Macbeth Notes:
Act 1: Scene 1:
The scene opens with the three witches who want to talk with Macbeth, who is the perfect candidate as
- Power and Influence he is the perfect soldier where they will go and plant their seed. The scene is a creepy and eerie scene
because there is thunder and rain, which can represent the storm that they are about to cause in
- Issue of Identity
Macbeths life. They are standing outside of the gates of hell which emphasize their evilness.
- The Supernatural "Fair is foul and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air."
Here they talk about what is good can become evil and what is evil can become good. They use an
- Direct quotes oxymoron.
They are targeting Macbeth to do their dirty deeds.
- Quotes that can be
summarized
Act 1: Scene 2:
This takes place at a camp near Forres (Duncan's castle) in Scotland. The captain had been injured Malcolm, the kings son. He was to be presented in front of the king to honor
what he had done. There was a new dangerous enemy called Macdonwald. The captain speaks about Macbeth, and how if he had not fought none of them would have
survived, and none would be left standing. Macbeth had saved their lives and was courageous and confident. "O, valiant cousin! Worthy gentlemen!" to this Duncan, the king
is responding about the news of Macbeth. The captain follows by speaking of the new enemy and how they had new weapons and brandished arms. He speaks about how
when one violent storm ends another shall begin, which refers to how they fought army after army. The captain speaks of Banquo and Macbeth: "As sparrows, eagles; or the
hare, the lion". This talks about the lion being scared of the rabbit or the eagle afraid of the sparrow, nothing can scare the two men, as they have nerves of steel. Then the
news of a traitor is brought up and that the reason of the war was the traitor who had caused it. The current Thane of Cawdor had been the betrayer for the kingdom and
Duncan had ordered his death and the new Thane of Cawdor shall be Macbeth.
Act 1: Scene 3:
The scene opens with the three witches discussing the evil things that they had done prior (they had cursed a man and woman to suffer forever). They do a weird ritual, where
they hold hands dancing in a circle, to seal this curse. As they finish they hide into the mist when Banquo and Macbeth come along. When they see the witches they say that
they are not from this world and are alien. The woman have beards and because of this they do not know whether they are man or woman. The witches speak words of
prophecy over Macbeth: "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!" "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor" "All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter"
After the witches give Macbeth his prophecy, Banquo is curious to know what his future is as his friends had been so good. The witches tell him that he will be greater than
Macbeth, and his families will be king but he shall not gain the title. "Lesser than Macbeth, and greater", this is a contrast between the two men. "Not so happy, yet much
happier", the witches tell him that he is currently not happy but he will have long term happiness. "Thou shalt get kings, though art be none" As the mist thickens Macbeth
laughs at the witches words because he knows that he is the Thane of Glamis, as he had gained the title once his father had died, yet there is already a Thane of Cawdor
(Macbeth nor Banquo know that the Tane of Cawdor had betrayed Duncan and had received the death penalty. The witches disappeared as a bubble that has been popped.
After this Macbeth and Banquo wonder if they had really seen what they had seen or were they on drugs (hallucinating).
Ross and Angus enter the scene and speak of the news the king had sent them for. They tell the two men that the king had heard of their successes and is very pleased. They
state that the king had given them good news and that Macbeth is now Thane of Cawdor because the one before had betrayed them. This is when Macbeth starts to think
back to what the witches had said. He turns to Banquo and says "When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me promised no less to them". Macbeth now thinks if the first
two prophecies had come true the third one might also come to be.
"As happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme". Macbeth is in his head where it is telling him that Supernatural temptation doesn’t seem like it can be a bad
thing but it cannot be good either. If it was bad, why was I promised a promotion. Now I am Thane of Cawdor just like the witches had said . But if this is a good thing why do I
find myself thinking about killing Duncan. The thought is so terrifying that it makes my head stand up and my heart pound. Even if for now it is a thought the thought of
committing murder makes me hardly know who I am anymore. If fate wants me to be king than I shall be king. One way or another it should happen.
Once Ross and Agnus leave Macbeth tells Banquo to think about what had happened that day and process what went down.
