actually completing the deed. Up until he actually commits and kills King Duncan, he is and always has been a loyal soldier who nobily fought for the kingdom. He goes through the possibility of killing Duncan many times however states that his thoughts “Are less than horrible imaginings. My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical.” (1.3, 138-139). His loyalty is quickly draining however, and Macbeth edges slowly closer to the inevitable murder of Duncan. If only Macbeth knew that this need for power will surely be his demise.
ReplyDeleteLady Macbeth has her own ideas of how to achieve the kingship, and most tend to be more violent than Macbeth is comfortable with. However, now that Macbeth has finally “snapped”, she is able to push him into actually killing Duncan, and to not be afraid. Furthermore, she goads him by saying that he is not what he used to be, and that the past versions of himself would have killed the king already. Lady Macbeth does not actually persuade Macbeth entirely by herself however, as the idea was already planted in Macbeth’s mind. Even after the deed is commited, she pokes fun at him more, stating, “My hands are of your colour, but I shame to wear a heart so white.” (2.2, 66-67)
The witches are quite critical in Macbeth. Although they do not directly force Macbeth to do anything, their ideas are the water that forces a plant to grow. They influence Macbeth, because he gets an immediate gratification of one of their predictions, whereas they are are less effective on Banquo due to his lack of gratification and inherently good nature. From what we have read in the play, the witches provide opportunity and motive for people to reach for their dreams, and most of the time these reaches end up being a negative action. A good quote that illustrates this is, “And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths; win us with honest trifles, to betray’s in deepest consequence.” (1.3, 123-125) this shows how Banquo is quick to doubt the witches because he sees that they could be attempting to sway them with gifts in order to get them to do bad deeds.
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ReplyDeleteMacbeth is the main character of the play, he is praised by others as noble, brave and valiant and is considered a hero in King Duncan’s kingdom:
ReplyDeleteKing Duncan:” O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!” Act 1 Scene 2 line 24
However, he is too ambitious and after hearing the witches tell him he will be king, he becomes violent and willing to commit murder:
“The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step
On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap,
For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires;
Let not light see my black and deep desires:
The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be,
Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.” Act 1 scene 4 line 48-54
Banquo is Macbeth’s friend and fellow soldier, he seems to be becoming Macbeth’s foil (opposite), his behavior a contrast to Macbeth’s violent and murderous nature, warning Macbeth not to trust the witches prophecy: “And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray's
In deepest consequence.” Act 1 Scene 3 line 120-125
Banquo was based after King James ancestor, and the real life Banquo was part of the plot to assassinate the king, however, since King James was thought to have been a descendant of Banquo, Shakespeare decided not to include that in the play, and instead made Banquo a benevolent character, associating him with agriculture: ”There if I grow, the harvest is your own” Act 1 scene 4 lines 33-34
Lady Macbeth is Macbeth’s wife and so far in the story seems very eager to murder whoever gets in her husbands way on the way to becoming king, saying: “And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full, Of direst cruelty! make thick my blood; Stop up the access and passage to remorse” Act 1 Scene 5 line 43-45.
In act 1, she receives a letter from Macbeth and is more than willing to murder for him, but she fears that Macbeth is too kind, saying:” What thou art promised: yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o' the milk of human kindness” Act 1 scene 5 line 18 and 19.
Characters—
ReplyDeleteMacbeth:
Macbeth is the Thane of Glamis. After the three witches meet him and tell him that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the King. He proves to be a courageous man and a powerful influence. After becoming Thane of Cawdor, he has the urge to become King after the three witches told him that he would.
“Duncan: No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive our bosom interest. Go, pronounce his present death, and with his former title greet Macbeth
Ross: I’ll see it done
Duncan:what he hath lost, nobel Macbeth hath won.” (1.2 73-78)
“Macbeth: Two truths are told as happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme.—I thank you, gentlemen. This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, why hath it given me earnest of success commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor. If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs against use of nature?” (1.3 140-150)
Lady Macbeth:
Lady Macbeth is Macbeth’s wife who after hearing about his newly assigned power, craves for more. She encourages Macbeth to do whatever it takes to have the throne as King. She is a bad influence over the mind of Macbeth; she gives him the idea that King Duncan should be killed.
“The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan under my battlements. Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood. stop up th’ access and passage to remorse., that no compunctious visitings of nature shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between th’ effect and it.” (1.5 45-54)
“Come, thick night, and pall thee in the dunes smoke of hell, that my keen knife see not the wound it makes, nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark to cry ‘Hold, hold!’” (1.5 57-61)
Banquo:
Banquo is the general that Macbeth was traveling with when the three witches appeared and told them the future. Although the witches said that Banquo’s children would get the Scottish Throne, he does not think of the idea of murder. He tries to convince Macbeth that there is a better way to become king other than murdering the current one.
