Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Due Monday, November 25th - "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare - Act I, scenes i-iv
Directions: Please reread Act I, scenes i-iv of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Choose 1-2 major passages from the play and comment on the ideas, philosophy, and/or the motivations of the characters and the impact on the plot of the play. For example, what is Banquo thinking, now that he heard the witches and notices the actions of Macbeth? The Thane of Cawdor had betrayed Duncan. How are the king’s feelings about Macbeth ironic? How do the witches influence the action? Are the characters subject to freewill or not? How does Shakespeare use foil characters? How does he employ dramatic irony? Explore the possibilities for our class discussion. Please read your fellow classmates responses and engage with one another.
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Chloe Hanrahan
ReplyDeleteFirst Witch All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis!
Second Witch All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!
Third Witch All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!
In Macbeth's mind, I see him being excited but scared of this premonition because he is now being told basically that a bunch of his family will die (by his hand or otherwise). Knowing that basically you are now expected to reach this peak of social hierarchy is terrifying. He is just a soldier all he knows how to do is to follow orders and win battles, but now he will be giving the orders, which is extremely different.
First Witch Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.
Second Witch Not so happy, yet much happier.
Third Witch Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none:
So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!
Banquo and Macbeth after hearing this I feel like would have mixed emotions. Banquo must be excited apparently he is to father Kings, but disappointed because he himself will never be King. He sees his friend about to (apparently) become King and he is just to be an advisor he doesn't even get to be the Thane of Cawdor, again Macbeth gets that. And no matter how happy he is for his friend there has to be a twinge of sadness or jealousy. Macbeth must be upset. He gets to be King, but will never have a son to be an heir or he will and that son somehow will die or abdicate. So Macbeth gets the title with no legacy, causing him to be jealous of the legacy Banquo will have.
It's really interesting thinking about how each wants what the other has, and cannot be satisfied with just what they have recieved. All they needed to be was thankful and patient, but men of war rarely have to wait so it must've been something they weren't accustomed to. My mom always says I want what I can't have -- I feel like that mimics what I am interpreting.
I think he's concerned about the following untold details.
Delete1. How exactly do I accomplish all this?
2. What do I have to sacrifice?
3. Is this rigged?
Duncan: O worthiest cousin, The sin of my ingratitude even now was heavy on me! Thou art so far before That swiftest wing of recompense is slow To overtake thee. Would thou hadst less deserved, That the proportion both of thanks and payment Might have been mine! Only I have left to say, More is thy due than more than all can pay.
ReplyDeleteI chose this scene where I felt dramatic irony was the strongest in these four beginning scenes of the opening act. We all already read the scene where the witches have told Banquo and Macbeth their future, and we know that Macbeth's mind is racing with all of the possibilties of his future. He has an internal debate over his next action- whether he should kill the king and seize the throne, or if he should merely be patient and wait for his turn to come. Yet as he thinks about all of this, King Duncan is throwing compliments at him and showering him in praise. He talks about how Macbeth's accomplishments are invaluable and he can never pay him back as Macbeth is thinking of stealing the throne.
Banquo: 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.- (23,143-146)
During this scene, Banquo is talking with Macbeth about what the witches just said to them. They both already suspect that the witches are speaking the truth since he was crowned Thane of Cawdor just prior to this. Here, I think Banquo can tell the possibilities that are running through Macbeth's mind. Since he senses what Macbeth is thinking about, he issues his warning about trying to take too much. Thus, Banquo tells Macbeth to be careful as it may be some sort of a trick that will ruin him.
Act I, scene iii, lines 148-164
ReplyDeleteMACBETH
[Aside]Two truths are told,
As happy prologues to the swelling act
Of the imperial theme.–I thank you, gentlemen.–
[Aside]Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor:
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings:
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not.
BANQUO
Look, how our partner's rapt.
