Macbeth

Summary: Act 1, scene 1

Thunder and lightning crash above a Scottish moor. Three haggard old women, the witches,
appear out of the storm. In eerie, chanting tones, they make plans to meet again upon the heath,
after the battle, to confront Macbeth. As quickly as they arrive, they disappear.

Summary: Act 1, scene 2

At a military camp near his palace at Forres, King Duncan of Scotland asks a wounded captain
for news about the Scots battle with the Irish invaders, who are led by the rebel Macdonwald.
The captain, who was wounded helping Duncans son Malcolm escape capture by the Irish,
replies that the Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo fought with great courage and violence.
The captain then describes for Duncan how Macbeth slew the traitorous Macdonwald. As the
captain is carried off to have his wounds attended to, the thane of Ross, a Scottish nobleman,
enters and tells the king that the traitorous thane of Cawdor has been defeated and the army of
Norway repelled. Duncan decrees that the thane of Cawdor be put to death and that Macbeth, the
hero of the victorious army, be given Cawdors title. Ross leaves to deliver the news to Macbeth.

Summary: Act 1, scene 3

On the heath near the battlefield, thunder rolls and the three witches appear. One says that she
has just come from [k]illing swine and another describes the revenge she has planned upon a
sailor whose wife refused to share her chestnuts. Suddenly a drum beats, and the third witch cries
that Macbeth is coming. Macbeth and Banquo, on their way to the kings court at Forres, come
upon the witches and shrink in horror at the sight of the old women. Banquo asks whether they
are mortal, noting that they dont seem to be inhabitants o th earth (1.3.39). He also wonders
whether they are really women, since they seem to have beards like men. The witches hail
Macbeth as thane of Glamis (his original title) and as thane of Cawdor. Macbeth is baffled by
this second title, as he has not yet heard of King Duncans decision. The witches also declare that
Macbeth will be king one day. Stunned and intrigued, Macbeth presses the witches for more
information, but they have turned their attention to Banquo, speaking in yet more riddles. They
call Banquo lesser than Macbeth, and greater, and not so happy, yet much happier; then they
tell him that he will never be king but that his children will sit upon the throne (1.3.6365).
Macbeth implores the witches to explain what they meant by calling him thane of Cawdor, but
they vanish into thin air.

In disbelief, Macbeth and Banquo discuss the strange encounter. Macbeth fixates on the details
of the prophecy. Your children shall be kings, he says to his friend, to which Banquo responds:
You shall be king (1.3.84). Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Ross and Angus,
who have come to convey them to the king. Ross tells Macbeth that the king has made him thane
of Cawdor, as the former thane is to be executed for treason. Macbeth, amazed that the witches
prophecy has come true, asks Banquo if he hopes his children will be kings. Banquo replies that
devils often tell half-truths in order to win us to our harm (1.3.121). Macbeth ignores his
companions and speaks to himself, ruminating upon the possibility that he might one day be
king. He wonders whether the reign will simply fall to him or whether he will have to perform a
dark deed in order to gain the crown. At last he shakes himself from his reverie and the group
departs for Forres. As they leave, Macbeth whispers to Banquo that, at a later time, he would like
to speak to him privately about what has transpired.

Summary: Act 1, scene 4

At the kings palace, Duncan hears reports of Cawdors execution from his son Malcolm, who
says that Cawdor died nobly, confessing freely and repenting of his crimes. Macbeth and Banquo
enter with Ross and Angus. Duncan thanks the two generals profusely for their heroism in the
battle, and they profess their loyalty and gratitude toward Duncan. Duncan announces his
intention to name Malcolm the heir to his throne. Macbeth declares his joy but notes to himself
that Malcolm now stands between him and the crown. Plans are made for Duncan to dine at
Macbeths castle that evening, and Macbeth goes on ahead of the royal party to inform his wife
of the kings impending arrival.

Summary: Act 1, scene 5

. . . 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.

In Inverness, Macbeths castle, Lady Macbeth reads to herself a letter she has received from
Macbeth. The letter announces Macbeths promotion to the thaneship of Cawdor and details his
meeting with the witches. Lady Macbeth murmurs that she knows Macbeth is ambitious, but
fears he is too full of th milk of human kindness to take the steps necessary to make himself
king (1.5.15). She resolves to convince her husband to do whatever is required to seize the
crown. A messenger enters and informs Lady Macbeth that the king rides toward the castle, and
that Macbeth is on his way as well. As she awaits her husbands arrival, she delivers a famous
speech in which she begs, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, / And fill
me from the crown to the toe top-full / Of direst cruelty (1.5.3841). She resolves to put her
natural femininity aside so that she can do the bloody deeds necessary to seize the crown.
Macbeth enters, and he and his wife discuss the kings forthcoming visit. Macbeth tells his wife
that Duncan plans to depart the next day, but Lady Macbeth declares that the king will never see
tomorrow. She tells her husband to have patience and to leave the plan to her.