“ Banquo: That, trusted home, might yet enkindle you unto the crown, besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ‘tis strange. And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest rifles, to betray’s in deepest consequence.—Cousins, a word, I pray you.” (1.3 132-139)
“Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear things that do not sound so fair?—I’ th’ name of truth, are you fantastical, or that indeed which outwardly you show? My noble partner you greet with present grace and great prediction of noble having and of royal hope, that he seems rapt withal. To me you speak not. If you can look into the seeds of time and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak, then, to me, who neither beg nor fear your favors nor your hate.” (1.3 54-64)
Three witches:
The three witches are women that can supposedly see the future. They meet with Macbeth in the woods and tell him that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and later become King. initially, Macbeth doesn't believe them, but when he is named Than of Cawdor, he begins to believe that what they say is true.
“First witch: A sailor’s wife had chestnuts in her lap and munched and munched and munched. ‘Give me,’ quoth I. ‘anoint thee, witch,’ the rump-fed runnion cries. Her husband’s to Aleppo gone, master o’ th’ Tiger; but in a sieve I’ll thither sail, and like a rat without a tail, I’ll do, I’ll do, and I’ll do.” (1.3 4-11)
“The Weïrd Sisters, hand in hand, posters of the sea and land, thus do go about, about, thrice to thine and thrice to minuend thrice again to make up nine. Peace the charm’s wound up.” (1.3 33-38)
Language
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Macbeth is cautious about not directly saying murderous words, shows that he knows what he is planning on doing is inhumane. He seems hesitant in his actions and does not want to go against his mortality, but he knows he must in order to be who he wants to be. He does use words that imply how he feels about the king, but not truly getting the point across. “Who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself.” (1.7 15-16) This quote is portraying what he wants to be done, but nothing more. Macbeth uses his words wisely, knowing that somebody could be listening, and also because it goes against his own will. He knows what he must do in order to become king, but he is scared of the outcome and doesn't want to be thought of as a murderer.
2) Lady Macbeth is fully supportive of Macbeth always. Whatever he wants to do, she makes sure he goes through with it especially if it is for his best outcome. She knows what he must do in order to be king, and she wants that so badly for him. She expresses how she feels when she keeps pushing him to make sure he must do it. “Their drenched natures lies as in a death, what cannot you and i perform upon th’ungaurded Duncan? What not put upon his spongy officers, who shall bear the guilt of our great quell?” (1.7 68-72) This quote expresses how Lady Macbeth wants Macbeth to go through with it and she is reassuring him of how it will help him in the long run. Lady Macbeth only wants the best for Macbeth and supports him with everything he does and she expresses her feelings through pushing him to do his best.
3) The witches greatly influence Macbeth and Banquo significantly but in different ways. Macbeth is surprised and excited to hear about his becoming of Thane of Cawdor and even king. He was not expecting something as big as this and it boosted his confidence way up. Banquo at first was upset about not being given good news about his becomings, but they told him he will have kings, as in his sons will be Thanes and kings. I think the intentions of the witches is to boost peoples spirits, although their news cannot always be true. “Were such things here as we do speak about? Or have we eaten the insane root.” (1.3 81-82) This quote shows that Banquo and Macbeth want to believe what they have heard, but its hard to believe such extraneous things that come up so quickly.
ReplyDeleteI think Macbeth avoids using the words that show direct intent to kill, because he feels that he can evade guilt by not admitting any wrongdoings. As discussed in Act 1, scene 5, Macbeth wants to shield his conscience from what he plans to do. If he uses words like "kill" and "murder", he is admitting to himself that he has truly evil and immoral intents. Therefore, he uses indirect language. This shows his unstable mindset. He desperately wants to be king, and this obsession fosters into dangerous intents. However, he still has morals and a conscience, even if they are wavering.
ReplyDeleteLady Macbeth is the determining vote when Macbeth is undecided in a matter. She pushes him over the edge to decide to officially kill King Duncan. She does this in part by mocking his courage and manliness. “‘...live like a coward in thine own esteem, Letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon “I would,’ Like the poor cat i’th’adage”’ (Shakespeare, 1.7 43-45). Together, they formulate a plan. This shows the similarities between Macbeth and his wife. Both are self-absorbed, determined to do whatever it takes to get their way. They both have blurred senses of right and wrong. However, both seem to realize the severity of their actions, and want to hide their conscience so that they won’t feel guilty. Lady Macbeth says, “‘... make thick my blood, Stop up th’acess and passage to remorse...”’ (Shakespeare, 1.5 42-43). Very similarly, Macbeth says, “Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires, The eye wink at the hand. Yet let that be, Which the eye fears when it is done to see” (Shakespeare, 1.5 50-53)
The witches can influence Macbeth because they are aware of his weaknesses. They exploit this flaw, telling him half-truths so that he becomes overly obsessive and spirals into his own downfall. This certainly is a malicious push from the witches, however they are not physically making Macbeth kill Duncan. That is of his own accord, and it is evident that Macbeth debated this decision before making his conclusion. Although the witches tell Banquo a prediction as well, Banquo seems to be aware of their ill-intentions, and chooses not to react as Macbeth does. He warns Macbeth, ‘“And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truth; Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s In deepest consequence- ”’ (Shakespeare, 1.3 122-125).
