Once you have chosen a quote and analyzed it, pose two questions for discussion among your classmates. Think of this as a class discussion taking place on-line.
Take your time, pay attention to your grammar, spelling and sentence structure, and respond thoughtfully.
I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
ReplyDelete“Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, till thou applaud the deed. Come, seeling night, scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day and with thy bloody and invisible hand cancel and tear to pieces that great bond which keeps me pale. Light thickens, and the crow makes wing to th’rooky wood; good things of day begin to droop and drowse,whiles night’s black agents to their preys do rouse. Thou marvell’st at my words,but hold thee still; things bad begun, make strong themselves by ill. So prithee, go with me.” (3.2. 45-56)
This quotation perfectly illustrates the dynamic change the character Macbeth undergoes, especially in the third act. Here, Macbeth has reached the lowest moral point of his character so far, and is beginning to initiate evil actions himself. In the first line, he is deliberately excluding Lady Macbeth from knowledge of his actions, and therefore shows his dependence from her. This is contrasted to the first act, in which the murder of Duncan was a product of Lady Macbeth’s convincing. In terms of this plot, this event advances the evil of the play beyond Duncan, extending it to Banquo. This foreshadows the fulfillment of the prophecy given to them by the Weird Sisters. This proposition of murder not only incites the fulfillment of the prophecy, but it also marks the decline of Macbeth’s moral state. Macbeth illustrates his message through motifs and symbolism. Night’s darkness, representing the murderous evil descending upon Macbeth, is mentioned here, emerging as he continues to fall into the depths of immoral conduct. The crow, an example of recurring bird motifs that symbolize death or misfortune, is presented as it heralds the death of Banquo. This quotation is extremely important, as not only does it mark an important advancement in the plot, but it also serves as a turning point of Macbeth’s decline in morality.
Questions:
DeleteWhat truly compels Macbeth to descend into a state of questionable morality? Is it the promise of success or the overall faults in human nature? In other words, why exactly does Macbeth act the way he does?
What is Lady Macbeth’s influence on Macbeth in his moral decline? What do you suppose their relationship is like?
I believe that Lady Macbeth's sole influence on Macbeth is her wit. Lady Macbeth's ability to persuade her husband into committing an act such as murder is evidence that shows that her deceit and intelligence is extremely powerful. I think the two have a symbiotic relationship, in that they both have the same goal and are willing to help each other reach that goal.
DeletePassage Analysis:
ReplyDelete“And thence it is that I to your assistance do make love, masking the business from the common eye for sundry weighty reasons.” (3.1, 125-128)
This quote illustrates the extremity of Macbeth’s betrayal. This is a FOIL of Macbeth before the witches spoke to him and made him power-hungry. Macbeth risked his life for his country, but now willing to do anything to not have his power threatened. Macbeth is desperate to have total power, and will not let anything get in the way of that, even if it means killing a dear companion. This relates to the theme that Macbeth’s moral lines become blurred because the idea of complete control has clouded his judgement and he is now on a killing-spree, murdering all those who stand in his way of getting what he wants. This quote enhances the plot because Macbeth’s character is becoming more and more insensible, which will eventually lead to his downfall.
“Things had begun, make strong themselves by ill.” (3.3, 55)
This quote is significant because it furthers Macbeth dissension into immorality. Irony is present in this quote because Macbeth was known to be one of the King’s most loyal men, and now his evil deed has turned him into a traitor. Now that King Duncan has been killed, Macbeth is extremely insecure and feels that everyone threatens his power, which is why he feels the need to eliminate Banquo and Fleance. Since he killed Duncan to get his power the first time, he is more comfortable with the idea of obtaining authority through evil actions, and is now more willing to do so. Macbeth started the play a loyal, committed, and brave captain to an insensible traitor who has let the irrational idea of having absolute power affect his decisions. This quote demonstrates that once one evil deed is done, evil has a greater influence and that the actions of Macbeth will grow greater and greater unless he escapes this viscous cycle.
Questions:
1. In Act 3: Scene 1 and 2, Macbeth has formulated a plan to kill without any assistance from Lady Macbeth, whereas before she was the one who convinces him to kill King Duncan. What do you think this says about the development of his character throughout the play?
2. When planning on killing Duncan, and after the deed was completed, Macbeth shows regret and shame for his actions. But in Act 3:Scene 2 he seems to have become greedier to kill, saying, “We have scorch’d the snake, not killed it…”(3.2: 13). What do you think changed him to the point where he no longer question his actions?
