Macbeth Act 1, scene 7 Part 2 analysis and revision

Summary

In this analysis of Act 1, Scene 7, Part 2 of *Macbeth*, Matt Burch explores the intense emotional and psychological dynamics between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. He highlights the contrast in their uncertainty—Macbeth's doubt about the king's fate and Lady Macbeth's doubt about his resolve. Lady Macbeth's manipulation, questioning his masculinity and bravery, convinces Macbeth to follow through with the murder of King Duncan. The discussion also touches on themes of deception, ambition, and the consequences of Macbeth's choices. Lady Macbeth's determination ultimately shapes his fate, leading to his tragic decision.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lady Macbeth uses interrogatives to challenge Macbeth's resolve, revealing their mutual uncertainty and anxiety about the murder of King Duncan.
• 😀 Macbeth's soliloquy reveals his internal conflict, but when speaking to Lady Macbeth, he shifts to selfish reasons for not killing Duncan, emphasizing his desire to maintain his good reputation.
• 😀 Lady Macbeth subverts Macbeth's metaphor of wearing 'golden opinions' by mocking his bravery and questioning whether his ambition was merely a drunken boast.
• 😀 Lady Macbeth compares Macbeth's hesitance to a cat that desires the fish but avoids getting its feet wet, highlighting his reluctance to take action and commit murder.
• 😀 Macbeth defends his masculinity when questioned by Lady Macbeth, but she twists his words to imply that his failure to act makes him less than a man.
• 😀 Lady Macbeth uses violent imagery, such as dashing a child's brains out, to demonstrate the depth of her own determination and to shame Macbeth into following through with their plan.
• 😀 Macbeth's response to Lady Macbeth's manipulation indicates that his resolve is weakening, and he becomes more accepting of her persuasive arguments.
• 😀 Lady Macbeth's firm belief in their success contrasts with Macbeth's lingering doubts, as she encourages him to 'screw his courage to the sticking-place.'
• 😀 Lady Macbeth takes full control of the murder plan, signaling her dominance in the relationship and the plot, while Macbeth's role becomes one of execution rather than planning.
• 😀 The final lines of the scene, 'false face must hide what the false heart doth know,' reinforce the theme of deception and the duality of outward appearances versus inner intentions, which is central to the play.

Q & A

What is the significance of the interrogatives used by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in this scene?

The interrogatives in this scene reflect the uncertainty and anxiety both characters feel regarding their plan to murder King Duncan. Macbeth's questions convey his uncertainty about the situation, while Lady Macbeth's questions focus on questioning his courage and determination.

How does Macbeth's behavior in this scene differ from his soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 7?

In his soliloquy, Macbeth is resolute in his decision not to murder Duncan, citing the moral and practical consequences. However, when speaking to Lady Macbeth, his reasons for hesitating shift to a more selfish desire to maintain his 'golden opinions' and the adoration of others.

What role does Lady Macbeth's manipulation play in Macbeth's decision?

Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth by questioning his manhood, bravery, and love for her, ultimately challenging his resolve. Her questioning and mockery push him to reconsider his hesitation and, under her influence, he resolves to follow through with the murder.

What metaphor does Lady Macbeth use to question Macbeth's earlier resolve?

Lady Macbeth uses the metaphor of 'Hope drunk' to suggest that Macbeth's earlier ambition was fueled by drunken bravado, implying that he lacked the true strength and conviction to follow through with his actions.

What does Lady Macbeth mean when she refers to Macbeth as a 'poor cat in the adage'?

Lady Macbeth compares Macbeth to a cat that desires to eat fish but is too afraid to get its feet wet, symbolizing Macbeth’s hesitation to take action despite his desire for power. She accuses him of wanting to be king without having the courage to do what is necessary to achieve that goal.

How does Macbeth respond to Lady Macbeth's questioning of his bravery?

Macbeth defends himself by claiming that he would do anything that any man would do, but anyone who dares to do more would not be human, suggesting that he equates excessive action with being less civilized or bestial.

How does Lady Macbeth further question Macbeth's masculinity?

Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth's masculinity by suggesting that if he truly were a man, he would act on his desires and ambitions, regardless of the consequences, implying that his hesitation reflects cowardice rather than true masculinity.

What is the significance of Lady Macbeth's statement about dashing the brains out of her own child?

This statement highlights Lady Macbeth's extreme determination and ruthlessness. By suggesting that she would kill her own child if she had sworn to do so, she underscores her willingness to commit any violent act necessary to achieve her goals, contrasting sharply with Macbeth's hesitation.

What does the phrase 'screw your courage to the sticking-place' mean?

This metaphor suggests that Macbeth needs to secure or 'screw' his courage firmly, like a weapon or a musical instrument, to ensure he does not falter in carrying out the murder of Duncan.

What is the meaning of the final lines, 'False face must hide what the false heart doth know'?

These lines emphasize the theme of deception in the play. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth must present a false face to the world, hiding their true intentions and guilt. This idea links to the earlier metaphor of the 'innocent flower' and the 'serpent under it,' symbolizing the duality between outward appearance and inner deceit.