Character Analysis in Macbeth

The sergeant tells Duncan that Macbeth and Banquo attacked with no fear as they redoubled their efforts against the enemy. His simile compares the ferocity of their attack to cannons that have been loaded with extra explosive charges, and he states that he is not sure what motivated them to fight so hard.

Duncan declares that the Thane of Cawdor must be executed for treason and that the title must be given to Macbeth as a reward for his valor, leadership, and loyalty. This promotion demonstrates how essential Macbeth was for the Scottish forces to achieve victory. Notice how Macbeth reacts to this news, as it will greatly influence his future actions and decisions.

Shakespeare portrays Macbeth in the early scenes of the play at the apex of his personal power and fame. While the accolades Macbeth receives might seem excessive at times, Shakespeare uses them for a purpose with Macbeth's character arc. Notice how this portrayal of Macbeth shifts throughout the play in order to establish the overall tragedy of Macbeth and the story.

Macbeth starts this dialogue by addressing Banquo, Ross, and Angus. However, after "Let us toward the king," he speaks only to Banquo. Macbeth has no desire or intention to discuss "what has chanced" with anyone else. These two are connected because of their supernatural experience and what the witches have promised them.

Macbeth decides to dismiss the thought of Duncan's murder and do nothing to force the crown to fall to him, preferring to let events run their natural course and allow fate to fall as it will. However, notice how his mind changes later on when he compares his current situation and future to the witches' prophesy.

Speaking to himself, Macbeth considers how the first two predictions of the witches are true and thinks of them as building up to the final reward of being King. With the use of the [Aside] stage action, Shakespeare allows Macbeth to have a kind of soliloquy even in the presence of others, which in turn gives the audience insight into the state of Macbeth's mind.

Although Banquo initially has some doubts as to the validity of a prophecy from witches, the fulfillment is convincing. Banquo warns Macbeth that it may be an instance of the powers of evil telling the truth in order to recruit a susceptible person to the side of darkness. Banquo's belief in "the instruments of darkness" contains a profound truth: Unexpected good fortune can sometimes influence us to make decisions that will prove harmful.

Macbeth credits the witches for receiving the title of Thane of Cawdor rather than Duncan, and he asks Banquo if he hopes that the witches are also right about Banquo's children becoming kings. Macbeth's initial belief in the power of the witches here has repercussions later on.

Ross states that King Duncan is so pleased with Macbeth's success in battle that Duncan wonders whether he should give himself or Macbeth the most praise and credit for the victory.

Despite their disbelief, both Macbeth and Banquo acknowledge what the witches told them to one another. This action serves to somewhat validate the witches' words and presence instead of disregarding them and their information.

Macbeth is interested and perplexed with the information the witches have presented him with. He attempts to rationalize their information with what he knows: the Thane is Cawdor is loyal to the King, and there is no prospect for him to be King of Scotland. However, he doesn't yet know about the Thane of Cawdor and demands that the witches tell him how they know such things.

Banquo asks for the witches to speak to him, and their responses at first appear paradoxical. However, greatness and happiness are subjective measures, suggesting that Banquo might be lesser in a physical way but greater than Macbeth in terms of something moral or abstract.

Banquo points out that Macbeth is enraptured by the words of the witches. They have greeted Macbeth with his current title, Thane of Glamis, and predicted his title of noble having, Thane of Cawdor, and even of royal hope, King of Scotland. Their predictions have a strong effect on Macbeth and how he reacts to soon learning that he has in fact become Thane of Cawdor.

Macbeth's first words in the play echo the words of the witches at the end of scene one. While Macbeth doesn't know of this connection, the audience sees how he and the witches are connected together.

What is funny about this exchange is that the First and Third Witches show no reaction when their sister says she has been killing pigs. This makes it seem so commonplace that the Second Witch might just as well have told them she had been out shopping or visiting a friend. Besides the humor, this helps to reaffirm the witches' lack of regard for living things and depicts them as morally ambiguous, which is important to remember when Macbeth starts dealing with them.

Macbeth asks the stars to not shine light on his black (evil) desires, because he does not want the world to know of the terrible things that he is planning. Notice how the witches' prophesy has affected events: Duncan confirms Macbeth's new title, but Macbeth is denied the throne despite Duncan saying how he can never repay Macbeth for his service. Macbeth is now considering the crime he would have to commit to realize his ambition to become king.

Macbeth has realized that with Malcolm next in line to the throne, he can either "fall down" by doing nothing and let Malcolm become king, or he can "o'erleap" and take matters into his own hands to become king himself.

Duncan has named his son Malcolm as the Prince of Cumberland. This makes Malcolm next in line to the throne after Duncan, which is important because in medieval Scotland, the firstborn son did not automatically become heir to the throne. Notice how Macbeth reacts to this news in an aside to himself momentarily.

In other words, Duncan is saying that he wishes Macbeth had done something less heroic and deserving. This is not meant as an insult; rather, Duncan wishes that had this happened, his inadequate payment would have been better matched to Macbeth's deeds. Duncan feels as if he can't ever repay Macbeth for what he's done.

Duncan is in effect saying that he owes more to Macbeth than he could repay even if he gave him his crown and his entire kingdom. It also might be interpreted as an acknowledgement that Macbeth deserves to be king because of his achievements. Such praise potentially plants a suggestion in Macbeth's mind that reinforces his own feeling that he ought to be king.

With this line, Lady Macbeth reveals her intention to murder Duncan herself. The word dispatch could suggest that she might be merely overseeing the plan; however, another meaning is to kill quickly and efficiently. While Macbeth plays the role of a kind and gentle host, Lady Macbeth gets herself ready to kill Duncan.