1. Macbeth rarely speaks directly of killing Duncan. I think that he does this to keep the reader or audience guessing. Although his thoughts in his mind are apparent and are shared, he avoids using the word “murder” because he never speaks in a straight forward manner. In scene vii, he refers to killing Duncan, but says it almost as if he isn’t so sure about what he is going to do. Macbeth speaks as if it was metaphorical or hypothetical in a sense. Because he craves power, he can’t help but to have scenarios of him as king run through his head. Macbeth knows that there is consequence to the action he is planning on doing, which makes him apprehensive about it. For example when Macbeth says “if th’ assassination could trammel up the consequence and catch his surcease success, that but this blow might be the be-all and the end-all here…” (1.7 2-5). Here Macbeth is saying that although he could become king if Duncan was killed, there is still a consequence. He thinks that the outcome and reward of becoming king would be far better than the possibility of the consequence.
ReplyDelete2. Initially, Macbeth is extremely hesitant about killing Duncan. When he writes the letter to Lady Macbeth about his encounter with the witches, she influences him to make the final decision of murder. Before Macbeth arrives, Lady Macbeth begins to talk about how she wants power and influence overall and the only way to get it is for Macbeth to murder King Duncan. For example, she says to herself “Come, thick night, and pall thee in the dunes smoke of hell, that my keen knife see not the wound it makes, nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark to cry ‘Hold, hold!’” (1.5 57-61.) She is demanding the good side be blinded by darkness while the bad side of her does the deed. One way she influences Macbeth is when she tells him “Art thou afeard to be the same in act in thine own act and valor, as thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, and live a coward intwine own esteem, letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would,’ like the poor cat i’ th’ adage?”(1.7, 43-49). She uses metaphors to help explain how his idea is a good one. Macbeth wants to kill the King, but does not have enough courage. Just as this Cat doesn't have enough courage. This says that Lady Macbeth wishes to have the power more than Macbeth does. It shows the manipulative side of her in which she is selfish for the power that comes with the murder of the king.
3. The three witches provide insight on the future for Macbeth and Banquo. They influence Macbeth in the sense that because he became Thane of Cawdor, that he must become the King. In a way, they indirectly influence him. After they said that one thing about him becoming king, he has been obsessed with following through. They didn’t influence Banquo as much as they did Macbeth. For example, after the three witches meet them, Banquo says to Macbeth, “that, trusted home, might yet enkindle you unto the crown, besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ‘tis strange. And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest rifles, to betray’s in deepest consequence.—Cousins, a word, I pray you.” (1.3 132-139). Banquo tries to bring Macbeth back to reality when he begins to ponder murdering the king. I believe that the witches are not evil, rather they provide the opportunity for someone else to become evil by their actions.
Duncan: Throughout the first act, Duncan, the King of Scotland, appears to be a perfectly fair ruler. He prevails in his fight against the Thane of Cawdor and follows the norm of naming his eldest son heir to the throne. Throughout his acts as king, he is fair in honoring those who promote his image as king. However, Duncan proves to be a rather naïve ruler, in the sense that he has too much faith in human loyalty and cannot perceive very well the effects of power and greed on a supposedly loyal subject. The Thane of Cawdor is a prime example of this, and Macbeth will inevitably make Duncan pay for his trust.
ReplyDelete“There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust.” (1.4. 10-13)
“So well thy words become thee as they wounds; they smack of honour both. Go get him surgeons.” (1.2 43-44)
Macbeth: Macbeth is a character with a strong conflict between logic and morals. Upon the vague prophecy of his rise to the throne, a personal debate had risen within himself between the logical and greedy gain of committing murder to take the throne and his strong moral training. Macbeth must subconsciously convince himself to do wrong and shut out his conscience. This skewed debate echoes the reoccuring motif: “fair is foul and foul is fair.”
“The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’erleap for in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires, the eye wink at the hand Yet let that be, which the eye fears when it is done to see.” (1.4. 48-53)
‘Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be what thou art promis’d; yet do I fear thy nature, it is too full o’th’milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.” (1.5. 14-17)
Banquo: Banquo is a character with a cautious point of view, and one that is more humble and prudent. This is perhaps because he is not as ambitious as compared to Macbeth. While still a noble warrior, it is noted by the king that none could equal Macbeth in skill and valor. Therefore, Banquo is one who is not as affected by high titles and victories. In Macbeth’s amazement upon the first prophecy coming true (being named the Thane of Cawdor), Banquo offers Macbeth a warning, telling him to be mindful of his ways and make sure his actions are not swayed by the prophecy to doing immoral actions.
“That trusted home, might yet enkindle you unto the crown, besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ‘tis strange, and oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths; win us with honest trifles, to betray’s in deepest consequence.- Cousins, a word, I pray you.” (1.3. 120-126)
“Welcome hither. I have begun to plant thee and will labour to make thee full of growing. Noble Banquo, that hast no less deserv’d, not must be known no less to have done so, let me enfold thee and hold thee to my heart.” (1.4. 28-32)
Lady Macbeth: Lady Macbeth is by far the bloodiest and most diabolical character of this tragedy. She helps to silence Macbeth’s moral conflicts and lacks a sense of right and wrong. She is, in essence, a facilitation of his original ambitions.