I thought this passage was really intriguing because it shows the beginning of Macbeth’s thoughts about becoming king and the things he will do in order to achieve that. As Banquo says after, Macbeth is enthralled with the idea of becoming king, and is “rapt.” He is surprised when the first two of the prophecies occur, when he is gifted the title of the Thane of Cawdor just after seeing the witches, so he is beginning to think that there is a possibility of the third prediction occurring, “the imperial theme.” He then begins to debate whether or not these prophecies are a good thing. If they are a terrible (ill) thing, then he questions why two of them have already happened. However, if it is a good thing, then Macbeth wonders why is starts to fantasize about the murder King Duncan in order for him to take the throne. He is not pleased with the murderous thoughts that he is having, unlike his wife, who is very much in support of getting rid of King Duncan as quickly as possible. This passage also brings up the idea of fate versus free will. If is fated that Macbeth will be king, does he need to do anything to ensure that it happens, or can he simply wait for it occur. But it seems as if Macbeth will opt to make decisions, rather than wait for it to occur, although he is conflicted about the prospect of murdering King Duncan himself. His ambition is so strong that he does trust that the prediction will come true without him acting, since to get the title of Thane of Cawdor, he had to win many victories on the battlefield. Therefore, he will very likely kill the king with help from wife, although this will end poorly for him as it is one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies.
▶Banquo: [Aside to Macbeth] That, trusted home, might yet enkindle you unto the crown, besides the Thane of Cawdor. But 'tis strange! 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.-Cousins, a word, I pray you.⏸
ReplyDeleteBanquo knows that the witches are right, but he's concerned that they're using this information to lure his colleague, Macbeth, into trouble. Macbeth's not too sure about this himself.
▶Macbeth: [Aside] Two truths are told, as happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme.-I thank you, gentlemen.-[Aside] This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill; cannot be good. If ill, why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor. If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs against the use of nature?⏹
If this is bad news, why has Macbeth failed to avoid becoming Thane of both Glamis and Cawdor already? If it's good news, why is he so concerned about killing King Duncan? He doesn't know what to do and the witches aren't as helpful as they could be. I think he should take what he's got coming to him, don't you?
Well, he was just told he would be king! I don't completely blame him for being at least a little power hungry. He was just told something HUGE, he's definitely thinking irrationally and I'll cut him some slack for that.
Delete"No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive / Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death, / And with his former title greet Macbeth." I chose this piece because it demonstrates irony in the king speaking on how he will not be deceived nor betrayed ever again. And he praises Macbeth, yet the irony is that Macbeth has a goal to kill the king himself for the witches told him he will be the king. It's just ironic that you would speak about something like that with the person who plans on betraying you in the room. The king is totally unaware that he is talking highly of his soon to be murderer which is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe witches didn't tell King Duncan what Macbeth will do.
DeleteDramatic irony is the best of them all. It's nice to feel included
DeleteMacbeth: [Aside] Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor!
ReplyDeleteThe greatest is behind.--[To Ross and Angus] Thanks for your pains.
[Aside to Banquo] Do you not hope your children shall be kings
When those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me
Promised no less to them?
Banquo: [Aside to Macbeth] That, trusted home,
Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,
Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ‘tis strange!
And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to bestray’s
In deepest consequences.--
Cousins, a word, I pray you.
I felt that this passage was the most important one we’ve read so far. I think it highlights how Macbeth and Banquo are subtly foil characters. Macbeth looks at the all the positives, an optimist maybe(?), while Banquo questions the situation and tries to make sense of it (not a pessimist exactly though). Macbeth questioning Banquo about whether he feels happy that his children will be kings based upon his recent fortune shows how Macbeth may not be looking at the entire story. Banquo acknowledges this when he says that “oftentimes, to win us to our harm//The instruments of darkness tell us truths.” Banquo thinks that the witches only told him part of the story, the parts that Macbeth would be most attracted to, rather than the whole story. They never told him how, when, and what else would happen in order for this events to occur. I think Banquo tried to talk SOME sense into Macbeth here, but ultimately failed because it seems Macbeth was caught up in the tale he so wants to believe, using the proof that was literally just handed to him. Not that it was meant to be dramatic irony, but I think there's some in the sense that we know this is a tragedy, so we know something bad is gonna happen with Macbeth, so it’s easy for us to see that the witches aren’t telling the whole story. What I’ve been thinking about since class though, is whether Macbeth’s actions are already predetermined, as if the witches knew this was going to happen and didn’t say so, or whether this is going to be completely Macbeth’s doing, and that he’ll somehow get him into the position in the far future rather than immediately. If I were Banquo, I’d be wondering how my kids would be kings and not me, and what is going to happen to Macbeth to lead to that. I think it’s funny that that possibility doesn’t cross Macbeth’s mind. It seems Macbeth is very ‘in the moment’ while Banquo thinks generally ahead and tries to rationalize the situation and help Macbeth think it through.
