Macbeth

1. Macbeth William Shakespeare

2. Act One Key Points and questions

3. Act One Scene I: Key Points • Act One Scene I is short but establishes the threatening and sinister atmosphere of the play. • The extent of the witches’ powers are determined as it is shown they can control the elements at will: “When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightning or rain?” • Their ominous chant: “Fair is foul and foul is fair” sets the tone for the play – the battle between good and evil and appearance versus reality. • The witches are servants of evil. This is further established by the reference to the grey cat of the first witch and the toad of the second, creatures commonly associated with witchcraft.

4. Act One Scene II: Key Points • The disturbed atmosphere of the first scene is carried into Scene II with a description of battle, bloodshed and treachery. • Three separate battles are referred to in the scene, both internal and external conflict. The sergeant testifies to Macbeth’s fearlessness and success in battle, he is presented as the saviour of Scotland. • Duncan echoes the witches’ phrase “lost and won” when he says: “What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won” This makes us wonder again about the witches’ connection to Macbeth.

5. Duncan: Act One Scene II • Duncan seems quite ineffectual as a king. He is not with his army, but waiting to hear a report. There are a number of rebellions breaking out in Scotland and he seems unable to control them. • However, he is very generous in his praise of the bravery of Macbeth and clearly appreciates all Macbeth’s efforts. • “O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!”

6. Macbeth: Act One Scene II A Fearless Warrior: • Though we do not meet Macbeth in this scene, our first impression of him is of a loyal, courageous and much respected soldier. • The captain uses personification to describe his bravery, calling him Valour’s “minion”. He is also described as “brave Macbeth” and “Bellona’s bridegroom”. • Macbeth also comes across as resolute and determined. He ignores how luck appears to be on the side of McDonald and fights until the tide turns, exhibiting extraordinary ferocity on the battlefield.

7. Banquo: Act One Scene II • Banquo, like Macbeth, is unperturbed by the Norwegian assault and also explodes into action, resembling a cannon overloaded with gun-powder. • Banquo is a commander who rivals Macbeth in terms of courage, resolve, military skill and ferocity.

8. Act One Scene III: Key Points • Scene III connects the witches with Macbeth. Their malicious intentions are made clear by the promise of vengeance on an innocent sailor. • As Macbeth approaches they speak of “the charm” being “wound up” suggesting a plot has been hatched. Macbeth also unconsciously echoes the words of the witches when he says to Banquo: “So foul and fair a day I have not seen”. • When the three prophecies are given, Banquo cannot understand why Macbeth should start “… and seem to fear / Things that do sound so fair?”. Why does he react fearfully? Is he already afraid of guilty thoughts? His silence seems significant: “…he seems rapt withal”.

9. Act One Scene III: Key Points • Banquo on the other hand deals with the witches with perfect composure: “Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear Your favours nor your hate”. • When Macbeth discovers he has been made Thane of Cawdor he immediately considers it an indication of that he will become king. Macbeth’s soliloquy shows that the witches have touched on a deep wish and ambition, “the imperial theme”. This aside marks the beginning of Macbeth’s guilt. Already he is struggling to control his treacherous thoughts: “My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical / Shakes so my single state of man”. • Macbeth proposes that he and Banquo think about the day’s events and then “let us speak / Our free hearts”. Yet neither Macbeth nor Banquo speak freely to each other after this. Macbeth disguises his ambition and Banquo disguises his suspicions.