Summary: Act 1, scene 6

Duncan, the Scottish lords, and their attendants arrive outside Macbeths castle. Duncan praises
the castles pleasant environment, and he thanks Lady Macbeth, who has emerged to greet him,
for her hospitality. She replies that it is her duty to be hospitable since she and her husband owe
so much to their king. Duncan then asks to be taken inside to Macbeth, whom he professes to
love dearly.

Summary: Act 1, scene 7

If it were done when tis done, then twere well

It were done quickly . . .
...
. . . Hes 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.

Inside the castle, as oboes play and servants set a table for the evenings feast, Macbeth paces by
himself, pondering his idea of assassinating Duncan. He says that the deed would be easy if he
could be certain that it would not set in motion a series of terrible consequences. He declares his
willingness to risk eternal damnation but realizes that even on earth, bloody actions return / To
plague thinventor (1.7.910). He then considers the reasons why he ought not to kill Duncan:
Macbeth is Duncans kinsman, subject, and host; moreover, the king is universally admired as a
virtuous ruler. Macbeth notes that these circumstances offer him nothing that he can use to
motivate himself. He faces the fact that there is no reason to kill the king other than his own
ambition, which he realizes is an unreliable guide.

Lady Macbeth enters and tells her husband that the king has dined and that he has been asking
for Macbeth. Macbeth declares that he no longer intends to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth,
outraged, calls him a coward and questions his manhood: When you durst do it, she says, then
you were a man (1.7.49). He asks her what will happen if they fail; she promises that as long as
they are bold, they will be successful. Then she tells him her plan: while Duncan sleeps, she will
give his chamberlains wine to make them drunk, and then she and Macbeth can slip in and
murder Duncan. They will smear the blood of Duncan on the sleeping chamberlains to cast the
guilt upon them. Astonished at the brilliance and daring of her plan, Macbeth tells his wife that
her undaunted mettle makes him hope that she will only give birth to male children (1.7.73).
He then agrees to proceed with the murder.