That day will never come. Your face betrays strange feelings, my lord, and people will be able to read it like a book. In order to deceive them, you must appear the way they expect you to look. Greet the king with a welcoming expression in your eyes, your hands, and your words. You should look like an innocent flower, but be like the snake that hides underneath the flower. The king is coming, and he’s got to be taken care of. Let me handle tonight’s preparations, because tonight will change every night and day for the rest of our lives.
ReplyDeleteMacbeth didn't suspect that Lady Macbeth would agree with Macbeth killing Duncan to become King of Scotland, on the contrary, she eggs his on, calling him a coward when he tried to stop his plan. Meanwhile, his friend Banquo suspected that Macbeth was upset when Duncan proclaimed his son to be the next heir to the throne, and so he is a bit wary as to what Macbeth would do. He would suspect that Macbeth would go to some lengths to gain the throne, but wouldn't suspect him to kill Duncan.
It is weird that Macbeth would not know what has wife was like and know what she might say but maybe they don"t spend that much time together because he was at war
DeleteIt's weird that Macbeth doesn't know his wife that well, and that his wife turns to murder faster than he. Maybe it's part of them having no heir? The distance between them probably grew.
Delete"First Witch
ReplyDeleteAll hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis!
Second Witch
All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!
Third Witch
All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!"
The three witches are like the Fates of Greek mythology, those who spin the thread, measure, and cut. However, what has always mystified me is the purpose for telling the victims their destiny. Why tell Macbeth? What benefit comes from them telling him he will become Thane of Cawdor, and then King? Does telling him kickstart the process? Do they have to be involved in the storyline in order for Fate to come true? Does that mean if they had no hand, Macbeth would be, well, not Macbeth the murderer? I find that the motivation of the witches to be suspicious? Like, why do they want Macbeth to do this? What does killing the king mean to them?
"MACBETH
[Aside] Two truths are told,
As happy prologues to the swelling act
Of the imperial theme.--I thank you, gentlemen.
Aside
Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor:
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings:
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not."
Greed is the motivation for Macbeth. After being spurred by the witches, he now falls to that cycle of power demand. The saying that people who gain only want to gain more is true. At this point, Macbeth was Thane of Glamis (not a bad position at all, he had a castle after all) and became Thane of Cawdor, which is apparently even better. Why go for king? Being a king would surely be harder and then you'd just fear someone would want your position. But the power has too much appeal, and Macbeth has undoubtedly fallen into the cycle of desire for power.
You are right why would the witch tell him I never really understood that what good does for them.
DeleteYeah like what if those witches told someone else they will be king too? They'd be coming for Macbeth's head too. King seems highly overrated.
DeleteI agree that MacBeth is motivated by greed and that will most likely have consequences.
DeleteGlad I have people who agree!! The witches are sus!!
DeleteThere is usually something like the three witches in a lot of mythology or fables. Do you think people are making the point that you can’t control the future or that the future is manipulated once you know what is suppose to happen?
DeleteChloe Hanrahan
I agree with what you said about Macbeth falling into a cycle of a desire for power. Also I really like the way you worded his greed.
Delete^^Sydney Gregory
DeleteMACBETH
ReplyDeleteThe thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me
In borrow'd robes?
ANGUS
Who was the thane lives yet;
But under heavy judgment bears that life
Which he deserves to lose. Whether he was combined
With those of Norway, or did line the rebel
With hidden help and vantage, or that with both
He labour'd in his country's wreck, I know not;
But treasons capital, confess'd and proved,
Have overthrown him.
MACBETH
[Aside] Glamis, and thane of Cawdor!
The greatest is behind.
To ROSS and ANGUS
Thanks for your pains.
To BANQUO
Do you not hope your children shall be kings,
When those that gave the thane of Cawdor to me
Promised no less to them?
BANQUO
That trusted home
Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,
Besides the thane of Cawdor. But 'tis strange:
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.
Cousins, a word, I pray you.
MACBETH
[Aside] Two truths are told,
As happy prologues to the swelling act
Of the imperial theme.--I thank you, gentlemen.
Aside
Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor:
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings:
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not.
