MB Act 1 Scene 4 Flashcards
Previously Duncan had referred to MacBeth as ‘O valiant coustin! worthy gentleman!’ How has this prasie developed? Give the quote
‘O worthiest cousin’
- As worthy, he could be as worthy as others but being the worthiest means that he is above all others.
We could interpret MacBeth’s speech to Duncan as him realising that loyalty/ duty are more important than ambition and therefore he was pledging his loyalty. How else can it be interpreted?
This couldnt be him plotting regicide but saying how loyal he is will make sure that he won’t be suspicious after the murder has happened.
In his aside, what verb does MacBeth use to show that he is aware that he will be transgressing his place int he great chain of being if he jumps over Malcolm?
He says ‘o’erleap ‘ to show he is aware of the transgression.
Who does Duncan announce will be next in line to the throne?
Malcolm- Prince of Cumberland
In the previous scene MacBeth said ‘If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir.’ Showing that he is going to leave his fate up to chance and was capable of making good moral decisions. What changes MacBeth’s mind?
He has changed his mind as fate as put another thing in him way before coming king- Malcolm
How is deception (not a theme but important) being used in this scene?
Duncan is aknowledging that people can lie with their faces.
This foreshadows MacBeth’s line in A1 S7: ‘False face must hide what the false heart doth know’.