10. Macbeth: Act One Scene III Burning Ambition: • In Scene III we see some of the temptations, fears and inner struggle of Macbeth. He “starts” therefore he recognises the evil temptation. From the moment the witches greet him, we see ambition at work in Macbeth’s mind: “The greatest is behind”. It is clear he has already entertained thoughts of the kingship and possibly has even considered murdering his way to power. • This explains Macbeth’s extreme reaction to the witches’ prophecies, why he responds to their “fair” predictions with fear and alarm. The witches’ words touch on his darkest and most private desires and temptations. • His ambition is obvious in his desire to learn more about the witches: “stay you imperfect speakers, tell me more …”

11. Macbeth: Act One Scene III Burning Ambition: • Having established that he is Thane of Cawdor, he immediately thinks of murder. At first it is “horrible imaginings”, to be pushed aside in the hope he will become king through chance but Macbeth knows he is guilty in thought. • However, he is not a natural-born murderer and the thought of murdering Duncan and seizing the throne makes him deeply uncomfortable and almost brings on a panic attack. For the moment then, he decides to wait and let events run their course but his desire to be king is very obvious. • Yet Macbeth is shrewd enough to pretend disinterest in the prophecy of the witches. He constantly diverts his interest to Banquo’s destiny: “Your children shall be kings”.

12. Banquo: Act One Scene III • In Act One Scene II Banquo was described as equally brave as Macbeth in battle. His importance as a character is the fact that he is exposed to the same temptations as Macbeth. • He is puzzled by Macbeth’s reaction to the witches (“why do you start”) and unlike Macbeth, is not “rapt” but calm and purposeful. • Banquo recognises the witches as “instruments of darkness” and warns Macbeth of the danger of dwelling on the prophecy. He reminds Macbeth that the witches could betray him “in deepest consequence”. • He appears to have little interest in meeting the witches again and does not entertain guilty thoughts. His innocence offsets Macbeth’s guilt.

13. Act One Scene IV: Key Points • Scene IV highlights the theme of treachery. Duncan talks about the betrayal of trust of the Thane of Cawdor, but the new Thane of Cawdor also has treachery in his heart. • Duncan’s comment that “There’s no art / To find the mind’s construction in the face” is a clear example of dramatic irony. Just as he states how impossible it is to judge a man’s character from his appearance, Macbeth enters. • Duncan declares “I have begun to plant thee” but does not realise that by sowing the seeds of Macbeth’s greatness, he is in nurturing his burning ambitions.

14. Act One Scene IV: Key Points • Duncan makes the unexpected announcement that his son Malcolm is to receive the title of Prince of Cumberland, making him heir to the throne. Macbeth quickly sees this as an obstacle to his ambition: “… That is a step On which I must fall down, or else o’er-leap, For in my way it lies.” • This is crucial to the development of the play as it is now highly unlikely that Macbeth will be crowned by chance, giving Macbeth a motive for murder.

15. Duncan: Act One Scene IV • King Duncan is not a good judge of character. At the very moment that he expresses the need of being on guard even with those with whom one has deep trust, he welcomes Macbeth with almost exaggerated gratitude: “O worthiest cousin”. • In spite of this, it is obvious that he possess qualities of innocence, grace and courtesy. He is generous in his praise of others and his inability to judge people is an indication of his trusting nature.

16. Macbeth: Act One Scene IV Burning Ambition: • Though he acts the part of the perfect, loyal subject and kinsman of the king, in this scene we get a clear sense of how much Macbeth wants to be king. • It is important to note that his ambition does not stem from his encounter with the witches – this is something he has thought about and desired long before he met them. They have ,however, focused his mind on this desire. • His immediate reaction to the naming of Malcolm as successor to the throne is: “… in my way it lies”. He recognises his “black and deep desires” but wants to hide them. He is conflict over his desire to be king and the means by which he is to achieve this desire.

17. Act One Scene V: Key Points • The news of Macbeth’s meeting with the witches is of such significance that he cannot wait until his return to tell Lady Macbeth and sends a letter in advance of his arrival. • It is clear from the letter that Macbeth is in no doubt that the third prophecy will be fulfilled: “that though mightest not lose the dues of rejoicing / by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee”. • While Lady Macbeth ponders her husband’s character, a messenger arrives with the news that Duncan will stay in their castle. She realises instantly the opportunity handed to them: “I feel now / The future in the instant”.

