Macbeth Act One

Scene One -Line 10 “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”

Macbeth: The Soldier Brave (line 16) Did not depart the battle until he had found Macdonwald and cut him open from the navel to the jaw (lines 21-22) Macbeth will receive the Thane of Cawdor’s title and wealth. (line 65)

The Witches Atmosphere - a desolate heath (wasteland) during a thunderstorm Hand in hand - suggest an evil ritual which adds to the atmosphere Their tale defines their limitation as well as their powers. –“Though his bark cannot be lost” means “I do not have the power to destroy him”

Macbeth speaks “So foul and fair a day I have not seen.”

The weather is rotten but the victory is great. The weather is an omen for the evil that will befall Scotland.

Thane of Cawdor King Father of Kings

Literary Term Paradox –a–a statement that appears to contradict itself, yet has a valid meaning. “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater” (l 66) Not so happy, yet much happier”(l 67)

Aside –A short statement or speech in which a character expresses his thoughts to the audience. Conveys a character’s intentions, motives, and state of mind

Literary Term Motiff –a repeated pattern “Why do you dress me in borrowed robes” (l109) “New honors come upon him like our strange garments” (l146) Why? –Underscores the idea that Macbeth is taking what is not rightfully his.

Macbeth cannot continue performing his duties honorably and fulfill his ambition to become king! Loyal thane vs. Killer

What is Lady Macbeth’s reaction to the letter? Excited yet worried. Why is she worried? He has too much “good” in him to be truly ruthless. Why does she summons evil spirits? To make her strong enough to kill Duncan How does she plan to handle Macbeth? Goad him into action with scornful words. Calls him less of a man!

Who first speaks of murder? Lady Macbeth –“O, never shall sun that morrow see!” Who is she really thinking about? –Herself or her husband

Make the “thematic” connection “…look like th’ innocent flower, but the serpent under’t.” Look innocent to mask your real self –d–deception

Scene 7 ll 1-28 Macbeth list the “pros” and “cons” of killing Duncan He will be king! 1. The other nobles may get the same idea. 2. Duncan is his cousin. 3. He should be loyal to the king. 4. As a guest, I should protect him. 5. Scotland loves Duncan and will turn on his killer. 6. He is really a good king.

Ambition “I have nothing to spur the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition…”

The agony of his decision Evil vs. Good = Witches’ world of “damnation” + heavenly “trumpet-tongued angels Bleeding sergeant Weird sisters Killing of the traitor Duncan’s tears when he sees Macbeth Snake under a flower Dashing out the brains of a baby A horse falling Borrowed robes

Respond Who is more responsible for the plot against Duncan Macbeth or Lady Macbeth? Describe the relationship between Macbeth and his wife.