Act I, Scene I
Vocabulary
hurlyburly turmoil
ere before
heath a tract of open land with sparse vegetation
anon soon
1. When are the witches planning to meet again and for what purpose?
They are going to meet on the heath after the battle is over in order to speak
with Macbeth.
2. Describe the setting of this scene. How might it be signifi cant considering
this is the fi rst
scene of the play? What sort of mood does it create?
The witches are meeting in an open plain during a thunder and lightning
storm in this scene.
Beginning the play with such a bleak and stormy setting may be meant to
foreshadow turmoil
and diffi culties in the rest of the story. The weather and setting create a
dark, foreboding
mood for the play.
3. The witches say together, Fair is foul, and foul is fair. This is one of the
most famous
lines in Macbeth. What do you think it means?
This line can be interpreted in a number of ways: It refers to the weather. It
could suggest that
things are not as they appear. It indicates that the natural order of things is
disturbed and
disrupted. It could also mean that what seems good, or fair, is not and vice
versa.
T-2
Act I, Scene II
Vocabulary
broil battle
spent exhausted
villainies mercenaries
kerns footsoldiers
gallowglasses armed horsemen
minion a servant
unseamd cut open
nave the navel
chaps a persons jaws
skipping fl eeing
furbishd shining
sooth truth
fl out mock
point swordpoint
lavish wild
composition a truce
deign offer
1. What does the Sergeant specifi cally report about Macbeth? What does
this news reveal
to you about Macbeths character?
Macbeth has killed an enemy, Macdonwald, in a particularly gruesome way;
he cut him open
from navel to jaw and then cut off his head and fi xed it on a stick. This news
demonstrates
that Macbeth is a courageous and fearsome fi ghter.
2. What is Macbeths relationship to King Duncan?
Duncan refers to him as cousin, which suggests they are kinsmen.
3. Who had Macbeth and Banquo been fi ghting?
They were fi ghting the Norwegians, who were helped by the Thane of
Cawdor.
T-3
4. The Sergeant uses many similes to describe the battle. Identify two.
Answers may vary. Examples:
Doubtful it stood,/As two spent swimmers that do cling together/And choke
their art.
And fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling,/Showd like a rebels whore
Like valors minion carved out his passage
I must report they were/As cannons overcharged with double cracks
5. What does Ross mean when he calls Macbeth Bellonas bridegroom?
Bellona is a Roman goddess of war, and Ross is calling Macbeth her husband.
He means that
Macbeth is a great fi ghter.
6. What does King Duncan instruct Ross to do and why?
Duncan tells Ross to order the immediate execution of the Thane of Cawdor
because Cawdor
has been a traitor to Scotland. Ross is then to tell Macbeth that he, Macbeth,
will take over
the title of the Thane of Cawdor as a reward for valor in battle.
T-4
Act I, Scene III
Vocabulary
aroint be gone
rump-fed fed on rump meat
ronyon a fat woman
sieve a basket
quarters directions
shipmans card compass card
penthouse lid an eyelid
forbid cursed
peak waste away
bark a ship
weird fate-manipulating
posters travelers
aught anything
choppy wrinkled
fantastical imaginary
grace title
having possessions
happy fortunate
get to beget
imperfect unclear
intelligence information
blasted blighted; cursed
corporal physical
reads considers
images methods
post a messenger
earnest pledge
addition title
combined allied
prologues predictions
soliciting temptation
use custom
function every task
surmise speculation
stir effort
strange new
cleave fi t
mould body
favor pardon
registerd written to memory
T-5
1. What does the First Witch plan to do to a sailor and why? What does this
tell you about
the three witches?
The First Witch asked a sailors wife to share chestnuts with her, but the wife
refused. To get
back at the wife, the witch is planning to create a storm that will affect her
husbands ship.
She is also going to torment the sailor by not allowing him to sleep and
making him sick. Her
plan indicates the witches are vindictive, evil creatures, who are not
necessarily to be trusted.
2. When Macbeth says, So foul and fair a day I have not seen, what does
he mean? What
other line of the play does he echo? What could be the dramatic irony of the
line? As
Macbeths fi rst words of the play, how might this line be signifi cant?
Macbeth may be referring to either the bloody battle or the weather as
foul; the day,
however, is fair because of his battleground victory. This line echoes what
the witches say
in Act I, Scene I, Fair is foul, and foul is fair. This line could be dramatic
irony because the
audience knows that although Macbeth has just fought a great battle there is
evil awaiting
him with the witches. As Macbeths fi rst line of the play, the line could
foreshadow the rest of
his experiences during the play.
3. Describe the physical appearance of the Witches.
Macbeth describes them as withered, wild, and unearthly looking. They
appear to be women,
but they have beards.
4. What prophecies do the Witches make regarding Macbeth? How does he
react based on
what Banquo says?
They say that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland.
Banquo describes
Macbeth as looking startled and mesmerized by the prophecies, but also
afraid of them.
5. What metaphor does Banquo use to ask the Witches about his future?
What do the
Witches predict for Banquo? How does this prediction relate to the King of
England at