Act 1: Scene 4:
This scene takes place in Duncan's palace. Malcolm, his son brings the news that the old Thane of Cawdor had died during the battle and someone had witnessed him
confessing to his crimes while begging for forgiveness. The king comments on "there is no art to find the minds construction in the face" This is foreshadowing for
Macbeth later on in the book. Duncan says he feels guilty for not thanking Macbeth and Banquo when they walk in. He cannot even thank them enough for what they had
done, he owes them what he cannot repay. Macbeth says that the opportunity to serve the king is payment enough . This contradicts what he was thinking prior and to
where he fantasizes about the kings murder. Duncan expresses his thankfulness to Banquo by hugging him and then he announces the news that he wants everyone in the
kingdom to see when he crowns his son, Malcolm, Prince of Cumberland. This means that he will be next in line for the throne. Macbeth states that he is not happy unless
he is serving the king. Aside to himself he thinks: Now that Malcolm is Prince of Cumberland, he will have an extra person to kill, so he should either step over him or give
up completely. "Stars hide your fires" so that no one sees his thoughts and terrible desires. He states that he will not let his eye look at what his hand will do because in the
end I will still do the thing that I say is wrong. "For in my way it lies. Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that
be which the eye fears when it is done to see."
Later in scene 6 Duncan will enter Macbeths home. He says that a man without equal which means that no one can be like Macbeth.
Act 1: Scene 5:
Here we are introduced to lady Macbeth. She is reading a letter that her husband had sent her, that describes his meeting with the witches and their prophecies. He also
includes his desires to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth does not think that her husband has enough ambition to kill the king. She fears that he is too kind and will not
commit such a crime: "Yet I do fear thy nature: it is too full o' the milk of human kindness". She says that one needs ambition to achieve these goals; what you want the
most, you are going to have to do the most unholy thing to get it. This will not be a wrong win. I hope you hear my wishes and with what you hear me say to you, I hope
you develop some bravery in order to achieve the crown. Here we see that Lady Macbeth does not think her husband is able to kill the king, she thinks he is too weak. An
attendant comes and states that Macbeth and the king are coming, so you should prepare the house for the two. Once the attendant leaves she says: "Unsex me here"
she is saying to the witches that mad spoken to Macbeth: If the king is coming give me the strength to become a man. Lady Macbeth feels that she has more courage to
kill the king if she was a man. "Come take milk from my breasts so that I can be a man. The night needs to settle in so that there will be darkness. Make me a man so that I
may kill people"
Macbeth walks in and she praises him "Great Glamis! You are greater than anyone else. Glory to you. You letters had made me happy about what is to come." She speaks
about the letters and says "Your hand, your tongue; look like the' innocent flower, but be the serpent under't" She states that she will take care of the food and the
New Section 1 Page 1
, she is saying to the witches that mad spoken to Macbeth: If the king is coming give me the strength to become a man. Lady Macbeth feels that she has more courage to
kill the king if she was a man. "Come take milk from my breasts so that I can be a man. The night needs to settle in so that there will be darkness. Make me a man so that I
may kill people"
Macbeth walks in and she praises him "Great Glamis! You are greater than anyone else. Glory to you. You letters had made me happy about what is to come." She speaks
about the letters and says "Your hand, your tongue; look like the' innocent flower, but be the serpent under't" She states that she will take care of the food and the
people. Macbeth must gather them to kill, yet show them kindness but be a snake underneath. Macbeth must give them a sense of courage and he must not fear but
leave the rest up to her.
Lady Macbeth is a huge instigator and she pushes Macbeth to kill the king, because if Macbeth becomes king she will become queen. It is her greed.
