Macbeth Act 1 Scene 5,6,7

Scene 5

11, 12    What further insight does Lady Macbeth’s speech provide into the character of Macbeth? What impression does the audience have of Lady Macbeth in this scene? How does Shakespeare create this impression (here examine his use of imagery and diction).

 Look carefully at the imagery and diction used to describe Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy suggests character description for both her and Macbeth. It best shows her ambition and determination to make Macbeth the king of Cumberland. With her imagery to king shown by “All that impedes thee from the golden round Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem To have thee crowned withal,” with the use of word ‘golden round’ and ‘crown’; it suggests her eagerness to aid Macbeth with anything to make him the king. Another imagery that is created is gruesome and creates fear to her. Throughout this soliloquy her enthusiasm is emphasized, but on the second soliloquy of this scene, when she mentions “unsex me” the idea is further highlighted since she is even letting her feminine side away. It is strongly suggested to the audience that nothing will stop her from making Macbeth the king.

In contrast to the strong impression of Lady Macbeth; Macbeth is described to be more of a benign character, who is too afraid to act on his own. “What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature. It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way” suggests that Macbeth is to humane to commit murder. However dictions such as ‘highly’, ‘holily’, and ‘great’ shows that Lady Macbeth looks up to Macbeth and considers him to be respectable.

Scene 6

13.       How does Shakespeare position the audience to view King Duncan?

King Duncan is described to be a respectable person. He seems to be a nice, good king for Cumberland. “See, see, our honored hostess! The love that follows us sometime is our trouble, Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you How you shall bid God 'ild us for your pains, And thank us for your trouble” shows his kindness and cordialness. Although he is of high position, he still honors other people and thanks their actions.

14.        Explain the dramatic irony in the scene and how Shakespeare achieves this.

The dramatic irony achieved through this scene is mainly how King Duncan is very eager to get into the house of his murderer. He thanks the hostess and honours them with high appraisals such as ‘Which still we thank of love,” and “And thank us for your trouble,” However this creates a dramatic irony in which it contrasts to Macbeth’s soliloquy in scene 7 where he constantly thinks about murdering Duncan and also contrasts to Macbeth’s conversation with Lady Macbeth where she constantly reassures him that murdering will be the right choice.

Scene 7

15.        What reasons does Macbeth give for not killing the king (12 – 20, 33 – 37) If it were done . . . on the other.”  And “We will proceed . . .so soon”.

First of all he mentions that the king already trusts him as he is the king’s kinsman and service, but also a host. Also Duncan is a good and humble king so there is no reason to kill him. Moreover Duncan has granted Macbeth with honor as he was titled the Thane of Cawdor. Lastly he mentions that he enjoys his reputation at the moment and does not want to do anything to harm it.

16.        How does Macbeth describe himself in lines 25 – 28 “I have no spur . . .on the other”?

Macbeth describes himself to have ambitions and temptations. His eagerness to carry out the prophecy is motivated by his ambitions and temptations; and it is so great that even he doubts about his actions. The overzealous ambition derives himself to be self-conscious and rethink the idea of murder.

17.        Examine the dialogue between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. How does Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to go through with the murder? What role does she play in the murder of Duncan? How do you feel about her at this point in the play?

Lady Macbeth is the trigger in the murder of Duncan. She makes sure that Macbeth does not feel condemned to murder Duncan and reassures him that his actions are just. She persuades Macbeth by 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?), belittling him (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.), but also giving courage to him and reassuring him that the blame will not be on him. Personally I feel like she has become the ultimate evil and she is blinded by her motivations, that she cannot disguise the right and the wrong. She seems extremely fanatical.