Scene 1: questions 1-3
The use of pathetic fallacy created a very dark tone for the reader. It insinuates that a bad event is about to occur as the scene becomes intense. In act 2, scene 1, Fleance states that the moon is not visible to which Banquo replies that there aren’t any stars in the sky. This sets a dark and ominous tone. Pathetic fallacy is seen in the “Lion King” and also in many of Shakespeare’s plays such as Romeo and Juliet. The weather indicates the emotions of the characters in the play. This use of pathetic fallacy helps enhance the experience of the reader.
Macbeth says “If you shall cleave to my consent/ When ’tis, it shall make honour for you.” (2.1.31-32). Macbeth is saying that if Banquo were to act the way he instructed when the time comes, it could increase his honour. Banquo replies by saying that he is unwilling to do anything that will improve his situation that might ultimately reduce how honourable he is. Banquo’s statement makes the reader assume that he suspects Macbeth will do something that will “reduce his honour.” This scene in the play plays an important role as it displays Banquo’s suspicion towards Macbeth’s actions.
When Macbeth was walking towards Duncan’s chambers, he seemed to be hesitant, guilty, and a bit unconfident with his abilities. This was evident when he said “A dagger of the mind, a false creation/ proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?” (2.1.46-47). This line proves his self-doubt as Macbeth questions his feverish and “heat-oppressed” brain’s abilities. The bloody dagger that he sees in front of him represents his guilt.
Scene 2: questions 1, 3, and 4
1 & 3: Lady Macbeth is characterized as a strong and fearless character who can manipulate her husband into doing “evil.” However, Lady Macbeth seemed not as strong when she stated that she would have murdered Duncan “had he not resembled [her] father.” (2.1.14-15). This line indicated that Lady Macbeth does to some extent have sympathy, at least towards those she loves. Lady Macbeth believes that thinking too deeply of the murder will make her and Macbeth “mad.”
4: Macbeth seems to be paranoid and guilty of what he has just done. He claims that sight of the murder was a “sorry sight” to which Lady Macbeth disagrees. At the end of the scene, Macbeth states that he’d rather be unconscious than think about the crime he committed. This line is important to empathize because it displays that Macbeth still has emotions and that ambition hasn’t fully destroyed him. However, this scene makes Lady Macbeth appear more insane and manipulative.
Scene 3: question 3
3. Lady Macbeth would do anything to save her husband. Since anyone can suspect Macbeth of killing Duncan, Lady Macbeth wanted to divert everyone’s attention away from Macbeth. She had already known about Duncan’s murder, so it should not bring such a shock that she would faint. Lady Macbeth’s fainting was an act that was put forth to save Macbeth. Macbeth stated that he killed the chamberlains. This was not the original plan. Lady Macbeth decides to faint before he can give away more details.
Scene 4: question 1 & 2
Various unnatural events occur before and after the murder of King Duncan. According to Lennox, “the night has been unruly.” (2.4.28) He stated that the wind blew down the chimneys where people were sleeping. The owl also made a noise all night. Some people stated that the earth shook as if it had a fever. It was also rumored that the horses ate each other.
Macduff seems to doubt Macbeth. He immediately distrusts Macbeth’s claim that Duncan was killed by his servants, and refuses to go to Macbeth’s coronation. Macduff seems to be the loyal one, he seems to be a character that Macbeth once was.
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