Critical Essay Plans - Key Scene

Question 1

PEAR 1

Answer 1

“By Finel’s death, I know I am of Glamis, but how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives […] and to be King stands not within the prospect of belief.”

“Why do I yield to this suggestion?”

The witches sow the seed, but Macbeth’s initial reaction is of disbelief.

Question 2

PEAR 2

Answer 2

“Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be what thou art promis’d.”

“Yet I do fear thy nature is too full o’th’milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.”

Lady Macbeth’s reaction is totally different - she tries to influence Macbeth.

Question 3

PEAR 3

Answer 3

“He’s here in double trust; first, as I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; then, as his host, who should against his murder shut the door, not bear the knife myself.”

“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other.

Beginning of key scene (Act 1, Sc 7), Macbeth decides against killing Duncan.

Question 4

PEAR 4

Answer 4

“Art thou afeard to be the same in thine own act and valour as thou art in desire?”

“How tender ‘tis to love the babe that milks me. I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I sworn as you have to this.”

Lady Macbeth tries to influence Macbeth again, this time taunting him and attacking his manhood.

Question 5

PEAR 5

Answer 5

“I am settled, and bend up each corporal agent to this terrible feat.”

“Away, and mock the time with fairest show. False face must hide what the false heart doth know.”

Macbeth is convinced, ready to commit to the crime.