Lady Macbeth worries that her husband's face will reveal their murderous intentions. She tells her husband that if they are to carry out their plan, Macbeth must act appropriately in order to deceive the king by showing himself as a gracious and welcoming host.

This dialogue contains a lot of subtext. Shakespeare wanted the audience to understand that time was of the essence for Macbeth and his wife to carry out their plan. Macbeth’s statement implies that Duncan will be at their mercy that evening, and his wife’s question really asks whether they have enough time for their plan. They both understand that if they are going to murder Duncan, it will have to be done that night.

The word keen can mean something that is very sharp, and it can also mean something or someone that is very eager to do something. In this passage, Lady Macbeth declares that she wants to kill Duncan herself.

Lady Macbeth questions the truth of this message, believing that Macbeth would have sent her a warning that King Duncan was coming so that she could prepare the castle to accommodate the king and a number of other guests.

Lady Macbeth is speaking of spirits metaphorically; that is, by "spirits" she means strong language as well the taunts (many of them challenging her husband's masculinity) that she plans to use to convince Macbeth into murdering Duncan. 

Lady Macbeth is the strong-willed, persuasive, and charming wife of Macbeth. Some critics have argued that the character of Lady Macbeth is constructed around patriarchal fears of women who refuse to be ruled by men. 

Lady Macbeth wishes, figuratively, to be made into a man. Men were the ones powerful and cruel enough to murder. Women, on the other hand, were believed to be nurturing and loving. Lady Macbeth believes that her husband lacks the ambition to kill Duncan for the throne, and she would rather do it herself.

Lady Macbeth openly states her belief that Macbeth is far too weak and/or kind to do what must be done to take the throne. She is suggesting that Macbeth's nature doe not permit him to do wrong. The reference to milk invokes her later accusation of Macbeth as being infantile and unmanly, something she challenges him with numerous times.

Lady Macbeth is being falsely polite. The language she carefully selects to welcome Duncan is obligatory. She must seem overly indulgent given Duncan's position as both king and as her husband's benefactor.

Having been persuaded by Lady Macbeth, Macbeth finally agrees to carry out the plan to murder Duncan. He tells her to go and entertain the guests ("mock the time with fairest show") and hide her true intentions as if everything is as it should be.

Lady Macbeth's reply to Macbeth has many interpretations: It could be a scornful reproach, or if the accent is on “we,” the response can be viewed as a contemptuous exclamation. Another interpretation is a response to his question, suggesting that if they fail, that will be the end of them. This last response portrays Lady Macbeth in a more characteristic light as a person of strong determination who can coolly consider the possibility of failure. Note how she doesn’t dwell on this, and immediately assures him of their success.

These lines heavily suggest that Macbeth initially had the idea of killing Duncan to become king and shared that plan with his wife. She tells him that when he dared (durst) to make the plan at the time, he was truly a man then.

Macbeth's reaction shows how much he resents being called a coward. He states that he does all of the necessary things that make him a man—which we can read as an honorable man. He considers those who do more than these things, such as wicked or evil actions, as dishonorable, or unmanly, men. Macbeth's defense gives us some insight into the values that he has regarding proper behavior and why he does not want to carry out the plan.

Lady Macbeth states that Macbeth's love for her is no stronger than his lack of ambition for the throne, and then she proceeds to accuse him of cowardice—a very strong insult to make against a soldier. Notice how she targets all of her taunts as specific points to make Macbeth reveal what he truly fears about killing Duncan and how she convinces him to come around to her way of thinking.

This brief exchange reveals how much Macbeth loves Duncan: he cannot sit in the same room with the man he is planning to murder. Lady Macbeth's reply indicates that Duncan obviously loves Macbeth because he has always been an honest and honorable man. Macbeth is in an unfamiliar role that he is uncomfortable playing. Shakespeare uses moments like this to maintain a degree of sympathy for Macbeth, since the tragedy of the play is his downfall.

In Shakespeare's day, a "trammel" meant a net with three layers used for catching birds or fish. Macbeth uses this expression to voice his doubt that assassinating Duncan can be done in a way that will "net up" all the consequences of that action and "catch" success.

Macbeth admits that Duncan has been a worthy king, which adds to the difficulties Macbeth has with plotting Duncan's murder: Duncan has not been a tyrant whose death will bring relief to the land, and because he is so honorable, his death will bring grief to the land.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Shakespeare coined this phrase and all other uses since then are borrowed from him. Generally, be-all means something which is or constitutes the whole, and the end-all refers to something that ends all or finishes something. Macbeth wishes that this blow, killing Duncan, could be self-contained and without consequences.

Macbeth is saying two things. One is that he would like to get the murder over and done with because the ideas connected to it are driving him crazy. He also references the fact that he may never again have as good an opportunity to do it, since King Duncan is an overnight guest, and he is at Macbeth's mercy.

What Macbeth means is that if a man dares to do dishonorable things he is not a real man. It is "unmanly" to do wicked deeds. While Macbeth is using "man" to mean more generally a "man of honor," he is also creating a dichotomy between himself and his wife, who is not a man in either of the two senses and acts independently of honor and morals.

Macbeth is using horseback riding as a metaphor when he says he has no spur to prick the sides of his intent. Where he says, "...but only Vaulting ambition," he evidently is thinking of the image of a man who intends to leap onto a horse but vaults so high that he goes clear over the horse's saddle and falls to the ground on the other side. The word "side" is left out because Macbeth's soliloquy is interrupted by his wife, but the audience should understand the missing word because of all that went before it, beginning with "I have no spur." A man who did such a thing would look foolish, and Macbeth is apparently thinking that it is foolhardy to be plotting an assassination when he has no real need of further advancement and no just reason for wanting to replace the existing monarch. The alternative to being foolish is to be wise, and Macbeth is thinking that his better wisdom is telling him to abort this whole assassination plot.