→ This scene is from when Macbeth finds out about becoming Thane of Cawdor and (earlier from the witches) King. His thoughts were particularly interesting because he is having constant battles in his head about what to do. At first he is in disbelief but then he is told that he is in fact Thane of Cawdor. After this he believes in what the witches have said and thinks, what do I have to do to become king. So the witches really influence his actions because if they didn’t tell him that he would be king then he probably wouldn’t even be thinking about how to become king. He probably would have just been happy with his title as Thane of Cawdor and, by fate, become king one day somehow. But now that he knows about it and he knows it is fate, he still tries to control the situation by making himself decide between killing the king or remaining king of Cawdor and let things figure out themselves. Meanwhile what he should be doing is to do whatever he would have done if the witches didn’t tell him anything in the first place. Another thing that is interesting is how Duncan treats Macbeth. Duncan praises Macbeth and is very nice to him, meanwhile Macbeth is planning on murdering Duncan. It is ironic because Duncan was just betrayed by his old Thane of Cawdor and now he might be betrayed again.
Duncan hasn't consulted the witches, so he doesn't know this.
DeleteAnd Duncan couldn't do anything about it, even if he knew, because everything the witches say is guaranteed to be true.
Delete"That, trusted home, Might yet enkindle you unto the crown, Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But 'tis strange! 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.-Cousins, a word, I pray you."
ReplyDeleteI find that in this passage, Banquo is foreshadowing the future actions of Macbeth. He is warning him about the dangers of trusting the witches and playing along with their game. Macbeth and Banquo both have free will because I believe the witches could just be able to foresee the future. If Macbeth does go along with killing Duncan, I think Banquo could easily become suspicious of Macbeth's crime and is already catching on. I am also interested in why King Duncan is so fond and trustful of Macbeth after supposedly being betrayed by the former Thane of Cawdor. It is very ironic that the former Thane of Cawdor betrayed Duncan and now the present Thane is thinking about the most treasonous act of all, killing the King.
"The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step
ReplyDeleteOn which I must fall down, or else o'erleap,
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."
This passage really portrays the ambition Macbeth has to become and remain the King of Scotland. It intrigued me because Macbeth's ambition is so great to become the most powerful he feels the need to murder in order for no one to be in his way in becoming King. this passage is also significant because as soon as the three witches told Macbeth that he would become king one day, he knew there would be obstacles that he had to overcome, so he realized that in order to take on that position he will have to get rid of Malcom.
I agree I think it is crazy how quickly Macbeth came to the conclusion of having to murder the king. This definitely tells us that this book will be violent.
Delete⚠⚠⚠⚠⚠Bloodstain hazard!
DeleteThe blood flies everywhere, and it's difficult to wash off. And having spent quality time with Carrie, I will never turn a blind eye to such disgrace.
Delete"BANQUO
ReplyDeleteThere if I grow,
The harvest is your own.
DUNCAN
My plenteous joys,
Wanton in fulness, seek to hide themselves
In drops of sorrow. Sons, kinsmen, thanes,
And you whose places are the nearest, know
We will establish our estate upon
Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter
The Prince of Cumberland; which honour must
Not unaccompanied invest him only,
But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine
On all deservers. From hence to Inverness,
And bind us further to you.
MACBETH
The rest is labour, which is not used for you:
I'll be myself the harbinger and make joyful
The hearing of my wife with your approach;
So humbly take my leave."
In this passage, the King names Malcolm as heir to the thrown. Macbeth was just told by the bearded ladies that soon he will become king, and I know that this novel involves a lot of killing, so I predict that Macbeth will either kill Malcolm before he becomes king and become heir to the thrown, or he will kill him when he becomes king and automatically become the new king by some sort of imperial killing law. Also, I think that when the witches were talking to Banquo and Macbeth, and they said that Banquo would end up being less happy but still more happy, they were saying that he would not become king but still not have the fate of Macbeth. It seams like Macbeth is going to have a short time of glory and then everything will crash down upon him.
What do you think Banquo was thinking and feeling when he heard that he won't be king?
DeleteAt least his descendants will.
DeleteFirst Witch
ReplyDeleteI myself have all the other,
And the very ports they blow,
All the quarters that they know
I' the shipman's card.
I will drain him dry as hay:
Sleep shall neither night nor day
Hang upon his pent-house lid;
He shall live a man forbid:
Weary se'nnights nine times nine
Shall he dwindle, peak and pine:
Though his bark cannot be lost,
Yet it shall be tempest-tost.
Look what I have.
I choose this because you can see how dangerous the witches are and how powerful that it is understandable that later in you believes them when they tell Macbeth that will be King but at the same time they seem untrust worthy because they are so dangerous. I personal think that the witches are saying that if he does nothing then he will be king but if does something bad thing will happen to him.