18. Act One Scene V: Key Points • She is determined to have the strength to realise his ambition and calls on dark powers to help her in this determination. Though Macbeth answers his wife non-commitedly, Lady Macbeth emphatically declares that Duncan must die. Macbeth neither agrees nor disagrees, saying simply: “We will speak further”. • What is obvious in this scene is the close relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. She is obviously aware of his ambitions to be king and knows his character well. Macbeth too is keen to share with his wife all of the details about his encounter with the witches as quickly as possible. He refers to Lady Macbeth as “my dearest partner of greatness” and “my dearest love”.

19. Macbeth: Act One Scene V Ambitious but Honourable: • Lady Macbeth gives us an insight into Macbeth’s character. She points out the contradictions in his mind, which prepares us for his later hesitancies. She knows that he is ambitious but not unscrupulous: “… thou wouldst be great Art not without ambition but without The illness should attend it …” • She knows he desires the crown but would like to remain innocent while attaining it. • His nature according to her is “too full o’ the milk of human kindness”. Macbeth’s virtues, his kindness, essential goodness are viewed negatively by Lady Macbeth, who sees these qualities as obstacles to power. However, these are the qualities that ensure our sympathy for Macbeth.

20. Lady Macbeth: Act One Scene V Determined and Ruthless: • The most evident characteristics of Lady Macbeth at the beginning of the play are her singleness of purpose and her strength of will. She immediately grasps the significance of the witches prophecy: “Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be What thou art promis’d.” • Without hesitation she decides on the murder of Duncan: “The raven himself is hoarse That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan Under my battlements.” • There are no moral or political considerations. Without conscience to stop her, Lady Macbeth can imagine the murder of Duncan quite simply in terms of a deed which must be done.

21. Lady Macbeth: Act One Scene V • Having clearly seen what must be done, Lady Macbeth knows that she will need strength and determination to see it through and so calls on “spirits” to possess her. She doesn’t want a woman’s physical or emotional weakness to deter her. In a shocking prayer which denies her nature as a woman, she asks: “… Unsex me here And fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full Of direst cruelty.” • Her intense ruthlessness is obvious. She is willing to let nothing stand in her way and is not willing to simply wait and see if the witches’ prophecy comes true without aid. • However, it is important not to think of Lady Macbeth as a total unfeeling monster. The very fact that she asks for her feelings of mercy and remorse to be suppressed shows that they exist in the first place.

22. Lady Macbeth: Act One Scene V • In Lady Macbeth’s opinion, Macbeth’s good points are actually his weakness. In this early stage of the play, it is Lady Macbeth who is the dominant force in the marriage. • Though she knows Macbeth is not by nature a cold-blooded killer, Lady Macbeth is confident that she will be able to persuade him to murder Duncan. It is she, not her husband, who initiates the scheme to murder Duncan and she assumes the lead role in the plot to kill the king: “you shall put / This night’s great business into my dispatch …”

23. Act One Scene VI: Key Points • Duncan arrives to what Lady Macbeth calls his “fatal entrance” to their castle. • Lady Macbeth welcomes Duncan with assurances of her loyalty and expressions of gratitude for the honours conferred upon them. She seems able to follow her earlier advice to Macbeth that everything must appear as normal. • Macbeth, on the other hand, does not come to greet Duncan.

24. Duncan: Act One Scene VI • Duncan greets Lady Macbeth with elaborate courtesy, confessing his love of his subjects. • He acknowledges that though this can be tiring, he never doubts his love for his subjects and acknowledges that this visit to Macbeth comes from his loving regard. • Duncan is shown to be a good and caring king.

25. Lady Macbeth: Act One Scene VI Lady Macbeth is able to follow the advice she gave Macbeth to “look up clear”. Without any concerns she receives Duncan, heaping courtesies and gratitude on his head: “All our service In every point twice done, and then done double” • Her show of welcomes reveals her composure. Though she is planning a terrible crime, she plays the role of humble hostess and Duncan’s loyal subject convincingly. • She vowed that Duncan would die within her battlements, but as she leads him to his potential doom he suspects nothing: “Give me your hand; / Conduct me to mine host”.

