Act 1, Scene 7

Question 1

“Even handed justice” “poisoned chalice”
WHAT?

Answer 1

Conflicting his desires of ambition vs guilt

Question 2

“Even handed justice” “poisoned chalice”

HOW?

Answer 2

“Even handed justice” > fair, impartial justice that punishes wrong doing
“Poisoned chalice” > metaphor > aware that committing regicide.
“Chalice” > divine and life > death > M actions change natural order + chaos
Moral consequences foreshadowing his hamartia
Symbolic of violent yet convert murder

Question 3

“Even handed justice” “poisoned chalice”

WHY?

Answer 3

Ambition > immoral deeds > poison in the mind > paranoia and despair

“Poisoned chalice” > m aware before committing murder = expressing fear > unnatural act > own tragic demise

Question 4

“ I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but on lay vaulting ambition”

HOW?

Answer 4

“No spur” > no legitimate reason to kill KD > no external motiv or moral justification
“Vaulting ambition” > overpowering desire to achieve his ambition > uncontrollable and excessive / equestrian imagery
Leaping rider only motivated by ambition

Question 5

“ I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but on lay vaulting ambition”

WHY?

Answer 5

Unchecked ambition dangerous actions
Knows ambitions are dangerous yet still proceeds with it
Overrides conscience
Compares ambition to a vaulting horse that ultimately falls > M’s plans x go to plan
“Fall” > metaphorical to downfall and death