Lady Macbeth is concerned that her husband has left the dining chamber and won't return, which looks suspicious and is also rude. Macbeth was likely finding it difficult to talk to Duncan in a cordial manner while he was secretly thinking about murdering him. Lady Macbeth can't understand this because for her such duplicity comes easily.

There has long been speculation about the childless marriage of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. These lines show that Lady Macbeth has had a baby at least once (her phrase "given suck" is a reference to nursing), but whether that child was from a previous marriage or has died is left unknown.

As stated earlier in the play, references to clothing are often metaphors for titles and ranks. Macbeth does not wish to go through with the plan to murder Duncan and take the title of king. He was only recently given the title of Thane of Cawdor, and wants to embrace it—and the accompanying respect—for a while. 

These last words before the ringing of the bell suggest that Macbeth was close to talking himself out of killing Duncan, as his courage was fading as he continued to obsess over the phantom dagger. The intense illusion is shattered by Lady Macbeth's signal that Duncan's guards are asleep, and Macbeth immediately leaves.

Seeing that nothing is to be gained from Banquo, Macbeth ends the conversation. However, even these innocent words are full of innuendo as Banquo and Macbeth both have an idea of whose side they are on, making them very suspicious of one another.

Macbeth's underlying intent here (in fact, this dialogue is full of subtext) is to discretely offer Banquo an opportunity to join Macbeth's side. Since Banquo brought up the witches, Macbeth is using this opportunity to see if he has an ally or an enemy in Banquo.

Notice here how Macbeth somewhat uses the royal "we" in this passage and refers to himself in the plural. In doing so, he speaks as if he were already crowned king.

Banquo's immediate reaction upon seeing Macbeth's torch is to prepare himself for a fight. Even though he is a guest in Macbeth's castle, the lateness of the hour and the agitated state of Banquo's mind are likely explanations for this behavior. His response also helps to build up the tense atmosphere in the castle before Duncan's murder.

Banquo seems to be suspicious of Macbeth and a little afraid of him. Here he is trying to sound Macbeth out about his thoughts and feelings. Macbeth takes Banquo's mention of the weird sisters as an invitation to talk about a possible joint conspiracy against Duncan—but he is wrong. Banquo doesn't trust Macbeth and is loyal to Duncan. If his heirs are to become kings, this will have to come about in a natural way. He is content to be patient and watchful.

The suggestion here is that Banquo too is feeling temptation from the witches prophesy when he lies down to sleep. However, the audience also understands that he has not yielded to such temptation because of help from "merciful powers" (something like guardian angels).

By "sorry sight" Macbeth means two senses of the word: both something painful and distressing and something that induces feelings of remorse or sorrow. Macbeth's comment on his bloody hands reveals his immediately guilty conscious over King Duncan's murder. Lady Macbeth's unsympathetic response that he is foolish also reveals a lot about their relationship. She lacks empathy and respect for Macbeth's feelings or mental state.

This line is significant in that Macbeth wishes the knocking could wake up Duncan. This is the first mention of actual remorse that he has expressed in this scene.

The contrast between how Lady Macbeth and her husband react to the blood is significant. While Macbeth sees it as a symbol of his crime that will not go away, Lady Macbeth considers it evidence that can be removed and appears to have no remorse for playing her role in Duncan's murder. However, notice how Lady Macbeth's perception and attitude toward the crime changes later in the story

Shakespeare wants both husband and wife smeared with blood. Naturally Lady Macbeth will return with bloody hands and some blood on her garment after smearing the faces of two men with Duncan's blood. In doing this, Shakespeare creates the illusion that the audience has witnessed a horrible murder without showing it on stage.

In an effort to get her husband to stop raving, Lady Macbeth tries to remind him of the necessity for action to avoid getting caught. She tells him to wash the bloody evidence ("filthy witness") of his crime from his hands. As far as she is concerned, the blood is only physical and washing it away will destroy the evidence of Macbeth's crime. Notice how she continually tries to calm Macbeth and remain the voice of reason.

Notice how before murdering Duncan, Macbeth imagined seeing a floating dagger before him. Now, after committing the crime, he has imagined hearing voices. These illusions will continue to plague him as he struggles with his guilty conscience.

These words are filled with dreadful irony and foreshadowing. Considering how Macbeth has already imagined a floating dagger prior to killing Duncan and his current agitated state, the likelihood that one or both of them will mentally suffer as a consequence of this action is a distinct possibility.

Notice the shortness of Lady Macbeth's replies. She is attempting to quiet her husband, and here she calmly states that Donalbain and an attendant are sleeping in the second chamber.

This exclamation is an example of Macbeth's overwrought nerves: He imagines he hears a sound while speaking with his wife. The continuing dialogue shows that he imagines that he has heard a voice as well.

Shakespeare often made his characters, even villains, complex and sympathetic. Lady Macbeth's reference to her father is an example of how Shakespeare "humanizes" her, and it is also one of the few moments when she reveals herself as a very human character and not simply wicked and hungry for power.

