Macbeth coursework - Section A

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Thomas Monger 9c 06/05/2007

Macbeth coursework – Section A

My essay will argue that Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s emotions and moods will change rapidly in such a way that it effects the rest of the play and the way other characters see them and think of them from this scene onwards.  This scene also shows and implies the unrest and uncertainty about their relationship as a couple, and this may be one of the reasons why they did what they did towards the end of the play, along with their joint growing mental instability.

At the banquet, Macbeth is just welcoming his guests when one of the murderers comes to the door. He informs Macbeth that Banquo is dead but Fleance has escaped.  From here on in this scene Macbeth and lady Macbeth’s mood and attitude to their guests and surroundings rapidly change, and show influence to their feelings through out the rest of the play.  It is this matter that I will argue.

At the start of the scene Macbeth acts the part of the confident and regal host.  He submits the following to all present, “Ourself will mingle with society – and play the humble host.”  Macbeth refers to himself as ‘Ourself’ so to give him a more regal status.  Also the fact that Macbeth calls himself the ‘humble host’ when we all know he is getting more blood-hungry and murderous.

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When Macbeth makes the toast towards the beginning of the scene he is joyful and triumphant, showing no fear or guilt from banquo’s murder.  Macbeth toasts to everybody that, “I drink to the general joy of the whole table, and to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss, would he were here.”

Macbeth deliberately mentions Banquo so that in his own mind, he can congratulate himself with his successful murder, and not be suspected at the same time as mocking Banquo.  

Macbeth’s rapid change in mood and emotion is felt when the lords offer him a place ...

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