Macbeth - Act 3 Scene 1 Oral Presentation

Act 3 Scene 1 Oral Presentation

Background

King Duncan, has been murdered by Macbeth, and Macbeth is crowned King of Scotland. Banquo is back in the royal castle of Forres, and we find out, that he has been observing the recent events and is aware of the witches’ prophecies. This prompts him to wonder if the prophecy made to him by the witches may also come true. Meanwhile, Macbeth fears that Banquo and his son Fleance may be an obstacle to him and plans their murder, keeping Lady Macbeth in the dark. Lastly, in this scene, Macbeth plans to kill Banquo and his son through hired assassins.

Analysis

The scene begins with Banquo suspecting Macbeth, and in this short soliloquy of his, Macbeth tells the audience that he suspects that Macbeth became king by foul means, as shown by the quote’ Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all As the weird women promised and I fear Thou playd’st most foully for’t. Banquo’s fears are overcome by the thought that since Macbeth has become the king, he too, may be the father, to a lineage of Kings as the witches had predicted. ‘That myself should be the root and father of many kings.

Banquo’s’ thoughts are interrupted, with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth entering, and Macbeth, inviting Banquo to the banquet as the chief guest. This is very ironical, as we later find out that Macbeth is about to arrange for the murder of Banquo and his son, so Banquo would not be able to come as he would be dead. Also, in this part, we are able to see that Macbeth is keen to find out if Fleance is going riding with his father. This is because he wants both of them killed as he fears Banquo knows too much in terms of the witches prophecies and Fleance may inherit the kingship. In terms of themes, even in this scene we see the prevalent them of the supernatural in the form of the witches, whose predictions Macbeth trust like Gospel and therefore wants Banquo and his son murdered.

In reply to Macbeth’s question about Banquo and his son going riding, Banquo replies, ‘I must become a borrower of the night for a dark hour or twain.’ This statement of Banquo reinforces the theme of darkness in the play of Macbeth which I shall talk about in more depth later. Macbeth again, pretends to be noble and tells Banquo not to miss the feast. Macbeth also comments on Malcolm and Donalbain, referring to them as ‘our bloody cousins’ because he wants people to think that they were the ones responsible for the murder of Duncan, which is why they fled Scotland. Also, Macbeth who has killed Duncan, criticises Duncan’s sons saying they have filled people’s ears with strange inventions, meaning that Macbeth killed Duncan. Soon, Banquo leaves, and a servant enters informing Macbeth that his guests (the assassin) are at the palace gate. When the servant leaves, Macbeth thinks to himself, the reasons why he wants Banquo and his son murdered, letting the audience know what is on his mind. I will now analyse the language and imagery used in Macbeth soliloquy.

Macbeth starts with the reason behind his fears and insecurity

To be thus is nothing… ] ie. "To be king is nothing, unless, as king, you are safe".

Macbeth refers to his fears in Banquo as

Stick deep ] prick deep like thorns.

Macbeth comments on how he fears the good in Banquo and the witches’ prophecies when he says

royalty of nature ] royal nature. The phrase is an allusion to the Witches' prophecy that Banquo "shalt get kings" (1.3.65).

would be ] deserves to be.

Macbeth suggests that Banquo is fearless and may ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

Macbeth starts with the reason behind his fears and insecurity

To be thus is nothing… ] ie. "To be king is nothing, unless, as king, you are safe".

Macbeth refers to his fears in Banquo as

Stick deep ] prick deep like thorns.

Macbeth comments on how he fears the good in Banquo and the witches’ prophecies when he says

royalty of nature ] royal nature. The phrase is an allusion to the Witches' prophecy that Banquo "shalt get kings" (1.3.65).

would be ] deserves to be.

Macbeth suggests that Banquo is fearless and may want to kill him

'tis much he dares ] Macbeth fears that Banquo is plotting against him.

To dauntless temper of his mind] in addition to his fearless bravery disposition, and quality.

He hath wisdom that…] Macbeth expresses his appreciation for the virtues of Banquo.

My genius is rebuked…] In Roman mythology, every man had a "genius" or guiding spirit. It was believed that one's genius could grant his worshippers special intellectual powers. Thus we have the modern definition of the word as "a person with exceptional intellectual or creative powers". In other words, Macbeths guardian angle is defeated.

Mark Antony's was by Caesar ] Macbeth compares himself to Mark Antony and Banquo to Octavius Caesar, who defeated Antony in another of Shakespeare’s plays.

He chide the sisters] reprimand or scolded the witches; reprove.

Fruitless crown] Macbeth recalls the Witches' prediction that he will have no successors. From this statement, Macbeth shows his feelings, that if the witches’ predictions come true, then he would be a king to a fruitless crown as Banquo would be the one who is the father to a line of kings.

And put a barren sceptre…] continues the image of infertility as in (not having anyone to inherit the throne)

In my gripe ] in Macbeth’s grasp.