Because of her social status and responsibilities as a woman, Lady Macbeth is actually dependent upon her husband to fulfill her ambitions. Despite these ambitions, however, the fact that she says she would have killed Duncan if he had not resembled her father does not necessarily prove she really would have done it. Shakespeare often has characters rationalize to explain their behavior to themselves. Hamlet is full of such rationalizations, and the titular character of King Lear threatens to do terrible things to his daughters although he must realize, at some level, that he has become totally powerless. Lady Macbeth expresses a lot of vicious intentions, but she leaves the dirty work up to her husband.

Here, Macbeth admits that his murder of Duncan speaks against his true character. He no longer likes who he is since murdering Duncan. 

Macbeth realizes that nothing will clean (wash) the blood from his hands. Now that he has murdered, his hands will always be covered with blood (figuratively), and he will never be free of guilt. This is also an allusion to Pontius Pilate and his washing of his hands (stating that he was innocent of Jesus' blood which was spilled during his crucifixion). 

Given the supernatural elements present in this play, it is impossible to say for certain whether Macbeth hears or imagines this voice. However, its words accurately foreshadow his fate. The insomnia Macbeth suffers due to his guilt will contribute to a blurring of the imaginary and the supernatural, as he continues to perceive sounds and visions that may or may not be real.

This quote illustrates the fact that Macbeth recognizes his sin (since he tries to pray). Unfortunately, "Amen" gets figuratively stuck in his throat, indicating that one who just sinned should not be able to immediately ask forgiveness. 

Donalbain recalls how his father was welcomed into the castle with false smiles and reaffirms his suspicion of Macbeth as the culprit by saying that the closer someone is to you in a blood relationship, the more likely he or she is to kill you. Since Macbeth is the nearest relative of the two princes, Donalbain considers him their greatest threat.

Malcolm agrees with his brother and says that their sorrow can wait until they have fled somewhere safe. Their lack of tears or strong emotions show how fear has a stronger hold over them instead of grief and help to create a sense of fearful urgency on the stage surrounding the two princes.

Lady Macbeth's fainting spell in this moment signifies one of two possible interpretations: First, her husband's description of the murdered king possibly makes her recall the image of the dead man so vividly that she faints, revealing herself to be physically weaker than others. Second, Lady Macbeth may be pretending to faint in order to draw attention from her husband, who is running the risk of talking too much and arousing suspicion.

In other words, the reason that tells us to wait for a moment and not act too hastily. Macbeth says his love for Duncan was so strong that he killed the grooms in a moment of passion. Consider how this explanation of why he killed the grooms compares to Macduff's nonviolent reaction to seeing Duncan's body.

Compare this short speech with Macbeth's earlier one in lines 99-104. Whereas earlier he appeared genuine, here the word choice and poor imagery help to illustrate Macbeth's hypocrisy.

While readers know that Macbeth killed the grooms to cover his own tracks, note how Macduff assumes an oppositional attitude with this question. This challenge demonstrates how Macduff might be considering the possibility that Macbeth is guilty of the crime.

These words contain a subtle accusation: Banquo tells Lady Macbeth that her response is not appropriate because she should be more worried about the dead king rather than how it would affect her reputation. He also has reason to suspect that Macbeth committed the crime since he is aware of the witches' prophesies.

Macbeth's beautiful speech shouldn't be regarded as hypocrisy or as a lie. Recall how he did express his remorse after killing Duncan, and in this moment he takes an opportunity to vocalize his feelings, knowing that his full meaning will not be understood by those around him.

Macduff momentarily restrains himself from sharing the news with Lady Macbeth because he considers the news so horrible that it would kill her. However, this moment of consideration for his hostess is quickly abandoned with the arrival of Banquo, to whom Macduff quickly tells the news.

Notice how awkward and stilted Macbeth's questions are. This is not only further evidence of how unprepared Macbeth was to be in this situation, but it is also evidence that Macduff will recall later.

Notice how short Macbeth's replies are to Macduff's questions. Considering his lack of sleep and the guilt weighing on his conscious, this manner of speaking comes across as a little too brief and inappropriate for speaking with a fellow Thane. Macduff will remember this behavior later in the play.

Macduff is the Thane of Fife, a nobleman of Scotland. Interestingly, his knocking at Macbeth's gate indicates that he was spending the night camped outside the castle walls. This implies that Duncan was traveling with a much larger contingent of troops and nobleman.

Macduff thinks Macbeth is being cold and angry because he woke him up with his knocking. This line about "a joyful trouble to you" is dripping with sarcasm. Macduff is also daring Macbeth to complain about having to open his gate for a man on the King's business. However, his sarcasm is wasted on Macbeth because the man is almost in a trance, consumed with mixed emotions.

Macduff's quick and impolite reply to Ross likely reveals how dissatisfied Macduff is with what has been done and decided since Duncan's murder. Note how Macduff continues to speak through the rest of the scene and how his answers and choices reveal his attitude towards Macbeth.

Macbeth tells the murderers that even though he could openly ("barefaced") execute Banquo for no other reason than for his royal pleasure, there are other connections and relationships that would suffer. This restraint for the sake of image and other relationships is worth noting, particularly considering the kind of tyrant Macbeth later becomes.

Macbeth continues his extended metaphor to provide more meaning for his comparison: Some dogs have special qualities given to them by nature, and Macbeth hopes that these murderers also have gifts that will allow them to best carry out the murder.

Macbeth uses an extended metaphor to show his cautious appraisal of the murderers and to fully gauge the kind of men they are. His comparison of men and dogs reveals his belief that men, like dogs, are not created equally and have very different attributes.

Macbeth is using the royal "we" in this passage, referring to himself in the third passage. Now that he is king, the use is appropriate, but notice how he doesn't consistently use it. By "innocent self," Macbeth lies to the murders, saying that even though they thought that he had offended them, the real person to blame is Banquo.

