key themes: violence

Question 1

“Disdaining fortune… smoked with bloody execution” (Act 1)- Macbeth

Answer 1

• “Smok’d” connotations: “smok’d” could connote to heat and hell, foreshadowing his malevolent nature will later face moral and psychological ramifications for.
• The phrase “disdaining fortune” shows a disregard for his fate and his attempt to manipulate the natural order. This later becomes evident in his disruption of the Divine Right of Kings.
• Syntax: Although Macbeth receives commendation for his stoic bravery as a soldier in Act 1, the syntax implies a symbiotic relationship between his downfall and his intrinsic proclivity for violence.
• The positioning of “fortune” preceding ‘execution’ foreshadows Macbeth’s acquisition of an illegitimate title and wealth through violent means, but how this will also lead to his eventual ‘execution’.

Question 2

“I am in blood/ Stepp’d in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious” (act 3)- Macbeth

Answer 2

• Motif of blood: Previously the ‘blood’ (which is a motif for the consequences of murder) was merely on his hands, yet now it has enrobed his entire body, and by extension his entire sense of being.
• Macbeth’s response to fear and guilt has transitioned from being horrified to indulging further in heinous acts, murder now becomes a means of self preservation.
• “Wade” has biblical allusions: Macbeth’s metaphorical wading in blood exemplifies how he acknowledges his conscience is permanently stained with guilt as a result of his violence.
• Similar to Cain in the Book of Genesis who commits the first murder in the bible, his irreversible act of murder of his brother Abel results in his punishment by God.

Question 3

“Dash’d the brains out” (Act 1) - Lady Macbeth

Answer 3

• “plosive on “dash’d”: The plosive on “dash’d” creates a brutal sound, mirroring her brutal rejection of motherly instincts. Her proclivity for violence takes precedence over motherhood, leading to her unapologetic willingness to extinguish human life in the relentless pursuit of unchecked violent ambition.
• Juxtaposition: The deliberate contrast between the forceful verb “dash’d” and the delicate nature of “brains” serves as a poignant symbol reflecting Lady Macbeth’s character. Despite seemingly fragile exterior, she harbours a strong desire to instigate violence and chaos.
• Notably, her choice of targeting the vulnerable “brains” of infants signifies a recognition of both the paramount importance and extreme fragility of human existence. Yet this is ironic, as the very organ she see,s to disrupt in her unborn child- the seat of morality and reason- becomes the locus of her own downfall.

Question 4

[enters with a taper] (Act 5)- Lady Macbeth

Answer 4

• Symbolism of [taper]: As a [taper] provides light, this is emblematic of how Lady Macbeth is seeking light, hope and solace in her eternal mental darkness.
• In Christian symbolism, light often represents hope and divine guidance. Thus her [entering] with it can be seen as a desperate grasping for solace and perhaps even a subconscious plea for God’s redemption from the sins that torment her.
• Character development: Her need for light is the antithesis to her earlier presentation in act1 where she calls upon the night, wanting darkness to help fuel her violent and malevolent plans: “come thick night”.
• The motif of darkness and light reinforces how Lady Macbeth’s depraved and dark wants for violence consequently cause her desperation to see the light and seek redemption.

Question 5

“I have no words; my voice is my sword” (act 5) - Macduff

Answer 5

• Violent metaphor: In employing a violent metaphor, Macduff contends that the restoration of Scotland’s natural order necessitates physical violence. Thus, the initial upheaval, brought about by Macbeth’s violent tyrannical means, mandates a similar force to rectify the natural order that has been disrupted.
• Macduff is the archetype of the avenging hero, motivated by revenge, but with good intentions.
• Short sentences: The short sentences reflects the short amount of time that Scotland will have to continue to suffer- by slewing Macbeth Scotland can be rightly governed and flourish under divine ordain.

Question 6

“bleed, bleed, poor country” (act4) - Macduff

Answer 6

• Personification: Macduff laments Scotland, personifying the nation to underscore his profound emotional bond but also reflects the pervasive sense of loss and despair that permeates Scotland.
• Macduff’s sorrow, then, becomes emblematic of the collective grief felt by the nation, further highlighting the immense political upheaval and chaos that has befallen Scotland due to Macbeth’s tyranny and violence.
• Repetition: The recurrent motif of “bleed” highlights Macduff’s despair about Scotland’s progressive demise, effectively encapsulating Macbeth’s misanthropic disposition.
• Macduff’s patriotism emphasises Macbeth’s ruthless indifference to dismantling Scotland but also serves as a compelling juxtaposition to the inherent nobility expected of a rightful king.