Macbeth by William Shakespeare | Act 1, Scene 7 Summary & Analysis

Summary

In Act 1, Scene 7 of *Macbeth*, Macbeth wrestles with his conscience over the murder of King Duncan, initially deciding against the plot due to his moral obligations. However, Lady Macbeth fiercely challenges his resolve, questioning his manhood and loyalty, and asserts her determination to see the plan through. She outlines how they will frame Duncan's guards for the murder, revealing her ruthless ambition. Macbeth's internal conflict highlights the tension between his ambition and his ethics, while Lady Macbeth's cold resolve subverts traditional gender roles, positioning her as the true architect of the dark scheme.

Takeaways

• 😀 The scene begins with servants preparing a banquet to honor King Duncan.
• 😀 Macbeth is conflicted about proceeding with the plan to kill Duncan, citing the honors he has received.
• 😀 Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth's courage and manhood, questioning his intentions regarding the witches' prophecy.
• 😀 Lady Macbeth asserts that she will ensure the success of their plan by getting Duncan's guards drunk.
• 😀 Macbeth will sneak into Duncan's room and murder him while he sleeps, framing the guards for the crime.
• 😀 Macbeth's soliloquy reveals his inner turmoil and moral conflict about murdering Duncan.
• 😀 Despite his ethical concerns as a host, Macbeth is tempted by the potential rewards of kingship.
• 😀 The dynamic between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth highlights her role as the primary instigator of the murder.
• 😀 Macbeth oscillates between being a co-conspirator and a skeptic, expressing doubts about the plan.
• 😀 Lady Macbeth's willingness to forsake her nurturing instincts emphasizes her determination to see the plan through.

Q & A

What is the primary setting at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 7?

The scene is set as servants prepare a banquet to honor King Duncan.

What internal conflict does Macbeth experience in this scene?

Macbeth grapples with his ambition and the moral implications of murdering Duncan, showing signs of fear and hesitation.

How does Lady Macbeth challenge Macbeth's resolve?

She questions his courage and manhood, suggesting that he should be willing to follow through on their plan to seize the throne.

What role does Lady Macbeth play in the assassination plot?

Lady Macbeth is depicted as the architect of the assassination, planning to intoxicate Duncan's guards while Macbeth carries out the murder.

What does Macbeth mean when he refers to his 'ethical duties' as a host?

He is aware that as the host, he should protect Duncan, but he is contemplating betraying this duty by murdering him.

What is Lady Macbeth's view on loyalty in the context of the murder plot?

She believes that Macbeth's loyalty should lie with her and their ambitions, rather than with King Duncan.

How does Lady Macbeth's attitude towards motherhood contrast with societal expectations?

She expresses a willingness to kill her own child to uphold their murder pact, rejecting the nurturing role traditionally expected of women.

What does Macbeth's soliloquy reveal about his character?

It reveals him to be deeply conflicted, aware of the consequences of his actions, yet still tempted by the potential power of becoming king.

What significance does the theme of ambition play in this scene?

Ambition drives the characters' actions and decisions, with Macbeth torn between his desire for power and his moral reservations.

How does the dynamic between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth contribute to the development of the plot?

Their interaction illustrates the power struggle in their relationship and sets the stage for the tragic events that follow, highlighting the complexity of their ambitions.