Macbeth tells the murderers that it was Banquo who offended them in the past. However, given the readers knowledge that Macbeth wishes Banquo dead, it is more than likely that Macbeth is truly to blame for the murderers being offended for not receiving promotions. Regardless, he has convinced them that Banquo is to blame and uses their anger to achieve his own goals.

Macbeth bitterly states that even though he is king, the witches have given him a "fruitless crown" and an "barren sceptre." Both of these phrases are metaphors for Macbeth's inability to produce children to be his heirs, represent his feelings of inadequacy, and demonstrate why Macbeth fears Banquo and Banquo's children.

Macbeth's soliloquy gives us an excellent characterization of Banquo and the reasons Macbeth has to fear him. We learn that Macbeth is not content with the crown while Banquo lives, and how Macbeth's character has deteriorated with power and fear. Recall how earlier in the play Macbeth hesitated and faltered over committing Duncan's murder. Now, despite their old friendship, nothing holds him back from plotting against Banquo.

Notice that this is the last of Macbeth's questions regarding Banquo's ride, and that each has become more specific until this last and most important point. Macbeth has plans for Banquo and his son, and wants to see whether he can act against them at the same time.

Considering what happens later in this scene, this question is asked under false pretenses. Macbeth pretends to inquire as a friend, but his ulterior motive is to inform himself of Banquo's plan, so that he may know Banquo's whereabouts to set the ambush.

Banquo earlier declared that he stood opposed to all signs of treason; however, in this short soliloquy, he appears to have a different attitude. Even though he suspects Macbeth of murdering Duncan, he makes no effort for vengeance. Instead, he contemplates the prophecy that his descendants shall be kings, hoping that this prophecy shall also come true. While he isn't trying to make this happen, he is serving Macbeth with the hope that his house will benefit.

Macbeth brazenly talks about Malcolm and Donalbain as if to dare Banquo to disagree with his assumption that the sons were responsible for Duncan's murder. However, Banquo is the soul of discretion. He knows Macbeth is a dangerous man, especially now that he is the king, and will not agree to besmirch the reputations of the princes. Instead he makes an excuse to cut the conversation short and get away. He tells Macbeth he is pressed for time. 

The word "copy" in this instance has a technical meaning associated with law ("copyhold"), and refers to a kind of lease for land or property. Lady Macbeth is essentially saying that they do not have an eternal lease on life; that is, they will die eventually. Notice, however, that Lady Macbeth's suggestion here reveals just how little she knows of her husband's plans, hinting at committing a crime that he has already planned out.

The reasons for why Macbeth tells his wife to heavily praise and favor Banquo are unclear. He has not told her about his plans to have Banquo murdered, so these words are possibly designed to deceive her. Another reason, although less likely, is that he knows there is a chance the plot would fail, and he wants her to act naturally.

Despite her own worries, Lady Macbeth rallies to support her husband. She addresses him in tender tones to try and ease his mind. While he initially responds well to this, he resumes brooding shortly after.

Recall how on the night he murdered Duncan, Macbeth claimed to hear a voice proclaiming that he would sleep no more. It appears as if he is realizing the prophetic meaning or that imaginary voice, as his worries prevent him from sleeping.

Notice how these lines parallel Lady Macbeth's earlier in the scene. It is clear that the both of them constantly worry about their security and almost envy the peace of the dead. Nowhere else does Macbeth give us a clearer vision of his own "restless ecstasy," by which he means "madness," than here where he envies the peaceful sleep of Duncan.

In the second rhyming couplet of these four lines, Lady Macbeth continues to express her discontent with their situation. She states that sharing the same fate as those they have destroyed (killed) would be better than endlessly worrying about their future and never being truly happy.

This scene gives us an important look at Lady Macbeth. She reveals herself as less confident when not around her husband, wondering why she is not content even though they have achieved their goal. They have invested everything to get the throne, but it has no meaning unless they are happy and satisfied.

This line indicates that Lady Macbeth has no knowledge of Macbeth's plans to have the murderers kill Banquo. She likely believed that he dismissed the court in order to have time alone to think about the murder of Duncan. She shortly chastises him for doing so, saying that nothing can be changed about it, so it is not worth thinking about. ("What's done is done.")

Notice how Banquo is on Lady Macbeth's mind. Since she knows his part of the witches' prophesy, it's possible that she also fears for the security of Macbeth's throne and is thinking of ways to prevent the prophesy from coming true.

Banquo, who has shown himself to be brave, self-possessed and a better man than Macbeth, thinks only of his son in this moment and takes actions that result in his death but that likely ensure Fleance gets to safety.

Shakespeare has the murder of Banquo shown onstage as opposed to not showing Macbeth murder Duncan earlier in the play. The choice to show this death likely revolves around how this scene represents a turning point, and Shakespeare also wanted the audience to know that Banquo is truly dead—especially considering the visions that Macbeth has after he learns what happened.

Another reason for the inclusion of the Third Murderer is that Macbeth did not trust that the two murderers would be enough to carry out the deed. If we consider that the "perfect spy" he mentioned earlier referred to an actual person, it is possible that this is that man sent as a last minute reinforcement for the ambush.

As short as it is, this scene is the climax, or turning-point, in the drama. Macbeth has been fortunate thus far with his plans, and by all appearances he has had a successful career without any setbacks. Fleance's escape is Macbeth's first sign of bad luck. Notice how after this moment, other events will contribute to Macbeth's downfall until the end.

The deed that Macbeth refers to is bloodshed and he says that they are not experienced enough with it. With this line, he fully indicates his intent to continue to kill others for the sake of his own security.