Act 1: Scene 6:
Outside of Macbeths castle Duncan compliments the place and says it looks beautiful. Banquo says that the fact that a bird had made its nest in the castle, shows
its pleasantness with the area.. Duncan is a very egotistical man and sometimes "the love of my subjects bring me inconvenience, yet I still accept it as they love
me for the inconvenience of being here, because I only do it out of love." Lady Macbeth, who is still deceiving the king, replies back: "Everything that we are
doing for you even if it is doubled is nothing compared to the honor that you have brought our family". Duncan comments on how they could not follow Macbeth
because he is a very swift rider. Lady Macbeth then welcomes them into her home. (All in all this scene is pretty useless)
Act 1: Scene 7:
Macbeth enters his home talking to himself: if this business would really be finished when I did the deed then it would be best to get it finished with. If the
assassination of the king could work like a net, sweeping up everything, preventing any consequences then the murder will be valuable. I would then gladly put my
soul and after-life to do it. For crimes like this there is still punishment in the world. By committing violent crimes we only teach other people to do the same. Justice
being equal to everyone, forces us to drink from the poisoned cup that we serve to others. The king trusts me in two ways, the first as his Kingsman so that I shall
always protect him and second as his host where I should close the door on his murderous face rather than try to murder him myself. Duncan has been a great leader
and his legacy will speak for him when he dies. I cannot spare myself to action. The only thing motivating me is my ambition, which makes people rush ahead towards
disaster. (Lady Macbeth had said that he has none or that it is weak). Lady Macbeth then walks into the room stating that the king had just finished seating and
questioning why he had left. Macbeth has decided to grow a conscious and does not want to pull through with this: "We cannot go on with this plan that we have. The
king has just honored me and I have earned the good opinion of the people. I want to enjoy these honors while these feelings are fresh and not throw them away so
soon (he is referring to himself becoming the Thane of Cawdor)." Lady Macbeth speaks up and now she is pushing him to make the murder: "Were you drunk when
you had made this plan? Have you gone to sleep and woken up hopeless? Your actions and bravery need to be the same as your desires. How do you plan to achieve
your goal by being a coward. You continuously change your mind." Macbeth then states: " I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more, is none" He is
saying that he has done everything of honor and if he does bad things he will no longer be a man. Macbeth is having doubts about all of this as he is a man of honor
yet he wants to kill the king, the issue of identity plays a role in this scene. Lady Macbeth then decides to manipulate him: "So what possessed you to break your
promise to me (she is using the fact that she is his wife as a manipulating tool in order to coax him to kill the king) if you were truly a man you would have done the
deed already. If I was a man I would have done it already too. I have breastfed a child and I know the tenderness of a baby, however I would have the courage to pull
the baby away from my breast to kill it. If I had made the promise to do it" "Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums, and dashed the brains out" (Lady
Macbeth is using her husband's soft nature and heart against him. She uses his masculinity, very clearly something that he holds dear to him, and says that she has
more of it. In this process she manipulates him and then makes him feel inferior to her. She pushes him to feel that he needs to prove himself to her)
Macbeth then questions what will happen if the two shall fail, to which his wife replies: " so what if we fail. You need to gather up the strength and courage then we
will not fail. When Duncan is asleep I will get his two guards drunk, to the point where they will not remember anything when they wake up. When they are asleep
this is when we will commit the crime because Duncan will be unguarded. Therefore we will put the blame on him. (she is saying that they will kill the king with the
guards knife and then place the blame on the guards).
Macbeth is then pulled into her manipulation and goes along, making his OWN decision to kill the king: " bring forth these young guards, because this is something for
male eyes only. When we kill Duncan and blame it on the guards we will have to use there daggers to make it believable." Lady Macbeth confirms saying that they will
make it believable by grieving and to which Macbeth replies "Okay let's do it"
"False face must hide, what the false heart doth know" - this was the foreshadowing where Macbeth is saying his face must hide what his heart knows. He knows that
this is wrong, yet he has let his wife influence his decision as well as the witches. It has clouded his judgement.
Act 2: Scene 1:
We pick up on the same scene but a few hours later. Banquo and his son, Fleance are talking. The father and son are talking about how the moon has set already, but the
clock has not struck. The moon sets at 12, revealing that it is later than that. Banquo unclasps his sword and hands it to his son, "I feel so tired and heavily but I cannot
sleep. Oh merciful knight, keep away the nightmares that plaque me". Macbeth enters and Banquo questions as to the reason why he is awake still. He speaks of the happy
mood that Duncan is in, so happy that he gifted Lady Macbeth with a diamond. Macbeth explains that the reason they had gotten the king drunk was because they were
unprepared and could not entertain as well as the usually do. Banquo confides in his friend about the dream that he had the previous night where he had seen the three
witches, and came to the realization that two of Macbeth's prophecies had come true. Macbeth then lies to his friend saying that he has not given any thought to what
they had said. This is obviously a lie as because of what the witches had said it drove him to want to kill Duncan. Macbeth tells his friend that "if you stick with me, when
the time comes there will be something in it for you". He refers to when he shall become king, he will give Banquo a rewards for being his friend. Banquo responds saying
"I'll do whatever you want me to do as long as I can do it with a clear conscious." (referring to the witches prophecy where Banquo is greater than Macbeth)
Once Banquo leaves Macbeth has a full inner monologue. THIS IS WHERE HIS DOWNFALL BEGINS.