You pose a very interesting question. We don't know the timeline of this play, but we can assume that a week or so has passed since Macbeth has become king. He is most likely drunk with power, as he now rules the country. Additionally, he became king fairly simply and easily, with just a little bit of planning and a quick deed. Duncan's murder probably made him understand how killing someone can simplify things. With two murders, Macbeth is safely king, with no one suspecting him of committing any crime.
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DeleteMolly,
DeleteI think the answer to you first question would be that perhaps Macbeth has come to the conclusion that now that he is king, he should be able to do anything without someone's consent. Macbeth now is king, and he will do anything to have that title for the rest of his life, even if it means killing his most trustworthy friend. As we discussed in class, the power of being king has gone to his head. As well as his high power, he also feels like he can get away with anything after the murder of Duncan. So if Macbeth feels the need to kill someone because he suspects that they are a threat, then he will not think twice about it. Macbeth has not been a suspect of killing Duncan so it imposes some sort of "untouchable" mindset onto Macbeth in his mind. He seems as if he has decided to act upon his own ideas and in the spur of the moment rather than listen to his wife command him.
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DeleteMolly,
DeleteI think that the answer to your second question would be that Macbeth is no longer questioning his actions because he no thinks that he no longer has a choice. Banquo is the only person that seems to be suspicious of Macbeth at this point. With him alive, Macbeth will live in fear that someone will discover what he did. Therefore, he feels trapped in his situation. Also, Macbeth does not see a point of all of the trouble that he has gone through (murdering Duncan), if Banquo's children will one day become king as the witches predicted. This is ironic because he is entirely responsible for his predicament. Macbeth clearly already feels extremely guilty for murdering Duncan, which was his own doing, yet he still chooses to commit ANOTHER murder. I can see that this play will become even darker and bloodier in the future.
In response to your second question, I actually think that Macbeth does still regret his actions, but his fear of being discovered is beginning to overpower and drown out his sense of morality.
Delete
ReplyDelete“For certain friends that are both his and mine, Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall Who I myself struck down. And thence it is That I ask your assistance...Masking the business from the common eye..” (3.1, 123-127)
This displays Macbeth’s development as the story progresses. At the exposition, he would never hurt his friend, yet now he is willing to have his friend killed in order to maintain his image. Obviously, the killing of Banquo is an important point in the plot, as it will be the second murder of a nobleman orchestrated by Macbeth. This speaks to the theme mentioned by Duncan in Act I: “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, 11-14). Duncan explains that sometimes, you can never truly know someone and their darkest secrets. Macbeth will falsely lament Banquo’s murder in front of his friends, though he caused it.
The significance, as previously stated, is Macbeth’s continued change from kind-hearted and loyal into power hungry, murderous, and treacherous. It caught my attention with the morbid way Macbeth was able to discuss the murder of one of his closest friends. It is interesting how he does not care at all about the life of Banquo
2 Questions:
What precisely is Macbeth stating when he uses the long dog metaphor in Act 3, Scene 1 (lines 94-110)?
How does the third murderer represent mistrust (3.3, 1)?
Hi Lily, for your first question- you can check out my blog post! That is the quote that I analyzed. I think that he is trying to persuade the murderers to kill Duncan by demeaning them using the dog metaphor. I thought that this was very ironic because Lady Macbeth uses the same tactic on Macbeth himself earlier in the play.
DeleteGood questions! I think the murder represents mistrust because Banquo and Macbeth where heroes and went though so much it seemed that Macbeth could never hurt Banquo.
DeleteThe third murderer represents mistrust because it shows that Macbeth has so deeply rooted himself in immoral actions that he cannot even trust the people he has enlisted to murder Banquo.
DeleteQuote Analysis
ReplyDelete"Ay, in the catalogue ye go for men;
As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs,
Shoughs, water-rugs and demi-wolves, are clept
All by the name of dogs: the valued file
Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle,
The housekeeper, the hunter, every one
According to the gift which bounteous nature
Hath in him closed; whereby he does receive
Particular addition. from the bill
That writes them all alike: and so of men.