Notice how Lady Macbeth is not attempting to insult or comfort her husband now that the guests are gone. She likely realizes that the influence she once had over her husband no longer exists, and so the main course of action left to her is to get him to sleep so he forgets his thoughts.

Macbeth addresses his wife directly, apparently no longer noticing the assembled guests. He can't believe that his wife didn't also see the ghost and states that the quality of his manhood must be so poor if he blanches with fear and she is unaffected by such sights. Notice how different this hallucination is from when he saw the phantom dagger.

Lady Macbeth quickly interrupts Ross's question to prevent Macbeth from telling them exactly what he saw. While she didn't see the ghost, it is likely that she has an idea of what Macbeth saw based on her knowledge of his hatred of Banquo and the hints Macbeth suggested to her earlier. She is also likely feeling distraught since her efforts to calm her husband have largely failed.

Upon seeing the ghost again, Macbeth's tone changes drastically as he is roused by anger, yelling at the ghost to go away and leave him be. The effect of this violent tone of voice would have a significant impact on the guests in attendance.

Notice here how, in an effort to be the gracious host, Macbeth goes too far and toasts to the health of Banquo, wishing that he were present. Macbeth is promptly punished for this brash action by the return of the ghost.

Having failed at shaming Macbeth back to his senses, Lady Macbeth tries a new tactic by calling his attention to the fact that he's neglecting his guests. This is initially successful, and he excuses his behavior and proposes a toast.

By suggesting that her husband is suffering from a long-term condition, she further encourages the assembled lords to sit and be patient by stating that acknowledging Macbeth's behavior will only make it worse and do him more harm than good.

On the stage, before saying this line Lady Macbeth would have moved across the room to her husband and drawn him aside. This question is an attempt to shame him back into the proper frame of mind by accusing him of cowardice.

Lady Macbeth quickly and tactfully responds to her husband's "fit" and blames his sudden emotion and words on a disorder that he has had since he was young. This tactic encourages the lords to take their seats once again. However, notice how her attempts to control the situation falter as the Ghost maintains its presence in the room.

Macbeth loses his self-command upon seeing Banquo's ghost. This question represents a futile attempt to rid himself of the overwhelming guilt he likely feels by shifting the burden onto someone else in the company. However, since no one can see the Ghost besides Macbeth, this strategy fails and he completely fails to maintain control of himself.

After getting the news that Banquo is dead, Macbeth makes a shamelessly hypocritical speech in which he states that he might have to call Banquo an unkind friend for not joining them for dinner—all the while secretly rejoicing that Banquo is dead. This speech makes the effect of seeing the ghost all the more overwhelming.

Macbeth had hoped that his anxiety and discontent would go away with the death of Banquo and Fleance. He refers to these problems as a "fit" and speaks of them as if he had an intermittent fever that is coming on again. If Fleance had also been killed, Macbeth believes he would have been "cured" of this fit and been completely well.

The Ghost of Banquo sits in Macbeth's place in a symbolic action that represents what Macbeth feared: that Banquo's heirs will replace him. This vision and Macbeth's interactions with it reveal much of his mental instability to the audience and the lords gathered in the hall. Compare the coming interaction with the Ghost to how Macbeth was earlier able to maintain his composure even after killing Duncan.

After inviting all the assembled lords to sit, Macbeth makes his way around the room to play the part of host and king, but he is anxious for news of Banquo and he doesn't sit down. Here, he catches sight of the murderer, declares that they will have a formal toast in a moment, and then speaks with the murderer.

Macbeth realizes that he is only tormenting himself with his hallucinations and undermining his authority and reputation by creating such a spectable in front of these important assembled guests. He considers such self-abuse "strange" because it is not reasonable to play tricks on one's own self or to wish to cause one's self discomfort.

Both Lennox and the Lord have now directly referred to Macbeth as a tyrant. Shakespeare had them use this specific word to help establish context for their words and to help the audience understand what the play does not directly show: Macbeth is a cruel, unfair, and oppressive ruler.

This scene serves as a counterpart to act II, scene IV by having relatively minor characters converse about the current state of affairs in Scotland and public attitude towards Macbeth. Whereas in the earlier scene, public opinion mourned the loss of Duncan and did not suspect Macbeth, here we see how the nobility has recognized Macbeth as a tyrant and efforts are being made to raise an army to overthrow him.

Notice the change in Lennox. Earlier in the play, he came across as young and naive. However, in this scene, we see a striking change his behavior that is likely attributed to what he has experienced since Duncan's death and Macbeth's rule: he appears more capable, opinionated, and careful with his speech. The change in Lennox likely represents Shakespeare's attempt to show how much has changed in Scotland since Macbeth's rule.

Even though the last vision upset him, Macbeth still trusts the rest of the information the three witches gave him. Therefore, by making this statement, Macbeth doesn't realize that he is actually damning himself, foreshadowing what happens to him as a result of his belief in the witches' prophesies.

Since he enters this scene, Lennox must have accompanied Macbeth to the cave. His presence is significant because the audience knows that Lennox thinks Macbeth is a tyrant, and yet Macbeth has Lennox accompany him as a confidential companion. This shows that Macbeth, despite all of his spies, does not know truly how much his nobles despise him.

While saying his own name here might be a little awkward, the presence of "our" indicates that this phrase is another use of the "royal we," and Macbeth freely resorts to this egotistical language having heard what he considers to be good news from the apparitions.

We know that Macbeth has been having extreme difficulty sleeping because of his fears that someone will kill or overthrow him. He thinks that he can rid himself of this fear once Macduff is killed because then he can rule in safety and security.