ReplyDelete“Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here and fill me from the crown to the toe topfull of direst cruelty; make thick my blood, stop up th’access and passage to remorse that no compunctious visitings of nature shake my fell purpose nor keep peace between th’effect and it.” (1.5. 39-46)
“What beast was’t then that made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man. And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man. Nor time, nor place did then adhere, and yet you would make both. They have made themselves and that their fitness now does unmake you.” (1.7. 47-54)
Three Witches: These Weird Sisters are the impetus for the bloody plotline. Their equivocations work negatively on the minds of good men, and essentially are the personifications of evil. Through their vague prophecies to Macbeth and Banquo, they prey upon good people by appealing to their fatal flaws. By offering Macbeth the prophecy of the throne, they are appealing to his avarice.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air.” (1.1. 12-13)
“All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter.” (1.3. 48)
Act I, Scene 1
ReplyDeleteHere, the plot emerges from an undeniably ominous air. Accompanied by the rumble of thunder, the Weïrd Sisters are introduced, speaking mystically of their future encounter with Macbeth. The reoccuring motif: “fair is foul, and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air” (1.1. 12-13) is introduced in this scene.
Act I, Scene 2
Scene two is introduced with a regal alarum, creating a noble setting for King Duncan and his court who are eagerly anticipating the results of the battle. A bloody captain is introduced: “This is the sergeant who like a good and hardy soldier fought ‘gainst my captivity. Hail, brave friend; say to the king the knowledge of the broil as thou didst leave it.” (1.2. 3-7) He tells them of the success of the battle: “if I say sooth, I must report they were as cannons over-charg’d with double cracks; so they doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe, Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds or memorize another Golgotha, I cannot tell.” (1.2. 36-41) This illustrates the valor of Macbeth and Banquo, their excellent standing with the king, and their high state before Macbeth’s fall from grace. Soon, thanes Lennox and Ross inform King Duncan of the victory, at which Duncan names Macbeth the new Thane of Cawdor. As a common motif throughout the play is blood, it is no surprise that a bloody captain is a major part in this scene.
Act I, Scene 3
This scene, ominously set on an eerie heath and accompanied by thunder, is a turning point for Macbeth. Here, the Weïrd Sisters equivocate in vague prophecies Macbeth’s rise to thane of Cawdor, and then the throne. Strangely after the prophecy was given, he is immediately named the new Thane of Cawdor by missives from the king. The other captain, Banquo, warns him: “That trusted home, might yet enkindle you unto the crown, besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ‘tis strange, and oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths; win us with honest trifles, to breay’s in deepest consequence.- Cousins, a word, I pray you.” (1.3. 120-126) Here, Banquo is foreshadowing Macbeth’s eventual fall. Meanwhile, Macbeth begins to fantasize upon the murder of the king: “Present fears are less than horrible imaginings. My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of man that function is smother’d in surmise, and nothing is, but what is not.” (1.3. 136-141). This scene is also riddled with references to “fair is foul, foul is fair.”
Act I, Scene 4
A flourish heralds the king and his royal entourage. After graciously thanking his two captains Macbeth and Banquo, King Duncan names his eldest son Malcolm the heir to the throne. Here, Macbeth’s murderous drive is sharpened with jealousy. “The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’erleap, for in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires, the eye wink at the hand. Yet let that be, which the eye fears when it is done to see.” (1.5. 48-53) Macbeth invited the king and his court to his house for a celebration, a perfect setting at which he may commit his murder.
Act I, Scene 5
ReplyDeleteNeeding not an auditory herald, the presence of the murderous Lady Macbeth herself is enough an indication of the dark mood. Here, she reads a letter written from her husband on the strange events involving the Weïrd Sisters, and she worries about his ability to carry out the task at hand, while she herself prepares for the murder. “Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be what thou art promis’d; yet do I fear thy nature, it is too full o’th’milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.” (1.5. 14-17) She is then notified of the arrival of Macbeth and the king. Upon being reunited with her husband, she tells of her excitement of the coming crime. In this scene two references to milk are made, symbolizing the goodness and purity of which she hopes to rid herself and her husband.
Act I, Scene 6
Duncan and Banquo arrive at Macbeth’s castle, and are greeted by Lady Macbeth, whom they thank for the service of her husband. A bird reference is made, and a bird is a motif that heralds the immoral act of murder. “This guest of summer, the temple-haunting marlet, does approve by his lov’d mansionry that the heaven’s breath smells wooingly here.” (1.6. 3-6) However, Macbeth is not present at their arrival.