26. Act One Scene VII: Key Points • Scene VII deals with Macbeth’s indecision and is the most crucial scene of Act One. Macbeth is obviously uneasy in the presence of Duncan and leaves the banquet to consider the risks and consequences of the plot. • Macbeth considers what may happen after the crime. He seems willing to sacrifice the afterlife but is most afraid of revenge and retribution in this life. He recognises that his crime would be a violation of all the laws of kinship and hospitality. • He also understands that Duncan’s subjects hold him in high regard and he would be condemned if the murder was exposed. His conscience reminds him that there is nothing to justify the crime. Duncan is a good man, it is only Macbeth’s “vaulting ambition”that prompts him to act.

27. Act One Scene VII: Key Points • When Lady Macbeth interrupts these thoughts Macbeth seems to make up his mind, stating firmly, “We will proceed no further in this business.” • She accuses him of not knowing his own mind, questions his courage and manhood and ridicules him asking, “Was the hope drunk, / Wherein you dress’d yourself?” • In her attempt to show Macbeth the severity of his promise to her, Lady Macbeth tells him if she had made such a vow she would have killed the baby at her breast rather than break her oath. Her passion and forcefulness causes Macbeth to falter and his next question focuses on the consequences rather than the morality of the act itself.

28. Act One Scene VII: Key Points • Faced with his wife’s determination and scorn, particularly when Lady Macbeth points out how easily the murder can be accomplished, he agrees – “I am settled”. • However, the fact that he has to: “bend up Each corporal agent to this terrible feat” shows the strain of the decision.

29. Duncan: Act One Scene VII • In this scene Macbeth cites Duncan’s qualities and virtues. As a king Duncan has exercised his power meekly, with humility and gentleness. Macbeth must admit that his rule has been above criticism: “… this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office …” • The fact that Duncan is a kindly king makes Macbeth’s plans even more treacherous.

30. Macbeth: Act One Scene VII Conflicted: • Macbeth wishes the action could be over and done with, and wishes he could act without having to face the consequences. He maintains he is not worried about “the life to come” but this life where “even-handed Justice” could strike him down. • Though he is conflicted, he is very much concerned here with himself rather than Duncan. He is preoccupied with the possibility of retribution and with his reputation as one who has “bought / Golden opinions from all sorts of people”. • He moves from the fear of personal retribution to the argument of moral responsibility, his duty as Duncan’s subject. The full implications of what is thinking about doing dawn on him, images take shape in his mind and he has an intense awareness of the enormity of the murder.

31. Macbeth: Act One Scene VII Conflicted: • It is Macbeth’s sense of guilt, not cowardice, which causes him to change his mind so many times. • What is emphasised through Act One, is how difficult it is to get him to come to terms with the evil he is contemplating. He starts, he hesitates, he contemplates, he hopes in chance, he decides against murder, but then changes his mind. Further disturbed by doubts he changes his mind again and refuses to commit murder: “We will proceed no further in this business”. • This scene emphasise that Macbeth is not simply a cold-hearted killer, he struggles with the weight of the decision.

32. Lady Macbeth: Act One Scene VII • In Scene V Lady Macbeth knew that she would have to “chastise with the valour of my tongue”. In this scene she indeed chastises Macbeth with such scorn that his defence against her taunts are hopelessly inadequate. Swayed by the force of her arguments, the wavering Macbeth is dominated . • Her conscience as Duncan’s hostess does not seem to bother her and so she cannot understand Macbeth’s crisis of conscience. She misinterprets his conscience and guilt as cowardice. • Lady Macbeth reveals herself as a master manipulator. She knows her husband and is capable of pressing his buttons. When Macbeth tries to defend his position, his wife cuttingly replies: “When you durst do it, then you were a man”. She gets under skin suggesting he is all talk