Even though Macbeth learned that no naturally born man may harm him, he decides to "take a bond of fate" by killing Macduff. "Fate" in this context likely means "death" and the "bond" refers to a pledge or promise. This is what Macbeth means by being "double sure": No man may harm him and he'll kill Macduff just to be certain.

This speech characterizes how desperate and reckless Macbeth has become. He wants answers from the witches and cares not for the consequences that their enchantments might have on other lives and property. We learn much in this scene about how different Macbeth is now compared to when he first met the witches.

The witches refer to Macbeth as "something wicked" rather than "someone." Considering how much he has given himself to evil, even stating that he has given his own soul to the devil, even the witches now regard him as simply a thing of evil.

Lady Macduff's son jokingly answers her question with a simile which his mother then continues this idea of her son as a bird with an extended metaphor. His response of "With what I get, I mean; and so do they" means that he will get by however he can. Their witty repartee reveals a fond and loving relationship and makes the end of the scene all the more tragic.

Notice here that Ross is reluctant to tell Macduff the news of his wife and delays giving him a truthful answer by providing an evasive one. While it is likely difficult for Ross to tell Macduff this news, it is also likely that he wants to know whether or not Malcolm and Macduff will invade Scotland before he tells Macduff.

Macduff was glad to hear that Malcolm actually disavowed any of the crimes he had charged himself with. However, he is not pleased with learning how suspicious the prince was and the motivations for this behavior. Recall that Macduff is a stalwart, loyal soldier and that such tricks are not natural to him, making the brave, honest warrior quite puzzled.

At this point, Malcolm confesses he has lied to Macduff about his vices. Malcolm was testing Macduff's loyalty to see how he would react to such information. If Macduff were fine with Malcolm becoming king even though he was as bad (or worse) for Scotland than Macbeth, Malcolm would know that Macduff did not truly love Scotland. Since Macduff cried out about the loss of his country and how he would leave forever, he passed Malcolm's loyalty test.

Macduff's silence shows how baffled he is by the sudden change in the prince. It's possible that Shakespeare wanted the audience to think that Macduff would have reacted poorly to Malcolm's testing and abandoned him because of this; however, Ross's arrival ensures that Macduff stays regardless of any other possible action.

Macduff continues to try and reassure Malcolm that his vices will not prohibit him from being king. Here, he says that the King of Scotland has more than enough possessions ("foisons") to satisfy even the boundless cravings that Malcolm claims to have.

Despite the depravity that Malcolm claims to have, Macduff continues to try and persuade him that the throne rightfully belongs to Malcolm and that the country is better off with him on the throne instead of Macbeth. Notice how Shakespeare maintains conflict throughout this scene to keep the dialogue engaging: first, Malcolm questioned Macduff's loyalty, and now Macduff encourages Malcolm to take what is rightfully his.

A cistern is a large tank or underground reservoir for storing water. Malcolm depicts himself as a licentious and promiscuous man whose depravity knows no bounds. It's possible that these reasons for why he's unfit to rule represent deeper doubts about his ability to rule and may shed light on why he fled Macbeth's castle that night.

In a blunt and honest retort to Malcolm's suspicions, Macduff proclaims his loyalty to Malcolm and how he would never be a traitor even if all of Macbeth's lands and the riches of the "East" were offered to him. This statement fully characterizes Macduff as the stalwart and loyal soldier.

Malcolm does not wish to dishonor or offend Macduff; rather, he states that he is only being suspicious as a way of protecting himself. Notice how Malcolm soon reveals his insecurities about confronting Macbeth and how Macduff will bolster his courage.

Malcolm brings up a valid reason for not immediately trusting Macduff: He had difficulty believing that Macduff would leave his family defenseless if he really intended to join Malcolm and fight Macbeth. Again the audience experiences the dramatic irony of this situation, because Macduff has yet to learn that his brash decision to leave without taking care of his family has cost him their lives.

Macduff had hoped to be perceived as an ally against Macbeth and received in a more welcoming fashion. This line illustrates how deeply hurt he is by Malcolm's suspicions, and he soon speaks out in a frank and candid way to assure Malcolm of his good intentions.

Still suspicious of Macduff, Malcolm continues to test him and see whether or not Macduff is honest. Malcolm plainly suggests that Macduff's character may have been compromised, saying that even a virtuous man may fall from grace and give in to the will of a royal, "imperial," authority.

Notice how Malcolm behaves around Macduff at the start of this scene. Since he is suspicious that Macduff has been sent by Macbeth with ulterior motives, Malcolm pretends to be weak and not want to try and reclaim Scotland from Macbeth.

This is a natural thought when something tragic happens to a loved one, especially to a child. Why would heaven, or God, allow such a thing to happen? The child could not have been punished for any sin because he or she was too young and innocent. Macduff concludes that his family must have been punished for his own sins and that their punishment was his own punishment.

Macduff is being careful to isolate himself from accusations of self-interest. It is clear that he wants to take the throne, but he wants to be very clear to distinguish his reasons from Macbeth's.

In this instance, "divine" refers to a priest rather than a god, and the doctor believes this might help Lady Macbeth more than any physical cure or remedy. However, both Lady Macbeth and her husband have forfeited the comforts of religion because they sold their souls to the devil when they killed Duncan.

Based on Macbeth keeping his plans to himself, we can reasonably believe that Lady Macbeth had not been a party of the murder of Macduff's wife and family. However, when news reached her, it is likely that she assumed Macbeth was responsible, and she has now burdened her own conscience with his crime.