Act I, Scene 7
At the beginning of this scene, Macbeth, through a lengthy monologue, begins to voice his doubts. In a moral conflict about betraying the king who trusts him so, begins to feel guilt. “He’s here in double trust: first, as I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; then, as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself.” (1.7.12-16) However, Lady Macbeth silences his doubts in a shameful confrontation, calling him a coward. “Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem, letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would’, like the poor cat i’th’adage?” (1.7. 41-45) Another scornful reference to milk is made here. Lady Macbeth also reveals that the king and his entourage will become so drunk that the regicide will be easy.
It is likely that Macbeth avoids the words “murder” and “kill,” because he is too ashamed to hear them himself. Using euphemisms is a tool he uses to silence his guilty conscience. This shows that he is in a constant state of combat with his conscience, and much of his personal battle is learning to commit the crime without any moral conflict.
ReplyDeleteLady Macbeth has no moral conflict in regicide whatsoever, and uses shame to convince him to follow through on him ambitions. “Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem, letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would’, like the poor cat i’th’adage?” (1.7. 41-45) Macbeth will then feel compelled to prove himself to her. This shows that she is truly a facilitation of his ambitions. Macbeth also has much respect for her, and regards her as someone to look up to. Much of his decision to kill the king stemmed from his need to please and impress her.
The Witches play the critical role of appealing to Macbeth’s fatal flaw- avarice. As they prey upon the flaws of human nature, the Witches only must mention the prospect of becoming king, and Macbeth is immediately compelled to commit unspeakable crimes to get what he wants. Banquo is not as easily influenced, as he is one who believes things to happen naturally on their own. Therefore, though he is assigned his own prophecy, he does not possess the same avaricious qualities that compel him to pursue it. The Witches themselves are not evil, but rather they are used to highlight the evil qualities in human nature. There is no evil in their words, but only in Macbeth’s response to their words.
1.
ReplyDeleteMacbeth is avoiding saying words like murder and kill because he feels guilty and still has a conscience. He is still himself at this point, and trapped at a crossroads between good and evil.
“First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself.
” (1.7, 13-16)
2.
Macbeth seems to be going towards the good side between good and evil; however, Lady Macbeth comes in and goads and insults him into going toward the evil side. For example, she insults his hesitance to kill Duncan as cowardice, saying:
“To be the same in thine own act and valour
As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that
Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life,
And live a coward in thine own esteem,
Letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would,'
Like the poor cat in the adage?” (1.7, 40-45)
Lady Macbeth is an evil influence on Macbeth, and shows that Macbeth is easily influenced by those with stronger wills than him, such as his wife. This may be a factor later in the play.
3.
The witches are the ones who first plant the idea of becoming king into Macbeth’s head. “All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!” (1.3, 52) Without them, there would be no tragedy, and Macbeth may never have turned to evil and descended into hell. They influence Banquo by telling him that his children shall become kings. Although the witches planted the idea in his head, they never told him to kill Duncan and anyone who got in his way to get there, maybe if Macbeth had just done nothing he would have eventually become king.
Characters
ReplyDeleteMacbeth: Macbeth's characteristics are a brave and strong leader due to the fact he is announced the thane of Cawdor which is pretty much being king. He also very powerful when being praised by people especially the witches. “The thane of Cawdor lives. Why do you dress me In borrowed robes?” (Act.1 Scene. 3 Pg. 57 Line. 107) This shows that Macbeth wants to be treated by a lord but, also at the same time is acting a little bit spoiled. In (Act.1 Scene 3 Pg. 61 Lines 135-140) Macbeth is thinking of Murdering King Duncan which shows that Macbeth really wants to be a ruler.
Banquo: Banquo is another strong character in Macbeth. He desires to hear the future and would also like to become ruler one day. Macbeths says to him “Your children shall be kings” (Act. 1 Sc. 3 Line. 85 Pg. 55). This means that one day Banquo’s children will be kings but, not him. “My plenteous joys, Wanton in fulness, seek to hide themselves In drops of sorrow. Sons, kinsmen, thanes, And you whose places are the nearest, know We will establish our estate upon Our eldest, Malcolm, who we named hereafter The Prince of Cumberland; which honor must Not unaccompanied invest him only, But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine On all deservers. From hence to Inverness, And bind us further to you” (Act. 1 Scene 4. Pg. 65 Lines 35-45). Since Banquo now knows he has no chance of being ruler but, he knows his children do. He talks about how great his oldest son Malcolm is and that he deserves it.
Lady Macbeth: I feel that Lady Macbeth is a strong woman and she really believes in her husband's actions and really wants him to become king. She receives a letter from Macbeth that he is coming home and that he won the battle. “Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way..” (Act. 1 Scene 5. Pg. 50 Lines. 10-20). She is fearing for Macbeth because she knows he also is fearing and saying that he is too good to kill. “ The raven himself is hoarse That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan….. Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark To cry “Hold, hold” (Act. 1 Scene 5 Pg. 71 Lines 35-50). Lady Macbeth is saying that Macbeth needs to do the things he needs to do to become king and her tone is frustrated and fearful also it says that her womanhood is going to be taken away.