Now, if you have a station in the file,
Not i' the worst rank of manhood, say 't;
And I will put that business in your bosoms,
Whose execution takes your enemy off,
Grapples you to the heart and love of us,
Who wear our health but sickly in his life,
Which in his death were perfect." (3.4, 94-110)
Macbeth says this in Scene 1 of Act 3 when he is speaking with the murderers and trying to persuade them to kill Banquo for him. He tells them that Banquo is and will forever be their enemy and proceeds to ask whether or not they will let him get away with it. The first murderer replies, "We are men, my liege" (3.1, 93). Macbeth chooses to further convince them using the quote above. He recognizes, that yes, they may be men but, like dogs, there are many different kinds of men. Men are classified by their traits similarly to dogs. He claims that they will be better men if they murder Banquo. Macbeth explains that while Banquo is living, he is sick. Yet, after they murder Banquo, Macbeth will be well. This passage is ironic because Macbeth uses the same technique of persuasion that Lady Macbeth previously used on Macbeth. Similarly to Lady Macbeth, he attempts to demean them so that they will kill Banquo in order to prove their manhood. Macbeth’s sudden urgency to have Banquo murder is a result of Banquo’s suspicion, which he makes clear earlier in the scene (1.1, 1-10). When the murderers go through with the killing of Banquo, it will be yet another murder for which Macbeth is responsible.
Question One: Where did the murderers come from? Who are they exactly? Or do we not know this at this point? I wonder if we will ever find out.
Question Two: Why do you all think that Macbeth hired people to kill Banquo instead of doing it himself like he did to Duncan?
I think Macbeth did not kill Banquo himself because he was still in shock that he killed Duncan and that he could not go through killing another innocent man he loved. good question!
DeleteI believe that Macbeth hires people to kill Banquo instead of committing the act himself because he is trying to lessen his amount of remorse. As seen earlier, Macbeth does not wish to talk about the murder of Duncan directly and he chooses to use words like "surcease" to address it. Maybe he is doing something similar in this scenario, but this time he tries to disassociate himself with the murder physically as opposed to verbally.
DeleteGood point, James! Another interpretation might be that Macbeth has much more diabolical intentions than in the first murder. As king, Macbeth is likely to be in the public eye more often, and being associated with murder would shatter his reputation as not only a king, but also a person. Therefore, hiring assassins to murder Banquo would ensure that Macbeth would not be associated with any evidence of his crime. The murderers are the framed assassins of Duncan, and Macbeth essentially offers them freedom from capital punishment if they kill Banquo for him.
DeleteFirst Murder
ReplyDelete“Let it come down.”
The Murderers attack. First Murderer strikes out the light
Banquo
“O, treachery!
“Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!
“Thou mayst revenge- O slave!”
Dies. Fleance escapes (49)
I choose this quote because I really enjoyed Banquo and I think it is sad that he has been murdered. I cant believe it had to come down to this because Banquo was such a good man, and true friend to the old Macbeth. When Macbeth was a good noble man Banquo and him would fight together and go through everything together, but when Macbeth murders Duncan he changed into a dark snake that hides in plain sight. This part I think changes the Drama “Hamlet” very much. It shows that a man who has been noble and be so trustworthy and an important man in the drama can be killed just because he knows too much about the witches and about Macbeth. It is very sad to see Banquo go just because he knew too much.
How do you think Macbeth will feel after finding out his right hand man has been slaughtered even though he knew it would happen?
What do you think will happen to Fleance?
James, I have an answer to your first question. I believe Macbeth will feel a sense of relief and accomplishment, with an underlying feeling of guilt and shame. We know when he murdered Duncan he was remorseful of his actions, and with the death of his friend I think his power will overpower his sense of right and wrong, but under the surface he probably will feel shameful because of the betrayal of their strong bond.
DeletePassage Analysis:
ReplyDelete"Thou marvel'st at my words, but hold thee still. Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill. So prithee go with me." (3.2, 61-63)
I think that this passage from Act 3 Scene 2 of Macbeth describes the way his mind is working in his current state. While talking to his wife about his guests coming over, he tells her to treat Banquo well and make him feel important. What she doesn't know is that he is planning to kill Banquo. What Macbeth is saying to Lady Macbeth is that he believes that once you commit one bad deed, many more are expected to follow. He describes the way he feels towards murder. Since he kills Duncan and shakes off his nerves, he doesn't think twice about doing it again. As we have discussed in class, the thought of having power has gone to Macbeth's head. He has become thirsty for power and doesn't want to give it up. I think this passage is true in some cases in current events. For example, if a person robs a bank, the thought that they completed the robbery without being caught gives them a rush of adrenaline and makes them feel as if they can achieve anything. Once someone robs one bank, they may begin to rely on robbing banks as their source of income, so they rob another and so on. This relates with Macbeth and his murders because he has committed murders that no one suspects him as the culprit for. He is getting away with murder and it gives him a sense of power when he does it.