the time Shakespeare was writing?
Banquo uses a metaphor about seeds and plants to ask the Witches about
his future, saying
If you can look into the seeds of time,/And say which grain will grow and
which will
not,/Speak then to me This comment is the fi rst of a number of plant-
related images
throughout the play. The Witches indicate that, although he wont be a king
himself, Banquo
will be the father of kings and happier than Macbeth. Shakespeares
audience would know
this prophecy to be true because James I of England was thought to be a
descendent of
Banquo.
T-6
6. Shakespeare has the Witches speak in language that is frequently
contradictory. Point
out an example of where that occurs in this scene.
The Witches predictions concerning Banquo are full of contradictions. They
say he shall be
lesser than Macbeth, and greater, and not so happy, yet much happier.
7. How likely does Macbeth think it is that he will become Thane of Cawdor or
King of
Scotland? How is this an example of dramatic irony?
Macbeth believes it is equally unlikely that he will be named either Thane of
Cawdor or
King of Scotland. However, the audience already knows Duncan has ordered
the Thane of
Cawdors execution and that he plans to give Macbeth the title; therefore,
this is an example
of dramatic irony because the audience knows something the character does
not about his
situation.
8. How do Banquo and Macbeth question their experience with the Witches?
They wonder if the Witches were hallucinations caused by something they
ate or if the three
weird sisters were real. They confi rm the details of what the Witches said
to them to make
sure they heard the same thing.
9. What news does Ross bring to Banquo and Macbeth as they are discussing
the
prophecies?
He lets them know that Macbeth is the new Thane of Cawdor.
10. What does Banquo mean when he says, What, can the devil speak
true?
Banquo is surprised that what the Witches said can come true; since Ross
has just given them
information that fulfi lls part of the prophecy, Banquo must be wondering if
the rest of the
prophecy will be realized also.
11. Why does Banquo warn Macbeth about the instruments of darkness?
What type of
literary device is this? How does this comment tie into the fair is foul, foul is
fair
theme?
He warns Macbeth to beware of the instruments of darkness, such as the
witches, because
they win people over by telling of good, unimportant things, only to deceive
us in some
other very important way. Banquos comment is an example of
foreshadowing because
the seemingly positive prophecies do indeed conceal a terrible fate for
Macbeth. Banquos
referring to the witches as instruments of darkness, is also a type of
metaphor, probably
metonymy. In addition, the comment ties in to the fair is foul theme because
what the witches
say seems to be good, but it may conceal something more important that is
bad or foul.
T-7
12. As the others talk, what does Macbeths aside reveal about his thinking?
What does he
fear? How is this moment a signifi cant turning point for Macbeth?
Macbeth is thinking that the Witches were right and the best part of their
prophecy is yet to
come. He wonders if he may become King without having to do anything
else. He also fears
that he may have to do something terrible, such as murder Duncan, in order
to become King.
This moment is a signifi cant turning point for Macbeth because it is the fi rst
time he actually
considers murder to obtain the throne.
13. What is the difference between how Banquo reacts to the fulfi llment of
the fi rst
prophecy and how Macbeth reacts? Why might their reactions be signifi
cant?
Banquo reacts with much more skepticism than Macbeth. He warns Macbeth
that the witches
may have told him something pleasant but insignifi cant only to lead him to
his ultimate
downfall. However, Macbeth immediately begins wondering how and when
the second
prophecy will come true, even imagining how he might bring it about
himself. Banquos
caution and reserve about the prophecies, in opposition to Macbeths
fantasies, are signifi cant
because they demonstrate a difference in their ambitions and moral
character. Macbeth is so
excited by the prospect of becoming king that he may be willing to commit
an evil deed to
make it happen, while Banquo checks his hopes of having his son become
kings by identifying
the possible evil of the prophecies.
14. What common human feeling is Macbeth expressing when he says, My
thought/
Shakes so my single state of man that function/Is smotherd in surmise, and
nothing is/
But what is not? How does the quote relate to the fair is foul theme?
Macbeth is expressing his confusion and indecision. His over-analysis of the
situation leaves
him doubting his every move. He is overwhelmed by his imaginings and is
unsure of what
is real and what is fantasy. Macbeths sentiment that nothing is but what is
not again
highlights the concept that things are not what they appear to be.
T-8
Act I, Scene IV
Vocabulary
liege a ruler; king
studied rehearsed
owed owned
careless worthless
before ahead
wanton unrestrained; lewd
harbinger a messenger
1. How does Malcolm describe Cawdors execution? How does Duncan
respond?
Malcolm says that Cawdor died very gracefully, as if nothing in his life had
ever suited
him so well. Malcolm says that it seemed as if Cawdor had rehearsed for his
own death
because he was able to accept his fate calmly and easily. Duncan responds
by saying how
it is impossible to know a persons character just by looking at his face. He
admits he was