33. Lady Macbeth: Act One Scene VII • She compares Macbeth to a ‘scaredy-cat’ and skilfully appeals to his sense of manliness. For Macbeth, she says, will only be a real man when he kills Duncan and claims the throne. • She also convinces Macbeth that if he fails to act on this opportunity to seize the crown, he’ll regret it for the rest of his days: “And live a coward in your own esteem”. • Faced with her husband’s hesitation, Lady Macbeth is the one to plan the murder. To her the plan is simple. She ignores the reality of the murder itself, its effect on Macbeth and the inevitable suspicions which must be aroused. Instead she declares that Macbeth must “screw [his] courage to the sticking-place” • Unlike Macbeth, Lady Macbeth shows no scruples before the murder, she entertains no thought of failure. Her “undaunted mettle” wins her the admiration and confidence of her husband.

34. The Macbeths, it seems, once had a little boy, who presumably died as a child. Lady Macbeth recalls breastfeeding the infant and the “tender” this provoked within her: “I have given suck, and know / Tender ‘tis to love the babe that milks me”. She imagines this child “smiling” up at her while it nurses and she imagines bashing his brains out. This is a shockingly violent and unnatural act. But it’s one Lady Macbeth claims she would do before backing out of the plan as Macbeth has. Does she mean it? Or is she just trying to convince Macbeth?

35. Act One: Revision Quiz • www.kahoot.it

36. Act One Questions • Act One Scene I is very short. Would it have made any difference if it had been omitted altogether? Give reasons for your answer. • In Act One Scene II we hear of Macbeth for the second time but he does not yet appear. Why do you think Shakespeare introduces the character in this manner? • What is your impression of Macbeth from Scene I and Scene II? • What evidence is there in Scene III that suggest Macbeth is an ambitious individual? • Contrast the behaviour of Macbeth and Banquo in Scene III. • What is your impression of Duncan from Scene IV? • How does Macbeth react to hearing Malcolm named as heir to the throne?

37. Act One Questions • In Scene V Lady Macbeth give further insight into Macbeth’s character. Identify his characteristics as described by his wife? • What is your impression of Lady Macbeth in Scene V? • ‘In Scene VII Macbeth is not concerned with the moral implications of murder but with his own reputation.’ Do you think this statement is true? Give reasons for your answer. • Explain Lady Macbeth’s plan to kill Duncan in your own words. • How does Lady Macbeth convince her husband to continue with their plan? • From your study of Act One, compare and contrast the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

38. Act One: Key Quotes • “Fair is foul and foul is fair” Witches • “O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!” Duncan • “All hail Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter” Witches • “why do you start, and seem to fear / Things that do sound so fair?” Banquo • “The greatest is behind” Macbeth

39. Act One: Key Quotes • “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” Banquo • “why do I yield to that suggestion / Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair” Macbeth • “There’s no art / To find the mind’s construction in the face / He was a gentleman on whom I built / An absolute trust” Duncan

40. Act One: Key Quotes • “That is a step, / On which I must fall down or else o’erleap, / For in my way it lies” Macbeth • “my dearest partner of greatness” Macbeth • “Yet I do fear thy nature; / It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness” Lady Macbeth • “Art not without ambition but without / The illness that should attend it” Lady Macbeth

41. Act One: Key Quotes • “Unsex me here, / And fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full / Of direst cruelty” Lady Macbeth • “I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition” Macbeth • “When you durst do it, then you were a man” Lady Macbeth • “But screw your courage to the sticking-place / And we’ll not fail” Lady Macbeth

42. Act two: key points and questions

43. Act Two Scene I: key points • There is an atmosphere of uneasiness as Banquo and Fleance comment on the total darkness of the night: “The moon is down”. • Banquo raises the subject of the witches, telling Macbeth that he dreamt of them and remarks on the truth of one of the prophecies. Macbeth immediately lies, saying “I think not of them …”. • When Macbeth is alone a vision of a dagger covered in blood appears to him. It is an hallucination caused by his horror at what he is about to do. The dramatic nature of this scene is very effective. Macbeth’s horror, the darkness, the eerie sense that everyone else is asleep, Macbeth’s fear of the sound of his own footsteps – they all serve to heighten the tension and suspense.