Witches: Witches are to be known as scary and are a symbol as fright. The witches in Macbeth can tell the future to see what is happening next and they are also scary. “A sailor’s wife had chestnuts in her lap, And munched, and munched, and munched. “Give me” quoth I. “Aroint thee witch!” the rump-fed runnion cries. Her husband’s to Aleppo gone, master o’ th’ Tiger, But in a sieve I’ll thither sail, And, like a rat without a tail, I’ll do, I’ll do, and I’ll do.” (Act. 1 Sc. 3 Pg. 49 Lines. 5-10). This quote shows that a woman won’t give chestnuts to the witch so, the witch tortures her husband. It also shows that people should not mess with witches because they will get back at you. “All hail, Macbeth! Thou shalt be king hereafter!” (Act. 1 Sc. 3 Pg. 53 Line. 50) As I stated that the witches can tell the future, this quote shows how the witches are telling the future that Macbeth is going to be king.
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ReplyDeleteLanguage
ReplyDeleteMacbeth is having thoughts of killing Duncan the king and he plans and thinks more about it during Act. 1. His first quote when thinking of it was saying “ My thought whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man that function Is smothered in surmise, and nothing is But what is not.” (Act. 1 Scene. 3 Lines 35-40). Macbeth’s state of mind is that he thinks before he does something but has an idea of it before hand. Lady Macbeth knows that Macbeth is fearing his thoughts about murdering king Duncan and she needs to tell him that this is the right thing to do. She does that by saying The raven himself is hoarse That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan Under my battlements. Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood, Stop up th’access and passage to remorse, That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between Th’ effect and it. Come to my woman’s breasts, And take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers, Wherever in your sightless substances You wait on nature’s mischief. Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark, To cry ‘Hold, hold!’" (Act. 1 Scene 5 Pg. 71 Lines 35-50). The witches influenced Macbeth by telling him that he will be the thane of Cawdor and they tell Banquo that his sons might be king. I think that the witches simply provide opportunities for others to act upon their own evil intentions but, people might look at them as if they are evil people.
Act One Scene One
ReplyDeleteThe first scene of act one is set on a battlefield during a storm. This setting determines the mood for the rest of the play: eerie, dark, and intriguing. During this scene, three witches discuss when they will meet with Macbeth. The most significant part of this scene is the last line. The witches state, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (Act 1 Scene 1, Line 10) This is important because it is a reoccurring theme throughout the play. It creates blurred lines between good and evil, which accompanies the conflict of the play perfectly.
Act One Scene Two
The second scene of act one is in the king’s headquarters, where King Duncan and his son are conversing with a wounded soldier. The soldier conveys to them the story of how Macbeth and Banquo contributed to the war. This is extremely significant because it pushes King Duncan into giving Macbeth the title of the Thane of Cawdor. He states, “What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won.” (Act 2 Scene 2, Line 67) This line contains the motifs of losing and winning. These words reappear frequently throughout the play.
Act One Scene Three
The third scene of act one depicts another meeting between the witches. The First Witch tells a story about how she cut off the thumb of the husband of a woman who had not given her chestnuts. This tale is a tool used to characterize the witches and show their untrustworthy and evil intentions. The witches then meet with Macbeth and Banquo and tell them both fortunes. They tell Macbeth he will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually become king. They tell Banquo that his sons will become king. The men contemplate whether the fortunes are true. Soon after, the king’s messengers greet the men and Macbeth is told he is now the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth is in awe that one of the fortunes came true. He then concludes that he must become king at one point or another. He considers murdering King Duncan in hopes of being promoted to the throne, but then decides against it.
Act One Scene Four
ReplyDeleteScene four of act one is set in the king’s headquarters, where he meets with Macbeth and Banquo. Here, he expresses his thanks to them for fighting so bravely in the war. Macbeth is hoping that the king will offer him the position of being successor to the throne. At the end of the scene, Duncan announces that his son will be the successor. Macbeth responds to this in an extremely dark manner, as he threatens to dispose of the prince to seize the throne. He states, “The eye wink at the hand. Yet let that be, which the eye fears when it is done to see.” (Act 1 Scene 4, Line 52-53) Macbeth is praying that he does not feel remorse for committing such a terrible act. He then departs and invites the king over to his home later on in the evening.
Act One Scene Five
Scene five of act one opens with Lady Macbeth reading a letter Macbeth wrote to her aloud. She is informed of the fortunes and responds to them in a similar way as Macbeth does. She immediately turns to the option of murdering the present king so that her husband will gain the title. She proves that her character is not one to step down from a challenge and that she is just as desirous of power as her husband is. In fact, Lady Macbeth worries that her husband is too kind to follow through with murder without her help. She states, “…yet do I fear thy nature, it is too full o’th’milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.” (Act 1 Scene 5, Line 16-17) Then, Lady Macbeth greets her husband and begins to prepare for the king to arrive.
Act One Scene Six
In scene six King Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle. Lady Macbeth greets him and invites him into her home. The way in which they speak to one another, with constant displays of gratitude and admiration, is interesting to witness because the reader knows the devious desires of Lady Macbeth.