"Is this a dagger I see before me, with its handle pointing towards my hand. Come let me hold you (he grabs the air, hallucinating, he is so loco in the head atp) I don’t have
you but I can see you. Fateful ghost, isn't it possible to touch you as well as see you, or are you nothing more than a dagger created by my mind. A hallucination from my
fevered brain. I can still see you and you look as real as this dagger that I am pulling out now. You're leading me to the place I was going already and I was planning to use a
weapon, just like you. My eyesight must either not be working or else it’s the only one that is working right. I can see the blade and handle that were not there before.
There is no dagger here, it is the murder that I am about to commit that that is making me think I see one. Half the world is asleep and are being deceived by evil
nightmares. Witches are offering sacrifices to their goddess. (he speaks to the floor like a lunatic) Hard ground, do not listen to the direction of my steps. I do not want to
echo back where I am and break the silence of this moment. The silence is so appropriate to what I'm about to do . While I stared here talking while Duncan continues to
live. The more I talk the more courage I lose. (This is Macbeths descend into madness, he starts seeing things that are not there and he questions is what he is about to do
is right or not.) "The bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell that summons thee to heaven, or to hell" - This murder is as good as dome. Duncan do not listen to
the bell because it summons you to either heaven or hell.
Macbeth is about to kill the king, because of this he goes crazy and starts seeing things like a deranged man.
Act 2: Scene 2:
Lady Macbeth enters to where Macbeth stands. "The alcohol that had gotten the servants drunk has made me bold. Listen! Quiet was the owl that shrieked like the bells that
ring before people are executed. Macbeth must be killing the king as of right now. The servants who protect Duncan are being made fools because they are sleeping as all this
New Section 1 Page 2
Act 1: Scene 1:
The scene opens with the three witches who want to talk with Macbeth, who is the perfect candidate as
- Power and Influence he is the perfect soldier where they will go and plant their seed. The scene is a creepy and eerie scene
because there is thunder and rain, which can represent the storm that they are about to cause in
- Issue of Identity
Macbeths life. They are standing outside of the gates of hell which emphasize their evilness.
- The Supernatural "Fair is foul and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air."
Here they talk about what is good can become evil and what is evil can become good. They use an
- Direct quotes oxymoron.
They are targeting Macbeth to do their dirty deeds.
- Quotes that can be
summarized
Act 1: Scene 2:
This takes place at a camp near Forres (Duncan's castle) in Scotland. The captain had been injured Malcolm, the kings son. He was to be presented in front of the king to honor
what he had done. There was a new dangerous enemy called Macdonwald. The captain speaks about Macbeth, and how if he had not fought none of them would have
survived, and none would be left standing. Macbeth had saved their lives and was courageous and confident. "O, valiant cousin! Worthy gentlemen!" to this Duncan, the king
is responding about the news of Macbeth. The captain follows by speaking of the new enemy and how they had new weapons and brandished arms. He speaks about how
when one violent storm ends another shall begin, which refers to how they fought army after army. The captain speaks of Banquo and Macbeth: "As sparrows, eagles; or the
hare, the lion". This talks about the lion being scared of the rabbit or the eagle afraid of the sparrow, nothing can scare the two men, as they have nerves of steel. Then the
news of a traitor is brought up and that the reason of the war was the traitor who had caused it. The current Thane of Cawdor had been the betrayer for the kingdom and
Duncan had ordered his death and the new Thane of Cawdor shall be Macbeth.