MACBETH
[Aside] If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,
Without my stir.
BANQUO
New horrors come upon him,
Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mould
But with the aid of use.
MACBETH
[Aside] Come what come may,
Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.
BANQUO
Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure.
MACBETH
Give me your favour: my dull brain was wrought
With things forgotten. Kind gentlemen, your pains
Are register'd where every day I turn
The leaf to read them. Let us toward the king.
Think upon what hath chanced, and, at more time,
The interim having weigh'd it, let us speak
Our free hearts each to other.
BANQUO
Very gladly.
MACBETH
Till then, enough. Come, friends.
Throughout this scene Banquo now hearing the news feels for this friend but I think from now on they will keep an eye on each other because something has to happen to macbetn for Banquos childern to be king. THis news has probably change there relationship putting them at odds with each other.
To what extent do you think they will dislike each other? Do you think that Banquo would kill Macbeth when he is ruler just so his children can attain the throne quicker?
DeleteSomething that stood out to me while reading these four chapters was how the irony that was being presented in the story. I thought that it was strange that Duncan would speak so highly of Macbeth and give him praises of victory in the battlefield, yet he would choose someone else to be the Thane of Cawdor rather than the almighty and responsible Macbeth. Though these kinds of decisions are going to be made throughout the story, Macbeth does and doesn’t have free will in what he does to Duncan and how he expresses his emotions towards others. We see that when Macbeth contemplates whether he should kill Duncan and the current Thane of Cawdor or not, but his wife tries to convince him otherwise so that he can take that higher position, which is an example Shakespeare uses his foil characters. Around his wife, Macbeth is very vulnerable and his wife is very outspoken and bluntly honest with Macbeth. Because of Macbeth’s vulnerability, he feels strongly about Duncan because he’s not a bad person, but maybe Duncan doesn’t favor Macbeth as much as he seems to be on the outside.
ReplyDeleteI think that the most important passage that we have read thus far is when the witches are telling Banquo and Macbeth about their prophecy. It sets up the whole story and gives us a base sense of what is to come of these two characters. I do think that with this initial set up, it does not give the characters free will. The definition of free will is the act of acting without the constraint of faith, and the witches basically took that from them. Now Macbeth is walking around trying to figure out how he will become king. He is constrained by what the witches tell him and how that holds him back. This reminds me of Oedipus and the fact that he tried to change his pass and have free will, but it ended up being the same prophecy. So it truly doesn't matter what Macbeth does or doesn't do. The prophecy will play out how it was meant to play out.
ReplyDeleteThe theme of trying to change fate does seem to be common in literature.
DeleteFirst Witch
ReplyDeleteLesser than Macbeth, and greater.
Second Witch
Not so happy, yet much happier.
Third Witch
Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none:
So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!
First Witch
Banquo and Macbeth, all hail!
MACBETH
Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more:
By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis;
But how of Cawdor? the thane of Cawdor lives,
A prosperous gentleman; and to be king
Stands not within the prospect of belief,
No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence
You owe this strange intelligence? or why
Upon this blasted heath you stop our way
With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge you.
Witches vanish
BANQUO
The earth hath bubbles, as the water has,
And these are of them. Whither are they vanish'd?
MACBETH
Into the air; and what seem'd corporal melted
As breath into the wind. Would they had stay'd!
The way that the witches speak are a bit like a riddle. The first witch says that Banquo is lesser yet also greater than Macbeth. This could mean that Macbeth is the one that seems important but Banquo is the one pulling the strings in the shadows. The second part about happiness could mean that they will both fall into depression with one barely happier. The third witch says they get kings which I interpreted as their heads. All of these comments raise tension and since the witches disappear into nothingness they could be of a higher power and can predict the future. They are friends now but it could change in the future.
So what I am finding interesting is the difference between reactions. Macbeth is confused and worried by the news. Banquo is kinda neither. I think he is happy but scared. Lady Macbeth is purely excited. She wants nothing more than her husband to be the King and I think that she is what will eventually lead him to his downfall. Duncan and Macbeth's relationship is kinda interesting, because Macbeth is low key trying to figure out ways in which HE will become king, while Duncan is oblivious. He even says he looks forward to going over to Macbeth's house for dinner. The sisters I think are also personifications of the past present and future, which is why they talk about them and one talks about each of them
ReplyDelete"Macbeth: Your children shall be Kings.
ReplyDeleteBanquo: You shall be King.
Macbeth: And thane of Cawdor too. Went it not so?" (21)
This passage brought up a debate in my mind: would I rather be king now and none of my family be king in the future? Or would I rather not be king now, but my children and grandchildren and the rest be kings? I'm not entirely sure if Shakespeare intended this to be brought up, but I found it very interesting nonetheless.
"Macbeth: The rest is labor, which is not used for you. I'll be myself the harbinger, and make joyful- the hearing of my wife with your approach; So, humbly take my leave."
Macbeth seems to be very passive aggressive here, given that Malcolm was crowned as the next king and the witches told him HE (Macbeth) would be king. He's a bit salty. This may play into wanting to murder the king (and potentially Malcolm) just to make this supposed truth from the witches come true.
“First Witch. All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!
ReplyDeleteSecond Witch. All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!
Third Witch. All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (1.3.17)
I feel as if Macbeth has the freewill to think on his own and is not subject to fate. The witches and other characters get into his head and persuade (pun intended) Macbeth to go against his own beliefs which manipulates him into a different person. Ironically we see this while the king praises Macbeth, he is thinking of murdering the king. Macbeth, clearly in a tizzy needs to know more whereas Banquo looks ahead and takes what the witches say for granted.
The witches are right.
DeleteFrom the first few lines, a very dark tone is set in Macbeth. Knowing that it's a Shakespearean tragedy it is expected to result in the downfall of the protagonist with lots of bloodshed along the way. Right from the first scene there is an eerie feel to the story, the stage directions inform the audience/readers of a storm as three witches chant and converse of things yet to come. The scene that follows ensues on the gruesome battlefield where we are introduced to noble war hero Macbeth along with King Duncan. However, before Macbeth is truly brought into the scene the Captain tells the king of what a brave soldier he is "...Till he unseamed him from the nave to the chops And fixed his head upon our battlements." (pg. 11) These lines bring us into who Macbeth is, we understand who is strong in battle but we'll later come to see he may not be as strong as he seems. In scene 5, we see how Lady Macbeth is an intense and ruthless woman, who seems to be far stronger of a character than her husband. I am fascinated to see the dynamics between characters throughout Macbeth, especially between Lady Macbeth and her husband.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete“First Witch. All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!
Second Witch. All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!
Third Witch. All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (1.3.17)
Shakespeare really likes to do this thing where he gives away the entire play before it has even started, yet he still somehow always leaves me on the edge of my seat. The witches are very unique characters, possessing powers that remind me of Tiresias from Oedipus Rex. The reaction of the person who is having their future told share the disturbance afterwards. Whether the news be good or bad, the person never has any idea how to act on the fortune. Macbeth in this case, is skeptical yet desires to know more about this prophecy.
DUNCAN
My plenteous joys,
Wanton in fulness, seek to hide themselves
In drops of sorrow. Sons, kinsmen, thanes,
And you whose places are the nearest, know
We will establish our estate upon
Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter
The Prince of Cumberland; which honour must
Not unaccompanied invest him only,
But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine
On all deservers. From hence to Inverness,
And bind us further to you. (Scene 4)
I picked this line because it really is entertaining to think about how disappointed Macbeth must be. This guy really thought he was gonna get to be king so easily. He should've known better, because the play would be far too short. Now he's gotta either wait out the guy to do who is younger than him, or Macbeth could kill them. In the wise words of my anonymous friend, he will choose the latter because his wife "Triple dog dared him and then called him a weenie".
One thing that I found to be a pretty important theme so far is the fact that ignorance is bliss. Before the witches told Macbeth, he was doing very well in his life. He had been an important war general and was a well known man. He even was given the title Thane of Cawdor. (Even though the witches told him about it, he was going to be appointed the title even if they didn’t tell him.) However, once he got his future told, everything he did seemed to have doubts. When he was told that he would be the next king, he thought he was going to have to outlive Duncan, but Duncan also had a son so this logic wasn’t applicable to him. Realizing all of this, Macbeth made the decision that he had to kill Duncan. Macbeth is having dinner with Duncan and soon understands that he is having a good time with Duncan and everyone is happy with each other. After seeing all of this Macbeth starts doubting his intentions of killing Duncan. It is clearly visible that Macbeth is having a hard time realizing what he wants.
ReplyDeleteFirst, 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. Besides, this Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
The deep damnation of his taking-off;
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And pity, like a naked new-born babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed
Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on th'other.