Questions:
1. Will Macbeth continue to murder people and show no mercy as he may see them as threats to his supremacy?
2. Will Macbeth finally be punished for the murders he has committed, or will he never be a suspect in the crimes?
Olivia, I have answer to your question #2. As we know, in order for this play to be a tragedy, Macbeth had to have started out it a respectable position (which he did, a brave and rewarded soldier) and he eventually needs to descend down the ladder of morality and will die. I believe he will be punished either by the guilt inside of him or by the realization of an outside source. In conclusion, yes I do believe Macbeth will be punished because in order for the play to be a tragedy he needs to hit a severe point on his downfall that leads to his death.
DeleteI think that with the pressure of Lady Macbeth, it is possible that he could commit more crimes, but maybe not murder. A theme throughout the book is that he is essentially getting lower and lower into hell.
Delete"Whence is that knocking?—
ReplyDeleteHow is’t with me, when every noise appals me?
What hands are here! Ha, they pluck out mine eyes.
Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood
Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather
The multitudinous seas incarnadine,
Making the green one red."
Macbeth (2.3.55-61)
In this quote, it demonstrates the supernatural events in nature that accompany anything in the play that is unnatural. This motif is relevant because it shows the delicate balance between man and nature. Macbeth says this quote after he murdered King Duncan. The knocking on the gate is mysterious and holds the promise of danger in the future. Which, in fact, is true because Macbeth is surrounded by guilt and regret for the crime he has committed. This scene helps advance the motif of nature symbolizes many important points such as political struggle.
"Thou seest the heavens, as troubled with man’s act,
Threatens his bloody stage. By th' clock ’tis day,
And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp.
Is ’t night’s predominance or the day’s shame
That darkness does the face of Earth entomb
When living light should kiss it?" -Ross
(2.4.1) Here, Ross claims that the sky is changing and the sun is plagued with darkness. This parallel with the murder of King Duncan, and the covering of the sun could possibly be symbolizing his death. Kingship is often associated with the sun and "higher powers," since the sun is being hidden it shows the change in political power influences nature and causes unnatural occurrences. The dark creates, yet again, a dark and mysterious atmosphere that sets a mood that aids in the advancement in the overall theme.
Questions:
1.) Does the light and dark symbolism always parallel with the good and bad? And does it represent a divine power (God)?
2.) Why is it so important to know Macbeth did not use the words "kill" or "murder" while pondering Duncan's death?
Question 1: I think that light and dark parallel well with the concept of good and bad, for light is often considered pure and innocent, while darkness is considered evil. However, I think Shakespeare also uses darkness to set the mood for a bloody tragedy.
DeleteQuestion 2: I think Macbeth wants to shield his conscience from what he plans to do. If he uses direct words like "kill" and "murder", he is admitting to himself that he has truly evil and immoral intents. At that point in time, he was not ready to do so.
I agree 100% with what Abby said for your first question. I think that Shakespeare uses these symbols to set the mood and to put a definite difference on what's good and what's bad. Good in this tragedy, although we have seen very little of this so far, is shown through enlightening events. On the other hand, most of this story has been cast in a dark shadow of blood and murder; this has put that dark shade over the tragedy of Macbeth and many of its events.
Delete“How now, my lord, why do you keep alone, of sorriest fancies your companions making, using those thoughts which should indeed have died with them they think on? Things without remedy should be without regard; what’s done, is done.” (Act 3 Scene 2, Lines 8-12)
ReplyDeleteLady Macbeth greets Macbeth, asking why he has been in solitude with only his grave thoughts to keep him company. She then goes on to tell him to stop feeling remorse about his deeds and that his thoughts should have died along with Duncan. She says if he cannot change it, he should not overthink it. It is seen in this passage that Lady Macbeth herself symbolizes those in the world who have no regret. She represents those who are willing to execute terrible deeds to get what they want. This passage portrays the reappearing theme of the different ways to respond to remorse. Macbeth is haunted by his evil actions, while Lady Macbeth remains driven and confident. I thought this particular quote was significant because it clearly depicts one of the major themes in the play.