unable to tell that Cawdor would be a traitor. Indeed, Duncan had thought
Cawdor was a
trustworthy gentlemen. Ironically, Macbeth walks in as this moment, another
man whose
loyalty Duncan will misjudge.
2. How does Duncan regard what Macbeth has done for him? What does
Macbeth think
about the services he has provided?
Duncan is grateful and indicates he will never be able to pay Macbeth back.
Macbeth says all
he has done is fulfi ll his duty to protect the king and state, and he deserves
no payment for that.
3. What metaphor does the King use to describe how he will nurture
Macbeth?
Duncan refers to Macbeth as if he is plant, saying he has planted Macbeth
and will work to
make him fl ourish.
4. How does Banquo further this metaphor? What earlier comment do his
words echo?
Banquo continues the plant metaphor by indicating that if Duncan helps him
to grow as well,
he will give the harvest back to the king. Banquos comment echoes his
earlier use of a
plant-related metaphor to ask the witches about his future and which
seeds will grow.
5. What is the signifi cance of Duncan naming Malcolm the Prince of
Cumberland?
Duncan is indicating that his son Malcolm will be the heir to the throne.
Therefore, Malcolm
is now next in line to become King of Scotland.
6. How does Macbeth react to the announcement in his last speech in this
scene? What
does he reveal?
Macbeth indicates that Malcolm now lies in the way of his becoming king,
and Macbeth also
reveals that he has dark and deep desires to become king, meaning he
may be willing to do
anything, including murder, to pursue his ambition.
T-9
Act I, Scene V
Vocabulary
missives messengers
metaphysical supernatural
fell cruel
gall bile
sightless invisible
pall- cover
dunnest darkest
beguile deceive
dispatch management
sovereign absolute
favor facial expression
1. After Lady Macbeth fi nishes reading the letter, she says Macbeth, shalt
be what he has
been promised, meaning King of Scotland. Why is this comment signifi cant?
Lady Macbeths words echo the Third Witch, who prophesized, All hail,
Macbeth, that shalt
be King hereafter! (Act I, Scene III) The comment creates a link between
Lady Macbeth and
the Witches, who can be thematically grouped together as manipulating,
female characters
who signifi cantly contribute to Macbeths downfall.
2. After Lady Macbeth fi nishes reading the letter, what concern does she
express about
Macbeth?
She fears he is too kind to do what must be done if he is to be King. She
knows that he has
ambition, but lacks the ruthlessness to act on it.
3. Why does Lady Macbeth want her husband to hurry home?
She wants him home because she plans to convince him to take any steps
necessary to make
him king. She plans to pour [her] spirits in [Macbeths] ear and manipulate
her husband
into doing what she wishes.
4. How does the news about King Duncans impending arrival affect Lady
Macbeth? What
is she planning?
She is excited and cannot believe what a great opportunity has arisen to
make Macbeth king.
She is already planning the murder of Duncan.
T-10
5. Why does Lady Macbeth pray to be unsexed? How else does she asked
to be altered
and why? What does this say about Shakespeares view of the nature of
masculinity and
femininity?
Lady Macbeth prays to be unsexed because she believes her feminine
qualities must be
removed in order for her to carry out her cruel plan to murder the King. For
the same reason,
she also asks the spirits to fi ll her with cruelty, thicken her blood, stop her
ability to cry
and feel guilt, and turn the milk in her breasts to gall. Shakespeare is
equating femininity
with kindness, compassion, and gentleness, and, conversely, he is equating
masculinity with
cruelty, aggression, and violence.
6. When Macbeth enters, how does Lady Macbeth again echo the words of
the Witches?
Lady Macbeth greets Macbeth by saying, Great Glamis! Worthy
Cawdor!/Greater than
both, by the all-hail hereafter! Her words again echo the Third Witch, who
says, All-hail,
Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter! (Act I, Scene III) This line furthers the
connection
between Lady Macbeth and the Witches.
7. What instructions does Lady Macbeth give to her husband? What
metaphor does she
use to describe her advice? What role has Lady Macbeth adopted in their
relationship?
Lady Macbeth tells her husband that he must deceive the king by appearing
welcoming and
kind. He must conceal his plan to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth uses the
metaphor, look
like the innocent fl ower,/But be the serpent undert to explain her advice to
Macbeth. Her
comment is another reference to plants, and also supports the fair is foul
theme. Macbeth is to
look fair on the outside, while, internally, he is plotting a foul murder. Lady
Macbeth also
insists that Macbeth leave all the planning of the murder to her. She has
taken on a leading
role in the relationship. She is planning their actions and dominating her
husband.
T-11
Act I, Scene VI
Vocabulary
Hautboys loud, double-reed woodwind instruments shaped like clarinets
seat location
martlet a martin, a bird known to nest in churches
approve prove
jutty projection
frieze a decorative engraved band along the upper portion of a room or
building
buttress stone or brick support
coign of vantage a protruding corner used as a lookout point
pendant hanging
procreant cradle place of breeding
ild yield (reward)
single minor
purveyor a Kings traveling attendant
holp helped
in compt in trust
audit accounts
still ever ready