Act 1: Scene 3:
The scene opens with the three witches discussing the evil things that they had done prior (they had cursed a man and woman to suffer forever). They do a weird ritual, where
they hold hands dancing in a circle, to seal this curse. As they finish they hide into the mist when Banquo and Macbeth come along. When they see the witches they say that
they are not from this world and are alien. The woman have beards and because of this they do not know whether they are man or woman. The witches speak words of
prophecy over Macbeth: "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!" "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor" "All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter"
After the witches give Macbeth his prophecy, Banquo is curious to know what his future is as his friends had been so good. The witches tell him that he will be greater than
Macbeth, and his families will be king but he shall not gain the title. "Lesser than Macbeth, and greater", this is a contrast between the two men. "Not so happy, yet much
happier", the witches tell him that he is currently not happy but he will have long term happiness. "Thou shalt get kings, though art be none" As the mist thickens Macbeth
laughs at the witches words because he knows that he is the Thane of Glamis, as he had gained the title once his father had died, yet there is already a Thane of Cawdor
(Macbeth nor Banquo know that the Tane of Cawdor had betrayed Duncan and had received the death penalty. The witches disappeared as a bubble that has been popped.
After this Macbeth and Banquo wonder if they had really seen what they had seen or were they on drugs (hallucinating).
Ross and Angus enter the scene and speak of the news the king had sent them for. They tell the two men that the king had heard of their successes and is very pleased. They
state that the king had given them good news and that Macbeth is now Thane of Cawdor because the one before had betrayed them. This is when Macbeth starts to think
back to what the witches had said. He turns to Banquo and says "When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me promised no less to them". Macbeth now thinks if the first
two prophecies had come true the third one might also come to be.
"As happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme". Macbeth is in his head where it is telling him that Supernatural temptation doesn’t seem like it can be a bad
thing but it cannot be good either. If it was bad, why was I promised a promotion. Now I am Thane of Cawdor just like the witches had said . But if this is a good thing why do I
find myself thinking about killing Duncan. The thought is so terrifying that it makes my head stand up and my heart pound. Even if for now it is a thought the thought of
committing murder makes me hardly know who I am anymore. If fate wants me to be king than I shall be king. One way or another it should happen.
Once Ross and Agnus leave Macbeth tells Banquo to think about what had happened that day and process what went down.
Act 1: Scene 4:
This scene takes place in Duncan's palace. Malcolm, his son brings the news that the old Thane of Cawdor had died during the battle and someone had witnessed him
confessing to his crimes while begging for forgiveness. The king comments on "there is no art to find the minds construction in the face" This is foreshadowing for
Macbeth later on in the book. Duncan says he feels guilty for not thanking Macbeth and Banquo when they walk in. He cannot even thank them enough for what they had
done, he owes them what he cannot repay. Macbeth says that the opportunity to serve the king is payment enough . This contradicts what he was thinking prior and to
where he fantasizes about the kings murder. Duncan expresses his thankfulness to Banquo by hugging him and then he announces the news that he wants everyone in the
kingdom to see when he crowns his son, Malcolm, Prince of Cumberland. This means that he will be next in line for the throne. Macbeth states that he is not happy unless
he is serving the king. Aside to himself he thinks: Now that Malcolm is Prince of Cumberland, he will have an extra person to kill, so he should either step over him or give
up completely. "Stars hide your fires" so that no one sees his thoughts and terrible desires. He states that he will not let his eye look at what his hand will do because in the
end I will still do the thing that I say is wrong. "For in my way it lies. Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that
be which the eye fears when it is done to see."
Later in scene 6 Duncan will enter Macbeths home. He says that a man without equal which means that no one can be like Macbeth.