Thence to be wrenched by an unlineal hand ] to be thorn by a hand of someone not belonging to Macbeth's lineage.

No son of mine succeeding… ] Macbeth has no descendants.

For Bzaanquo’s issue… ] Macbeth has (defiled)filled his mind with corruption and evil thoughts for Banquo’s children

For them the gracious Duncan…] Macbeth greatly admires Duncan's kingly qualities, as we have seen several times in the play. Compare to 1.7.16-21.

Put rancours] bitterness and hostility which are poison to the soul.

the vessel of my peace ] Macbeth's actions have "Put rancours" (poison) into the "vessel" of his peace – imagery of someone dropping poison into a goblet full of wine.

Only for mine eternal jewel ] Macbeth's immortal soul.

Given to the common enemy of man] Satan.

To make them kings, the seed of Banquo’s kings ] offspring, progeny.

Fate into the list ] a field or arena where knights on horseback competed in jousting tournaments known as tilts.

And champion me ] This means, that either Macbeth is challenging Fate itself to combat or he is calling upon Fate to be his champion -- to support him in the fight against Banquo's sons.

utterance ] uttermost, combat to death. Let fate enter the battle and fight me to the death.

From the above soliloquy analysis, it is evident, that imagery plays and important part in Macbeth.

Imagery and themes of blood, supernatural, darkness and violence

Killing Duncan and Banquo –blood

Thought of murdering anyone –violence

Believing in witches –supernatural

Reference to ‘borrowing from night’ -darkness

Characters

Macbeth, is the key character in this scene, and displays a change from his earlier self.

Macbeth has killed Duncan and has become king of the Scots, yet he believes his crown is in jeopardy. The menace is Banquo. Like Macbeth, Banquo knows that there were two key parts to the unearthly revelation: first that Macbeth will become king, and second, that Banquo will beget future kings. Macbeth fears Banquo is planning a coup to hasten the day of triumph for his heirs. Macbeth's mistrust of Banquo causes him to dwell on the Witches' prediction that he will have no successors of his own showing that Macbeth is unable to understand the true self of the people surrounding him and is therefore always mistaken in his thoughts about them.

Thinking that he has murdered Duncan to secure the throne for Banquo's offspring, Macbeth's unease grows to ferocious enmity as he vows to crush Fate's kingly plans for Banquo's children.

This scene clearly reveals a key change in Macbeth’s character, as compared to the earlier soliloquy before he murders Duncan. Macbeth is again contemplating murder, but what impels his deliberation this time is not guilt and shame but panic and rage. The murder of Duncan has made the murder of Banquo a necessity and, more importantly to Macbeth's character development, a facile task. Gone is any trace of the humanity under the vaulting ambition -- gone are the moments of reflection and regret that prompted “this Duncan/Hath borne his faculties so meek” (1.7.17) and that incited the shameful plea “Thou sure and firm-set earth, Hear not my steps” (2.1.56). Macbeth forfeited his soul with the murder of Duncan. What is left now is the husk of a man who shows not a hint of compunction as he plans the murder of his noble friend. There is no remorse after the deed either. He was unable to say 'Amen' after Duncan’s murder; now he effortlessly says “Thanks” to the hired assassins who slay Banquo, adding maliciously, “There the grown serpent lies” (3.4.38).

However, what makes Macbeth a tragic character and saves him from becoming a one-dimensional evil monster is that he is perpetually conscious of his evil choices. He is poignantly aware of the rapid deterioration of his humanity, as see in his final and pivotal soliloquy later in Act 5.

Also, Macbeth’s soliloquy indirectly reveals he is remorseful about murdering Duncan and describes it as an action through which he defied his mind, made his wine bitter and forfeited his soul. Therfore, in this light, all his subsequent crimes (killing Banquo) are acts of desperation, as he has done something he should not have done in the first place. Hence he wants to try and hold on to it

Banquo

The scene emphasizes the impact of the witches’ prophecies on Banquo. The realization of their predictions in the case of Macbeth raises his own hopes. He is almost certain that Macbeth has employed wicked means to obtain kingship. Still he offers his absolute loyalty. This is especially striking when we recall his earlier boast that he will probe deep into the issue of the King’s murder. He has now compromised his ideals. It is as if he will not mind Macbeth being kind for a few years provided his own children will succeed to the throne after his death. He stands in stark contrast to Macduff who firmly refuses to have anything to do with the usurper.

Links, significance and audience impact

Link

This scene shows that Macbeth has changed, and now is obsessed with power and authority which propels him to killing anyone who come in his way or poses a threat to his immoral and illegal reign as King of Scotland. This scene, also show the beginning of the gradual decline of Macbeth.

Audience impact

We, as the audience, lose all sympathy for Macbeth, as in this scene he appears to be evil and a tyrant (modern day terrorist) who is a threat to society and people. (Kills Banquo just because he fears losing his crown). Also, we sense the decline of Macbeth, and the theme of good versus evil comes to the mind.

Thank you