Questions:
1. In the play, birds are used constantly to describe various things. Why do you think Shakespeare chooses to use birds and what do you think they represent?
2. Does anyone think that Lady Macbeth’s character is going undergo a change once she realizes her husband’s plan to murder someone else? Or will she remain just as deceitful and poised as before?
I think Shakespeare chooses birds for several reasons. The first is that it reflects upon the time period at which this play was written, as owl shrieks were considered inauspicious. Throughout the play, royalty is often heralded by sennets and alarums of trumpets. These bird cries may herald death and evil deeds of people in much the same way. Birds are also consistent with the reoccuring nature motif that arises when describing something as unnatural as murder. Finally, bird cries add great auditory effects to the ominous setting that Shakespeare creates.
DeleteIn response to your second question, I think Lady Macbeth's conscience may well start to bother her as Macbeth's conscience sometimes bothers him. To what degree her conscience will bother her, I don't know.
Delete“For them, the gracious Duncan have I murder’d.. (3:1, 67)”
ReplyDeleteThis line, spoken in Macbeth’s soliloquy, though short in length holds bigger meanings. This shows a major character change in Macbeth. He fully admits Duncan’s murder, using direct language and throwing blame directly onto himself. As discussed in one of our previous blog posts, Macbeth avoids using words that show direct intent to kill, because he wants to shield his conscience from what he was planning to do (murder Duncan). At this point in the play, Macbeth still had morals, however unstable they may have been. Now, his morals seem to be nonexistent. Not only is he no longer shielding himself from his past crimes, but planning another. The fact that Macbeth will go as far as to murder trusty Banquo, and fully admit to regicide, shows just how far he has changed, and the complete downfall of his conscience.
Questions:
1. Since Macbeth is trying to eliminate his involvement in Duncan's murder by killing Banquo, will he now have to kill the murderers he hired?
2. Are Duncan's sons still trying to figure out who killed him? Im a bit confused as to what their roles are at this moment.
If he does wade in blood like the video we watched suggested, I wouldn't be surprised if he kills anyone that had anything to do with the murders. It's kind of like how the slaves who dug Genghis Khan's grave were killed, and then the soldiers who killed the slaves were killed.
DeleteI think Duncan's sons suspect Macbeth because they immediately leave the castle to keep themselves safe. If they thought the servants killed their father, they would have stayed to mourn. I'm not sure they think that the murderer is Macbeth but they probably know he had something to do with it.
DeleteI don't think that Macbeth will have to kill the murderers because they are also guilty of committing a crime, so they won't want to turn themselves in by telling anyone about Macbeth.
DeleteNow that the sons are the prime suspects of killing their father, they probably are more concerned with keeping their name clean.
Quote;
ReplyDelete“O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!”
Act 3 Scene 2 Line 37
I feel that Macbeth believes that the situation with killing Duncan is not yet complete because there is still threats will his place at the throne that must be eliminated. I feel that Macbeth will not have his mind cleared until he is sure that his position as king is secure and that no one will be a threat to him and he can move on.
Questions:
1) What is going to happen to Fleance?
2) Where did the Murderers come from and did Fleance see them murder
Banquo?
I strongly suspect that since this play is a tragedy that Fleance will play a big roll in the ultimate downfall of Macbeth.
Delete“Thou hast it now—king, Cawdor, Glamis, all
ReplyDeleteAs the Weïrd Women promised, and I fear
Thou played’st most foully for ’t. Yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings.” (3.1. 1-6)
Banquo says this in his soliloquy in the beginning of act 3. In saying this, Banquo demonstrates his suspicion in Macbeth and the way he became king as the only person who heard the witches’ promise to Macbeth with him. The second half of the quote shows how alluring the idea of king is; if what the witches told Macbeth was true, what they told Banquo must also be true. Banquo’s suspicion leads Macbeth to fear him and have him killed, adding to the list of deaths at his hand. This quote and the resulting murder demonstrate and advance the theme of ambition causing destruction as Macbeth continues to kill in order to ensure his throne. I chose this quote because it signals a big turning point for Macbeth. Before, he had killed the king, but was immediately regretful. After Macbeth orders for Banquo to be assassinated, there is none of the regret that he showed for King Duncan.
Do you think that it’s Macbeth’s own evil that causes him to kill people to become king or is it the witches’ fault for planting the evil into his mind? Was he already a bad guy before the battle?