Act 1: Scene 5:
Here we are introduced to lady Macbeth. She is reading a letter that her husband had sent her, that describes his meeting with the witches and their prophecies. He also
includes his desires to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth does not think that her husband has enough ambition to kill the king. She fears that he is too kind and will not
commit such a crime: "Yet I do fear thy nature: it is too full o' the milk of human kindness". She says that one needs ambition to achieve these goals; what you want the
most, you are going to have to do the most unholy thing to get it. This will not be a wrong win. I hope you hear my wishes and with what you hear me say to you, I hope
you develop some bravery in order to achieve the crown. Here we see that Lady Macbeth does not think her husband is able to kill the king, she thinks he is too weak. An
attendant comes and states that Macbeth and the king are coming, so you should prepare the house for the two. Once the attendant leaves she says: "Unsex me here"
she is saying to the witches that mad spoken to Macbeth: If the king is coming give me the strength to become a man. Lady Macbeth feels that she has more courage to
kill the king if she was a man. "Come take milk from my breasts so that I can be a man. The night needs to settle in so that there will be darkness. Make me a man so that I
may kill people"
Macbeth walks in and she praises him "Great Glamis! You are greater than anyone else. Glory to you. You letters had made me happy about what is to come." She speaks
about the letters and says "Your hand, your tongue; look like the' innocent flower, but be the serpent under't" She states that she will take care of the food and the
New Section 1 Page 1
, she is saying to the witches that mad spoken to Macbeth: If the king is coming give me the strength to become a man. Lady Macbeth feels that she has more courage to
kill the king if she was a man. "Come take milk from my breasts so that I can be a man. The night needs to settle in so that there will be darkness. Make me a man so that I
may kill people"
Macbeth walks in and she praises him "Great Glamis! You are greater than anyone else. Glory to you. You letters had made me happy about what is to come." She speaks
about the letters and says "Your hand, your tongue; look like the' innocent flower, but be the serpent under't" She states that she will take care of the food and the
people. Macbeth must gather them to kill, yet show them kindness but be a snake underneath. Macbeth must give them a sense of courage and he must not fear but
leave the rest up to her.
Lady Macbeth is a huge instigator and she pushes Macbeth to kill the king, because if Macbeth becomes king she will become queen. It is her greed.
Act 1: Scene 6:
Outside of Macbeths castle Duncan compliments the place and says it looks beautiful. Banquo says that the fact that a bird had made its nest in the castle, shows
its pleasantness with the area.. Duncan is a very egotistical man and sometimes "the love of my subjects bring me inconvenience, yet I still accept it as they love
me for the inconvenience of being here, because I only do it out of love." Lady Macbeth, who is still deceiving the king, replies back: "Everything that we are
doing for you even if it is doubled is nothing compared to the honor that you have brought our family". Duncan comments on how they could not follow Macbeth
because he is a very swift rider. Lady Macbeth then welcomes them into her home. (All in all this scene is pretty useless)
Act 1: Scene 7:
Macbeth enters his home talking to himself: if this business would really be finished when I did the deed then it would be best to get it finished with. If the
assassination of the king could work like a net, sweeping up everything, preventing any consequences then the murder will be valuable. I would then gladly put my
soul and after-life to do it. For crimes like this there is still punishment in the world. By committing violent crimes we only teach other people to do the same. Justice
being equal to everyone, forces us to drink from the poisoned cup that we serve to others. The king trusts me in two ways, the first as his Kingsman so that I shall
always protect him and second as his host where I should close the door on his murderous face rather than try to murder him myself. Duncan has been a great leader
and his legacy will speak for him when he dies. I cannot spare myself to action. The only thing motivating me is my ambition, which makes people rush ahead towards
disaster. (Lady Macbeth had said that he has none or that it is weak). Lady Macbeth then walks into the room stating that the king had just finished seating and
questioning why he had left. Macbeth has decided to grow a conscious and does not want to pull through with this: "We cannot go on with this plan that we have. The
king has just honored me and I have earned the good opinion of the people. I want to enjoy these honors while these feelings are fresh and not throw them away so
soon (he is referring to himself becoming the Thane of Cawdor)." Lady Macbeth speaks up and now she is pushing him to make the murder: "Were you drunk when
you had made this plan? Have you gone to sleep and woken up hopeless? Your actions and bravery need to be the same as your desires. How do you plan to achieve
your goal by being a coward. You continuously change your mind." Macbeth then states: " I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more, is none" He is
saying that he has done everything of honor and if he does bad things he will no longer be a man. Macbeth is having doubts about all of this as he is a man of honor
yet he wants to kill the king, the issue of identity plays a role in this scene. Lady Macbeth then decides to manipulate him: "So what possessed you to break your
promise to me (she is using the fact that she is his wife as a manipulating tool in order to coax him to kill the king) if you were truly a man you would have done the
deed already. If I was a man I would have done it already too. I have breastfed a child and I know the tenderness of a baby, however I would have the courage to pull
the baby away from my breast to kill it. If I had made the promise to do it" "Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums, and dashed the brains out" (Lady
Macbeth is using her husband's soft nature and heart against him. She uses his masculinity, very clearly something that he holds dear to him, and says that she has
more of it. In this process she manipulates him and then makes him feel inferior to her. She pushes him to feel that he needs to prove himself to her)
Macbeth then questions what will happen if the two shall fail, to which his wife replies: " so what if we fail. You need to gather up the strength and courage then we
will not fail. When Duncan is asleep I will get his two guards drunk, to the point where they will not remember anything when they wake up. When they are asleep
this is when we will commit the crime because Duncan will be unguarded. Therefore we will put the blame on him. (she is saying that they will kill the king with the
guards knife and then place the blame on the guards).
