In terms of stage directions I would suggest that all movement was jerky and very aggressive and nervy. The actors would be putting on a brave face but you would be able to see their nervousness underneath. I doubt the characters would use a lot of hand actions, as most of the things that they are talking about aren’t sincere. Regular spooky noises, Which Shakespeare has already put in, would help to keep up the atmosphere.
“Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?” Line 33.
When Banquo and Fleance leave, the atmosphere changes dramatically leaving Macbeth on his own. The Imagery quoted above is employed very successfully as it provides two main purposes. Firstly it describes the dagger well to the audience, maybe more successful than a prop. Secondly, because we are talking about something Supernatural it would be hard to successfully substitute it for something that is solid. The Imagery also shows that Macbeth is not in a stable mental state and that as soon as he is left on his own, his mind starts to play tricks on him.
“Thou Marshall’st me the way that I was going, And such an instrument I was to use.” Line 43
As the majority generally believed witchcraft, the average theatregoer would believe that the Witches had conjured this dagger to prompt Macbeth to proceed with the murder. If this was true, then they were successful as Macbeth saw it as a sign. These happenings help to conjure up the atmosphere of Supernaturality and mysterious. Although Macbeth sees the dagger, he cannot understand it a part form it being a signal. This adds an element of fear to the Supernatural happenings.
In the middle section of this scene, I would keep everything still- Perhaps Macbeth sitting down so that the audience concentrate on the supposed dagger. Macbeth should speak the part shakily and as if he was discovering something for the first time. Quiet music could be played in the Background to add to the mystery.
“Whiles I threat, he lives; Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.” Line 60
Towards the end of the scene we see a change of opinion in Macbeth and, hence, a slight change of atmosphere. Macbeth now seems more purposeful and decided after his sighting of the dagger. The quote above mainly means that whilst he talks about the killing Duncan is still alive and hence he can’t be King. This particular line shows that Macbeth is actually going to kill Duncan and he is now possibly turning into an evil person.
“(A bell rings) I go and ‘tis done, the bell invites me”
Yet again we see Macbeth influence easily by outside experiences, this time in the form of sound. We often need something to give us that boost to doing something. Macbeth is interpreting the bell as Duncans Funeral bell. It is interesting to see that Macbeth’s attitude to Coincidence and Supernatural things has changed after seeing the dagger.
I would gradually introduce more movement and hand gestures as well as a stronger voice as Macbeth becomes more decided about what he is going to do.
“He could not miss ‘em. Had he not resembled my Father as he slept, I had done’t,” Line 12
The second scene of the act opens with Lady Macbeth wondering if Macbeth had done the murder. She voices her thoughts to the Audience and this helps them to picture what time in the play we are at. She is talking about how she laid the daggers out. If Macbeth had kept his bottle, judging by the end of the last scene it is more than likely, the King is dead. This creates the atmosphere that is very expectant of what’s been done and at the same time suspense- has Macbeth carried the deed out? Lady Macbeth also mentions that she would have done it if she hadn’t looked like her father. Various conclusions could be drawn form this, She might talk about the murder but she wouldn’t actually do it.
“ Did not you speak?”
“ When?”
“Now” Lines 16-18.
I picked out these quotes to show the tension and the need for answers, as they don’t actually know what the other has done. This has been created with short, Static and sharp sentences, which get straight to the point. Everyone is very jumpy in the beginning of this scene, as they are unsure about the situation.
All movement and body language would be direct as there is no time to show emotion as yet. Voices should be inquisitive yet direct and maybe if Macbeth was the one approaching Lady Macbeth as, as it shows in the text, Macbeth is the one leading the conversation.
“ One cried ‘God bless us’ and ‘amen’ the other, As they had seen me with these Hangman’s hands. Listening their fear, I could not say ‘Amen’”
Line 29
The middle section of this scene is probably the most important as we get to see both characters raw personalities simplified and how they are greatly contrasted. It is Ironic because they are so different yet they are Husband and Wife. Shakespeare starts introducing to religion, which was a large part of life in England at the time. At times of stress and guilt, Macbeth turns to religion and reflects that he has been bad by killing his King. Although from now on, he would not be accepted as a Christian as he killed Gods chosen one. You could say that Macbeth is the ‘Good Christian’ while Lady Macbeth can not be bothered with considering about what her religion tells her. Macbeth is obviously regretting what he’s done and trying to tell this to his Wife but Lady Macbeth just comes out with blunt replies.
“These deeds must not be thought after these ways; so, it will make us mad” Line 37
This is an example of Lady Macbeth being blunt and ignoring Macbeths feelings. Lady Macbeth is voicing the sane view, maybe. It is Ironic that she mentions that they will go mad, some would say Macbeth is already.
Macbeth would be showing a lot of emotion and this could be expressed with his facial expression and lack of movement. Lady Macbeth could move to suggest that she is trying to block of Macbeth’s thoughts.
“To know my deed, ‘twere best not know myself” Line 76
Towards the end of the scene they are both reflecting on how other people will react and after a lot of general conversation Macbeth concludes that he must turn over an new leaf and change himself in order to forget what he’s done. This helps to create the atmosphere of chaos and panic as they both try to set up their allaby so that they look innocent. There is also a sense of a period of quiet before everyone gets to know and obvious chaos will break out yet again.
Lady Macbeth should be running around getting everything read while Macbeth helps, although thinks to himself as well. You can see panic on both of their faces and they are talking with panicky voices yet quiet as not to wake anyone.