Act One Scene Seven
During this scene, Macbeth doubts his thoughts and becomes frightened. Lady Macbeth intervenes and sways him back into their original plan. Lady Macbeth encourages him by saying things such as, “And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man. “ (Act 1 Scene 7, Line 50-51) By doing this, Lady Macbeth proves that she is merciless and will stop at nothing to make her husband king.
King Duncan - Duncan is the king of England, murdered by Macbeth early in the play. Duncan has some important lines containing themes of the play. However, he is killed early in the play by Macbeth, whom he trusted absolutely.
ReplyDelete“There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust.” (Act 1 Scene 4 Lines 11-13)
“True, worthy Banquo, he is full so valiant, and in his commendations I am fed.” (Act 1 Scene 4 Lines 54-58)
Witches - The three are a trio of very strange women. They set the play’s plot in motion by declaring that Macbeth shall be king. These three characters are a wealth of symbolism in the play, especially with respect to the recurring theme of contradiction in the play.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air.” (Act 1 scene 1 lines 12-13)
“All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king thereafter.” (Act 1 scene 3 line 48)
Banquo - Banquo is a foil to Macbeth, another valiant military general with a great deal of power and glory. Unlike Macbeth, however, he is just as trustworthy as he seems, and is undyingly loyal to the king, and is much warier of the witches’ prophecies.
“There if I grow, the harvest is your own.” (Act 1 Scene 4 line 33)
“The instruments of darkness tell us truths; Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s in deepest consequence.” (Act 1 Scene 3 lines 123-125)
Lady Macbeth - Lady Macbeth is Macbeth’s ambitious wife, even more crazed than he by the prospect of his becoming king. She attempts to rid herself of all human compassion, and convinces Macbeth to proceed with his plan to murder Duncan when he has doubts about it; she devotes herself entirely to the cause of making her husband king of Scotland.
“...Fill me from the crown to the toe topfull of direst cruelty.” (Act 1 Scene 5 lines 41-42)
“I have given suck and know how tender ‘tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, have pluck’d my nipple from his boneless gums and dash’d the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this.” (Act 1 Scene 7 lines 54-59)
Macbeth - Macbeth, the tragic hero of the play, plummets from grace and is transformed from a fearless general to a cowardly murderer due to his mad lust for power. Early in the play his conscience still bothers him as he begins his treachery, but his doubts soon disappear.
“Stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires, the eye wink at the hand.” (Act 1 Scene 5 lines 50-53)
“I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none.” (Act 1 Scene 7 lines 46-48)
Language
ReplyDeleteMacbeth’s avoidance of language explicitly stating his intention to kill Duncan demonstrate how uneasy he feels about the prospect. Murdering Duncan, as Macbeth intends to do, would be an incredibly cowardly and treacherous thing to do. Macbeth has always been a loyal, honest, good man, and under normal circumstances would never kill a man in such a way. However, his mad desire for power has overridden his virtues as he is tempted by the prospect of being king. Macbeth is now in conflict with himself; he knows what a terrible and evil thing it would be to kill Duncan, but his desire to be king is so great that he would be willing to kill Duncan in order to take his place. This intense internal conflict has resolved itself into a sort of denial on Macbeth’s part. He finally accepts, albeit reluctantly, that he will do whatever is necessary to become king. However, he does not want to imagine the prospect of actually killing Duncan, so he keeps himself from thinking too hard about what he intends to do, in part by avoiding any language that explicitly states that he really intends to kill the king. Macbeth describes this denial of his own intentions as such; “The eye wink at the hand. Yet let that be, which the eye fears when it is done to see.” (Act 1 Scene 5 lines 50-53)
Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to kill the king through implication that backing out of his plan would be cowardly, and reminds him of the rewards he would reap by going through with his plan. She tells him, “When you durst do it, then you were a man. And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man.” (Act 1 Scene 7 lines 49-51) Lady Macbeth inspires her husband to commit this treasonous act by reminding him of how he and she both have dedicated themselves to their plot. She tells him that, had she committed herself to murder her own child as he has to murder Duncan, she would “have pluck’d my nipple from his boneless gums and dash’d the brains out.” (Act 1 Scene 7 lines 57-58) Lady Macbeth seems to be even more ambitious and devoted to the planned regicide than Macbeth himself. She steels so that she is able to plan Duncan’s death without any compassion for the man, and never hesitates in her plan as her husband does.
The witches, who appear only fleetingly, are more important to the play than they seem. While they develop very little as characters, not even being given names of their own, they are symbolic of the evil that overcomes Macbeth and causes him to kill and betray others in cold blood. They tempt Macbeth with incredible power, causing his vices to overcome his virtues. With Banquo, they create a similar temptation, in promising kingship to his children, but he is warier of the witches’ promises, and does not fall prey to his temptations as Macbeth does. The witches do not carry out any of these evil acts themselves, however. They simply bring out the evil residing within Macbeth through temptation, bringing the darker aspects of his personality into the light. They do not carry any evil of their own.
characters
ReplyDeleteMacbeth
Macbeth is the brave and powerful Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor as shown by the captain’s account of the battle.
“For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name),
Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel,
...