1. How do Duncan and Banquo regard Macbeths home? How are their
comments an
example of dramatic irony?
Duncan and Banquo both describe Macbeths home as a sort of paradise.
The location is
beautiful, and even the air is sweeter there. Banquo spies a bird nesting that
is usually
found at churches. Their admiration of the home is an example of dramatic
irony because,
while Duncan fi nds the castle so pleasing, the audience knows the hosts
plan to murder him
there.
2. How does Lady Macbeths behavior in this scene contrast with what we
know of her
from the last scene? What does this indicate about her character?
Lady Macbeth acts like the a loyal subject and lady in this scene. She is
cordial and
complimentary toward the King. She is the image of a perfect hostess. In the
previous scene,
she exhibited her cruelty and masculine qualities. By accepting Duncan into
her home
gracefully, she is demonstrating how cruel and deceitful she can be. She is
able to conceal
her plans to murder completely under her gracious hostess faade.
T-12
Act I, Scene VII
Vocabulary
sewer a butler
divers several
trammel to catch or confi ne as with a net
surcease death
shoal a sandbar surrounded by water
jump a risk
chalice a bowl-shaped drinking cup; a goblet
faculties royal powers
virtues a moral excellence; an admirable quality
blast storm
cherubin a winged angel, or, in Christianity, the second highest rank of
angels
bought won
prithee please; if you please
enterprise a promise
durst dared
adhere suitable
make have taken
fi tness convenience
unmake unnerve
screw pull tight
chamberlain a servant in charge of a particular part of an estate
wassail a festivity involving the consumption of alcohol
convince overpower
warder a watchman or sentry
limbec part of a still
drenched drowsy
spongy drunken
mettle courageous spirit, fortitude
settled determined
bend up summon
corporal agent bodily strength
mock deceive
T-13
1. What arguments does Macbeth raise for not committing the murder? What
does
Macbeth mean when he says that Duncan is here in double trust?
Macbeth recognizes that if he commits this murder, he may need to continue
performing
horrible deeds to keep up his scheme. It would be only the beginning of his
treachery.
Macbeth also points out that he should be protecting Duncan, not plotting
his murder, for
two reasons: Duncan is a kinsman, and he is their guest. As relative and
host, Macbeth,
therefore, has a double duty to protect the King against harm, not to cause it
himself.
Finally, Macbeth notes that Duncan has been a good and kind leader of
Scotland, which
further mitigates against the murder. Macbeth concludes his ambition is the
only thing
pushes him forward, and it is not enough to convince him to murder Duncan.
2. Macbeth indicates that Duncan has been a great ruler. According to
Macbeth, what
qualities make Duncan a good King?
Macbeth says that Duncan has not abused his royal powers. He has used
them meekly,
which makes him a great ruler. Further, he has been a benevolent ruler and
full of virtue.
3. What resolution does Macbeth communicate to Lady Macbeth?
Macbeth tells his wife that he will go no further in the murder plot because
the King has
honored him recently. Many people now hold Macbeth in high regard, and he
does not want
to ruin his success so soon.
4. What does Lady Macbeth say in an attempt to goad her husband into
committing the
murder? How do her comments tie into her earlier characterizations of
masculinity
and femininity?
Lady Macbeth calls him a coward for refusing to make his actions match his
desires. She
questions his manhood, and how he can break a promise to her. Lady
Macbeth is again
equating masculinity with aggressiveness and violence.
5. Macbeths response to his wife, about what a man may dare, is frequently
quoted.
What does he mean?
Macbeth says he dares to do all a man would do. Someone who dares to do
more, like
commit a murder, is not a man but a monster.
T-14
6. What is the point of the baby imagery that Lady Macbeth uses? Note the
many times
images of babies and mothers are presented in the play.
Lady Macbeth raises a picture of warmth, love and family by using the image
of a baby
suckling at her breast. She then shatters the image by saying that she would
have knocked
the infants brains out if she had sworn to Macbeth that she would. She is
using this
horrible image to show Macbeth that she would never back out of an oath to
him, the way
he has just done to her. It further emphasizes her cold and ruthless nature,
although some
students may see the comment as also showing love and loyalty to her
husband.
7. Lady Macbeth reveals the details of the murder plot. What are they, and
how does she
convince Macbeth that the plan will work?
Lady Macbeth says they will wait until Duncan is sleeping. She will impair
Duncans
bedroom attendants with alcohol, so that they fall asleep and remember
nothing. Then she
and Macbeth will be able to kill Duncan while he is unprotected by the
guards; in this way
Macbeth can blame the murder on the guards themselves. No one will dare
to blame she
and her husband for the murder because they will both show their great
distress and grief
over Duncans death.
8. Why does Macbeth believe his wife should bring forth men-children
only? Has her
plan convinced him to continue in the scheme?
Macbeth says his wife should only have male children because she has such
a courageous
resolute spirit. Such a spirit will only bring up males well. Macbeth resolves
to commit the
murder. Lady Macbeth has convinced him.