Macbeth is then pulled into her manipulation and goes along, making his OWN decision to kill the king: " bring forth these young guards, because this is something for
male eyes only. When we kill Duncan and blame it on the guards we will have to use there daggers to make it believable." Lady Macbeth confirms saying that they will
make it believable by grieving and to which Macbeth replies "Okay let's do it"
"False face must hide, what the false heart doth know" - this was the foreshadowing where Macbeth is saying his face must hide what his heart knows. He knows that
this is wrong, yet he has let his wife influence his decision as well as the witches. It has clouded his judgement.
Act 2: Scene 1:
We pick up on the same scene but a few hours later. Banquo and his son, Fleance are talking. The father and son are talking about how the moon has set already, but the
clock has not struck. The moon sets at 12, revealing that it is later than that. Banquo unclasps his sword and hands it to his son, "I feel so tired and heavily but I cannot
sleep. Oh merciful knight, keep away the nightmares that plaque me". Macbeth enters and Banquo questions as to the reason why he is awake still. He speaks of the happy
mood that Duncan is in, so happy that he gifted Lady Macbeth with a diamond. Macbeth explains that the reason they had gotten the king drunk was because they were
unprepared and could not entertain as well as the usually do. Banquo confides in his friend about the dream that he had the previous night where he had seen the three
witches, and came to the realization that two of Macbeth's prophecies had come true. Macbeth then lies to his friend saying that he has not given any thought to what
they had said. This is obviously a lie as because of what the witches had said it drove him to want to kill Duncan. Macbeth tells his friend that "if you stick with me, when
the time comes there will be something in it for you". He refers to when he shall become king, he will give Banquo a rewards for being his friend. Banquo responds saying
"I'll do whatever you want me to do as long as I can do it with a clear conscious." (referring to the witches prophecy where Banquo is greater than Macbeth)
Once Banquo leaves Macbeth has a full inner monologue. THIS IS WHERE HIS DOWNFALL BEGINS.
"Is this a dagger I see before me, with its handle pointing towards my hand. Come let me hold you (he grabs the air, hallucinating, he is so loco in the head atp) I don’t have
you but I can see you. Fateful ghost, isn't it possible to touch you as well as see you, or are you nothing more than a dagger created by my mind. A hallucination from my
fevered brain. I can still see you and you look as real as this dagger that I am pulling out now. You're leading me to the place I was going already and I was planning to use a
weapon, just like you. My eyesight must either not be working or else it’s the only one that is working right. I can see the blade and handle that were not there before.
There is no dagger here, it is the murder that I am about to commit that that is making me think I see one. Half the world is asleep and are being deceived by evil
nightmares. Witches are offering sacrifices to their goddess. (he speaks to the floor like a lunatic) Hard ground, do not listen to the direction of my steps. I do not want to
echo back where I am and break the silence of this moment. The silence is so appropriate to what I'm about to do . While I stared here talking while Duncan continues to
live. The more I talk the more courage I lose. (This is Macbeths descend into madness, he starts seeing things that are not there and he questions is what he is about to do
is right or not.) "The bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell that summons thee to heaven, or to hell" - This murder is as good as dome. Duncan do not listen to
the bell because it summons you to either heaven or hell.
Macbeth is about to kill the king, because of this he goes crazy and starts seeing things like a deranged man.
Act 2: Scene 2:
Lady Macbeth enters to where Macbeth stands. "The alcohol that had gotten the servants drunk has made me bold. Listen! Quiet was the owl that shrieked like the bells that
ring before people are executed. Macbeth must be killing the king as of right now. The servants who protect Duncan are being made fools because they are sleeping as all this
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