Why do you think Macbeth showed so much regret after killing King Duncan but almost none after ordering his friend to be killed?
To answer your first question, I think it is the witches fault because looking at some of the first scenes, Macbeth speaks highly of his king, but after the witches give him the two predictions, his demeanor darkens. As the play goes on though, I think it becomes Macbeth's own evil because he begins to murder people who have any chance at the throne.
Delete"Naught’s had, all’s spent,
ReplyDeleteWhere our desire is got without content.
'Tis safer to be that which we destroy
Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy."
This quote from Lady Macbeth reflects how guilty she feels about murdering King Duncan. She received what she wanted, but it didn't make her happy like she thought it would. Lady Macbeth regrets what she has done because now she lives with the terrible deed on her conscience. As the last two line say, "Tis safer to be that which we destroy than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy," she rather be killed than be the killer who is tormented with shame. This is a huge turning point for Lady Macbeth because she was behind the murder of Duncan and convinced Macbeth to kill him, but she is riddled with guilt unlike her husband.
Questions:
1. Do you blame Lady Macbeth for Macbeth turning into a murderer (the killing of Banquo especially)? I thought it could be taken either way because Macbeth plans to kill Banquo without his wife's consent.
2. Do you think Macbeth hired the murderers because he didn't want "blood on his hands" or because he didn't think he could kill both Banquo and his son?
“Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, Till thou applaud the deed. COme, seeling night, Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day; And with thy bloody and invisible hand Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond Which keeps me pale. Light thickness, and the crow Makes wing to the rooky wood. Good things of day begin to droop and drowse, While night’s black agent to their preys do rouse. Thou marvel’st at my words, but hold thee still. Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill. So, prithee go with me.” (Macbeth Act. 3 Sc. 2 45-55)
ReplyDeleteThe second last to line is saying that two wrongs will make a right and that bad things make you do bad more bad things. That is because he killed King Duncan and now is planning to kill Banquo. Which is making him do what he already has regretted doing.
Questions:
What message is Shakespeare trying to tell the reader when talking about birds?
Why is Macbeth thinking of killing more people after his experience with King Duncan?
“Duncan is in his grave;
ReplyDeleteAfter life's fitful fever he sleeps well;
Treason has done his worst: nor steel, nor poison,
Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing,
Can touch him further.” Act 3 scene 2 line 22-26
Macbeth is shown here envying Duncan. Macbeth envies Duncan because he is dead, and Macbeth would rather be dead than have to deal with the pains of the life he is leading now. It seems that he regrets becoming king, and the weight of the crown on his head still does not fulfill him.
Questions
1. If Macbeth at this point could have went back in time and not killed Duncan, would he?
2. Why is Macbeth not fulfilled after becoming king? And if it was the guilt of killing Duncan, why is it so hard to put that aside?
"We have scorch'd the snake, not kill'd it; She'll close, and be herself, whilst our poor malice remains in danger of her former tooth." (Macbeth, Act 3 Scene 2 Lines 13-15)
ReplyDeleteThis quote demonstrates Macbeth's accelerating decline into amorality and paranoia. He is convinced that the threat Banquo poses to him is too great to let the man live. As far as Macbeth is concerned, it is still very possible that he will be found out, and he must take even more measures to ensure that this does not happen. Macbeth's increasing paranoia, and decreasing qualms about what he is doing, are evident.
Questions:
1. Does Macbeth simply see Banquo's death as a necessity, or does he feel remorse about murdering his friend?
2. Is Macbeth's paranoia simply a natural response to the situation he is in, or he he going mad?
"We have scorch'd the snake, not kill'd it; She'll close, and be herself, whilst our poor malice remains in danger of her former tooth." (Macbeth, Act 3 Scene 2 Lines 13-15)
ReplyDeleteThis quote demonstrates Macbeth's accelerating decline into amorality and paranoia. He is convinced that the threat Banquo poses to him is too great to let the man live. As far as Macbeth is concerned, it is still very possible that he will be found out, and he must take even more measures to ensure that this does not happen. Macbeth's increasing paranoia, and decreasing qualms about what he is doing, are evident.
Questions:
1. Does Macbeth simply see Banquo's death as a necessity, or does he feel remorse about murdering his friend?
2. Is Macbeth's paranoia simply a natural response to the situation he is in, or he he going mad?