Till he unseamed him from the nave to th’ chops,
And fixed his head upon our battlements.” (1.2. 18-25)
Macbeth is also very easily influenced, by the witches and by his wife.
“Nor time nor place
Did then adhere, and yet you would make both.
They have made themselves, and that their fitness
now
Does unmake you.” (1.7. 58-62)
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth is deeply ambitious and is eager for the power and position she might gain from her husband’s ascension to the throne. She is more ruthless and willing than Macbeth to do what needs to be done to get what she wants.
“Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be
What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature;
It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness
To catch the nearest way.” (1.5. 15-18)
“Nor time nor place
Did then adhere, and yet you would make both.
They have made themselves, and that their fitness
now
Does unmake you.” (1.7. 58-62)
Banquo
Banquo, when he hears his children will be kings, is just as eager to see the day come as Macbeth and his wife are to see Macbeth become king, but he never acts on these ambitions or plans to do anything to make his dream a reality.
“To me you speak not.
If you can look into the seeds of time
And say which grain will grow and which will not,
Speak, then, to me, who neither beg nor fear
Your favors nor your hate.” (1.2. 60-64)
“And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s
In deepest consequence.—” (1.3. 135-138)
Witches
The three witches or weird sisters are a group of creatures that look human, but are so withered they seem alien. Banquo asks when he first sees them,
“What are these
So wither'd and so wild in their attire,
That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth,
And yet are on't? Live you? or are you aught
That man may question?” (1.3. 40-44).
They also look like women but have beards. They are immediately recognizable as an ill omen because they speak almost exclusively in paradox and are always introduced by thunder. They plot mischief by manipulating Macbeth into thinking he will be king.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair;
Hover through the fog and filthy air.” (1.1. 12-13)
language
ReplyDeleteI think Macbeth never refers to his plot as a “murder” or “killing” because he wants to convince himself to go through with his own plan. Macbeth says, “He’s here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself” (1.7. 12-16), which shows that Macbeth is still unwilling to kill his king because he is scared and worried for his own conscience. By using euphemisms instead more direct language, Macbeth is trying to make the deed seem less severe. In this section of the play Macbeth is on the edge of deciding whether or not to realize his ambition.
In convincing Macbeth to kill King Duncan, Lady Macbeth calls him a coward when she asks him, “Was the hope drunk Wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since? And wakes it now, to look so green and pale At what it did so freely? From this time Such I account thy love. Art thou afeard To be the same in thine own act and valor As thou art in desire?” She accuses him of being unwilling to make his desires into reality and tries to appeal to his pride. Next, Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth how easy it will be to kill Duncan in his sleep and that he will not even bear the guilt of killing the king, his guards will. Lady Macbeth knows that she only needs to put a small amount of work into convincing Macbeth into going through with his plan of regicide.
The Three Witches influence Macbeth by planting the seed of an idea into his mind. Because their first prediction that he would become the Thane of Cawdor came true, he believe that their second prediction will also become true. After that, Macbeth’s own ambition and mind propel him to plotting to kill the king in order to fulfil his hopes. The Witches also plant a similar idea into Banquo’s mind, but he is the opposite of Macbeth in that he doesn’t allow the truth in the Witches’ first prediction to push him to plot any treason. Banquo is the path that Macbeth could have, but did not take. Because of this, the Witches are not evil, but merely enable the evil thoughts already in peoples’ minds.
Language
ReplyDelete1. Macbeth avoids using words such as “murder” or “kill” because he feels that doing so would make the death of Duncan his fault. He feels that his own remorse would be more burdensome than the fact that he ended someone’s life. He chooses to mentally detach himself from his actions, so that he does not feel this dread and regret. By using phrases such as “taking-off” or “deed” to describe the death of Duncan so that he is as removed from the actual situation as possible. This reveals that his state of mind during this part of the play is rather unstable. He knows that what he is planning to do is wrong, yet he is unable to confront his actions with this knowledge.
2. The way in which Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth proves that she is truly wicked and able to overpower someone with words alone. She assures Macbeth that he will become more of a man if he follows through with the murder. She states, “And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man. “ (Act 1 Scene 7, Line 50-51) Because these words work on Macbeth, it is revealed that he can be easily swayed by flattery. It proves that he may be weak in his moral principles.
3. The witches influence Macbeth and Banquo by planting a seed of opportunity in their minds. They grant the men a decision of whether to act upon the opportunity or not. Macbeth is forced to decide between good and evil and he ultimately chooses evil. The witches influence Banquo by telling him phrases that can be interpreted multiple ways. They state things such as, “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.” (Act 1 Scene 3, Line 63) Banquo needs to decide how he will he become greater than Macbeth. The witches also tell Banquo his sons will be kings. Similar to Macbeth’s situation, Banquo can turn to murder in order to make this fortune come true. The witches are not evil because of the fortunes they told Macbeth and Banquo. They provided the men with an opportunity that can be dealt with in various ways, but they did not directly cause them harm. However, they are evil in other ways such as the physical pains they create for average people, such as cutting off their finger.