44. Macbeth: Act Two Scene I Conflicted: • Though Macbeth wants to avoid discussing the witches with Banquo, he is shrewd enough to keep him on side and vaguely promises him “honour”. • On the one hand, Macbeth is a fundamentally kind and honourable person. He is aware that what he is planning to do is in act of unmitigated evil. On the other hand is his burning ambition, his overwhelming desire to be king. • When he is alone, Macbeth is overwrought and his fears take visible shape in the vision of the dagger. Macbeth’s struggle with his conscience is embodied in his highly emotions state.

45. Macbeth: Act Two Scene I Conflicted: • Macbeth’s sensitivity to the horror of the deed is conveyed in his poetic speech. He imagines half the world in darkness, experiencing wicked dreams, he hears the cry of the wolf and guiltily fears even the sound of his own footsteps. • There is also a sense in which Macbeth tries to distance himself from his own actions. The dagger appears to be leading him towards Duncan’s chamber, as though forces beyond his control were forcing him to commit this terrible crime. It’s as if the dagger is possessing him, making him feel less responsible for his own actions.

46. Banquo: Act Two Scene I • In this scene Banquo is troubled and edgy. Like Macbeth, Banquo no longer seems to sleep the sleep of the innocent. He has obviously been struggling with temptation, telling Macbeth “I dreamt of the three Weird Sisters”. • However, even contemplating the prospect makes Banquo uneasy and he openly admits his temptations whereas Macbeth pretends not to think of them. Banquo fights the temptation, Macbeth gives in to it. • Macbeth makes quite an ambiguous statement to Banquo when he says: “If you shall cleave to my consent, when ‘tis, It shall make honour for you.”

47. Banquo: Act Two Scene I • It would appear that Macbeth is asking Banquo to stand by him and if he does, he will be rewarded. Banquo’s answer shows that he suspects a treasonable proposal but that he has no intention of accepting it: “So I lose none In seeking to augment it, but still keep My bosom franchis’d and allegiance clear I shall be counsell’d.” • Banquo is essentially honourable and wishes to keep his conscience clear and his loyalty intact.

48. Act Two Scene II: key points • Lady Macbeth awaits her husband’s return from Duncan’s chamber and her nervousness is obvious. Macbeth returns and strain, fear and tension is shown in their tense exchange of fearful questions and abrupt answers. • Macbeth notices the blood on his hands and becomes obsessed with the voices he thought he heard. His speech about sleep shows a clear awareness of the goodness and innocence he has destroyed. Because he has destroyed peaceful sleep his punishment is to “Sleep no more!” • While Macbeth is tortured by his conscience, Lady Macbeth asks matter-of-factly: “Who was it that thus cried?”Macbeth is caught up with his imagination, while Lady Macbeth is very much concerned with the reality. • Macbeth’s terrible sense of guilt is conveyed in the image of his bloody hands turning the green ocean red and he wonders: “Will all great Neptune’s ocean was this blood / Clean from my hand?” Contrary to her husband, Lady Macbeth believes “A little water clears us of this deed”.

49. Macbeth: Act Two Scene II Guilty Conscience: • Macbeth is in a trance-like state after the murder, He becomes overwrought by his bloody hands, the evidence of his guilt. He is deeply troubled in not being able to answer “Amen” to the cry of one of the half-waking grooms. • His conscience is embodied in the voice he imagines crying out: Macbeth shall sleep no more!” • His thoughts about sleep show a deep sense of guilt, regret and recognition that his life has changed irrevocably.

50. Macbeth: Act Two Scene II Guilty Conscience: • In the grip of his conscience Macbeth cannot think rationally or act practically. His mistake in carrying away the daggers is a serious loss in self-control and his point blank refusal to return them shows a total loss of nerve. • Macbeth is obsessed with the horror of the murder and seems oblivious of the danger of immediate discovery. While Lady Macbeth is facing reality, Macbeth is wishing the deed undone: “Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst”