Shakespeare’s Act 1 Scene 7 and Act 2 Scene 2 in Macbeth are dramatic in their delivery. Shakespeare, an Elizabethan writer who never published his plays, wrote Macbeth. This play loosely draws upon real events but lacks historical accuracy. Set in 11th century Scotland and England, it was written by Shakespeare in 1606. The Elizabethans held strong superstitious beliefs regarding evil forces, witches, fear of the unknown, and the divine right of kings.
King James I of England emphasized the belief in a hierarchical order called the great chain of being, and believed that if this order is disrupted, chaos will ensue. The concepts and superstitions held by the Elizabethans are evident in the tale of Macbeth. In the beginning, Macbeth is engaged in a battle on behalf of Duncan, the King of Scotland, against Norway. On his way home from the battle alongside his close companion Banquo, they encounter three peculiar individuals who turn out to be witches. These witches predict what lies ahead for Macbeth.
The witches predict that Macbeth will be Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and the king, while Banquo’s children will become kings. Although Macbeth is already Thane of Glamis, the other predictions have not come true. However, two messengers inform Macbeth that King Duncan has decided to grant him the title of Thane of Cawdor as a reward for his bravery in battle.
This leads Macbeth to contemplate the possibility that the third prediction made by the witches, which would make him King, could also come true. He communicates this information to his wife, Lady Macbeth, through a letter. As Macbeth returns home, they receive news that King Duncan will be staying overnight. Lady Macbeth expresses her determination to do whatever it takes to ensure Macbeth attains kingship and gains immense power.
Macbeth demonstrated courage and loyalty to King Duncan when he fought valiantly for him in battle. The Captain praised Macbeth, declaring “For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name),” indicating that others admired him as a loyal and trustworthy soldier. This sentiment is also echoed by Malcolm who refers to a sergeant as a “good and hardy soldier” that fought against his captivity, addressing him as a “brave friend.” Upon Lady Macbeth’s introduction in the play, it becomes evident that she possesses a callous nature as she contemplates the murder of King Duncan solely for the sake of power.
Despite Macbeth’s uncertainty about killing Duncan, Lady Macbeth remains persistent in her belief that he will kill Duncan and become King of Scotland. She consistently displays her evil and manipulative nature. To address his doubts, Macbeth speaks a soliloquy aloud, contemplating the morality of killing Duncan and attempting to justify his reasons for or against committing the murder. He is aware that once he carries out the deed, he will face judgment from God. Additionally, he recognizes that as his host, he should be protecting Duncan, as the king has placed trust in him.
In his soliloquy, Macbeth explores various justifications for the murder of Duncan. However, he ultimately concludes that killing Duncan solely for ambition and power is unjustifiable. When Macbeth informs Lady Macbeth of his decision to cease pursuing the assassination of King Duncan, she employs manipulative tactics to persuade him to change his mind. Macbeth becomes somewhat unhinged, even conversing with imaginary daggers before him, declaring, “Come, let me clutch thee.”
Shakespeare employs various techniques to make the play engaging. These include the use of proverbs, rhetorical questions for persuasion, and metaphors to create vivid imagery in the audience’s minds. The audience would likely find Lady Macbeth’s arguments revolting, as they are both manipulative and cruel towards her husband. Ultimately, she employs numerous compelling and manipulative arguments to convince Macbeth to commit the murder. Additionally, Shakespeare wrote certain portions of his speeches in blank verse, which consists of lines with ten beats and a rhythmic sound.
It is referred to as a Lambic Pentameter, which enhances the elegance of the language and signifies the significance of the speech. Prior to the murder, Macbeth experiences hallucinations of daggers hovering before him. This suggests his awareness of his impending act of killing Duncan. He is apprehensive about carrying out the murder as he is reluctant to harm Duncan, knowing it is morally wrong. However, he succumbs to his wife’s persuasion, motivated by the desire for power.
Lady Macbeth’s opening speech in Blank Verse creates a beautiful and patterned language that conveys its importance to the audience. She is alone, speaking about the alcohol she gave to the guards and her own feelings. She mentions that the alcohol made the guards sleepy but gave her courage, indicating her need for a drink. Lady Macbeth also shows her vulnerability by admitting that she would have killed Duncan herself if he didn’t resemble her father while sleeping. The mention of the owl as an omen and the fatal bellman signifies impending doom. When Macbeth returns after committing the murder, Lady Macbeth’s speech becomes more hurried, indicated by hyphens and short sentences, showing her nervousness.
The conversation between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is characterized by fragmented speech, which enhances tension and portrays their nervousness and worry. “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep” is a particularly powerful quote that illustrates Macbeth’s vivid description of sleep and its significance to humanity, making him sound like a doctor or caregiver. Lady Macbeth regains her composure and issues instructions to Macbeth, with Shakespeare employing imperatives to convey a commanding tone.
Due to the murder, Lady Macbeth’s behavior has changed, and Macbeth is repulsed by his actions. Macbeth expresses his profound guilt by asking, “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand?” On the contrary, Lady Macbeth remains composed and utters, “A little water clears us of this deed.” This intense and poetic scene features powerful language, metaphors, and alliteration. Overall, I believe that Macbeth will eventually become king; however, his anxiety will overpower him and lead to his exposure. Consequently, Macbeth will be killed, allowing another person to assume the throne.
There may not be any modern couples facing a struggle as intense as the one mentioned, but there are certainly many smaller struggles. Macbeth met his demise, and Lady Macbeth descended into madness and took her own life. Their son from Lady Macbeth’s previous marriage became King, but after his reign ended, it returned to its original order with Malcolm, Duncan’s son, assuming the throne. This aligns with the belief of King James 1st in a hierarchical structure known as the great chain of being.
