Act 1 Scene 7 Flashcards
Soliloquy
A piece in a play where a character speaks to themselves; it enables the audience to gain a deeper insight into the character’s true thoughts and real nature.
“If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well it were done quickly.”
Macbeth says that if the murder has to be done, it should be done fast to get it over and done with; this shows his reluctance, and wants to finish the terrible deed as soon as possible, with no display of bloodlust.
“Duncan […] hath been so clear in his great office, that his virtues will plead like angels”
Macbeth provides a compelling argument against killing the King; he says Duncan is a pure and noble man, close to God, emphasised by the imagery relating to heaven in the quotation.
“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’other”
Macbeth realises that he has no drive to commit the murder of King Duncan, apart from his high amount of ambition, which he says will result in his own downfall; the imagery related to horses emphasise this.
Why is the structure of this scene significant?
Macbeth’s soliloquy suggests that he has convinced himself out of committing regicide, however he is interrupted by the entrance of Lady Macbeth during his speech; this is an interesting technique since she arrives just at the point where he has made a logical argument against the murder.
“We will proceed no further in this business.”
Macbeth has decided not to commit the deed.
What are the verbal techniques that Lady Macbeth uses to manipulate Macbeth to change his mind?
- She says he is inconsistent and fickle-minded.
- She uses his love for her against him.
- She says that he is no better than someone who is always drunk.
- Most Importantly: She challenges his manhood, arguably the most effective technique.
“When you durst do it, then you were a man.”
Lady Macbeth knows that Macbeth’s reputation is founded upon his bravery and masculine traits; by emasculating him, she manipulates him to convince him to commit the deed.
What more does Lady Macbeth call Macbeth?
“coward”
“poor cat”
How is this manipulation relevant to the supernatural?
Macbeth is under Lady Macbeth’s spell, just like he is heavily influenced by the witches’ prophecies; this foreshadows his alignment with evil and the future actions he commits leading to his downfall.
What quote relates to the theme of deception?
“False face must hide what the false heart doth know.”