Notice how Lady Macbeth's fear of darkness contrasts with her earlier invocation that night cover the bloody deeds surrounding Duncan's murder. Where once she welcomed the darkness for what it offered, now she can't be left alone in it. Considering that light and dark often coincide with good and evil, Lady Macbeth's actions further emphasize her fear and guilt of past sins.

This phrase reveals one of the themes in Macbeth: The difficulty of washing away a sin from the soul, of redemption. After killing Duncan, Macbeth was told by his wife to simply wash away the blood (a visual metaphor for his sin). However, this line suggests that subconsciously she knows that cleansing oneself of sin is not possible by any physical means.

Recall how in act III scene II, Lady Macbeth chides her husband for still brooding over Duncan's murder and tells him that "What's done is done." However, here her speech reveals her feelings of guilt are even stronger than she realizes. Subconsciously, she knows that such crimes cannot be so easily forgotten or moved past.

In Holinshed's Chronicles, which Shakespeare used for many characters in this and other plays, Siward is described as Duncan's father-in-law, which would make Siward Malcolm's grandfather. The choice of "uncle" here could represent a more familial term of endearment.

This word represents a characteristically Scottish term of abuse. Generally, it means someone who is considered a worthless person. Notice the other insults Macbeth hurls at his servant and how they contribute to the overall image of his character in this scene.

Since he follows this word with "let them fly all," Macbeth's reports detail the revolt of his subjects. Notice how different his attitude is in this scene: no longer does he worry about threats or troubled sleep; his stubborn belief in the witches' prophesies have reinforced his will to fight to the end.

The Doctor is completely terrified. Based on what he knows about Lady Macbeth's secrets and the treatment he's received from Macbeth, he simply wants to get away from Dunsinane, and nothing will induce him to come back again, not even a large profit.

This is very subtle. When the Doctor says that the patient must minister to himself or herself, he obviously does not mean by prescribing his own medications, but rather the patient must minister themselves by confession, prayer, and repentance. And when Macbeth says he won't take physic, he really means that he won't repent or confess or pray. 

Macbeth is a good soldier and a good leader of soldiers, but he is an incompetent king. Shakespeare seems to be showing his audience that Macbeth feels more comfortable in armor than in a royal robe. Recall how in the previous scene Angus said Macbeth's title did not fit him. The armor gives Macbeth some feeling of security because it "fits" him, physically and temperamentally. It also foreshadows the decisive battle that is about to take place.

Putting on his armor will inform the audience that Macbeth intends to take an active role in the fighting. Shakespeare seems to be trying to gain a little sympathy for Macbeth here by showing that at least he is a courageous man who has the audacity to keep fighting even when he knows he is bound to lose. We have to admire a mere mortal who has the courage to fight against Fate itself.

Here, Macbeth is considering all that he has given up as a man, things that would have been his as he grew older: titles, homage, and close friendships that grow closer with a lifetime of shared experiences. However, his choices have given him a "sear" (withered and dry) life with no opportunities for these other things.

Pragmatic as ever, Macduff enters the conversation by expressing his belief that not all Macbeth's soldiers are likely going to desert, and that the battle will demand all of their effort. By "industrious soldiership," Macduff means that they must perform their roles as competent soldiers first and foremost.

Macbeth, enraged at learning how the "fiend" deceived him, abandons his plan on letting the enemy waste their strength on trying to take his castle. Instead of this prudent plan, he decides to meet them on the field of battle in a desperate (and suicidal) effort. Notice what happens to many of his men when they are given the chance to desert once in the open field.

Here, Macbeth realizes that the witches and the fiend, or devil, who inspired them to raise the apparitions for Macbeth, have deceived him. "Equivocation" refers to language that is ambiguous in order to conceal the truth, and while Macbeth considered the Woods of Birnam moving against him an impossibility, he sees now that it was merely symbolic and that Malcolm's army "moves" the forest with their covering branches.

Macbeth is considering the meaning of life and thinks back on all of his "yesterdays" and what they have led to. In a moment where he is possibly contemplating suicide, Macbeth compares his life to that of a candle—a brief amount of time that is now spent.

Many critics have contended the meaning of this line, whether Macbeth is callously indifferent to his wife's death or whether he is so sunk in misery by the news that he finds life not worth living. Perhaps the most plausible reading of this is connected to the latter and that Macbeth wishes that she had died after the battle, when there would have been time to mourn her properly.

The word "should" can be misleading for many modern readers. Macbeth does not mean that he would have preferred to have his wife die later, that she "ought to" have died hereafter, or that it would have been more convenient if she had died later. He is using the subjunctive mood, which is gradually disappearing from the English language. According to the article in Wikipedia on "Subjunctive":

The subjunctive is a grammatical mood found in many languages. Subjunctive forms of verbs are typically used to express various states of unreality such as wish, emotion, possibility, judgment, opinion, necessity, or action that has not yet occurred; the precise situations in which they are used vary from language to language. The subjunctive is an irrealis mood (one that does not refer directly to what is necessarily real) – it is often contrasted with the indicative, which is a realis mood.

A modern American would say:

"She would have died hereafter" or perhaps "She would have died sooner or later."

Macbeth is not showing the slightest concern about his wife. No doubt he once loved her, but it seems as if he has no love for her at all anymore. In fact, he probably hates her because she talked him into killing King Duncan when he really didn't want to do it. If he hadn't listened to her he could now be enjoying a comfortable and honorable old age. He holds her responsible for the mess he is in. Their marriage has evidently fallen apart. The fact that they share the same guilt does not bring them together but drives them apart. Each reminds the other of their shameful deed. Everybody in Macbeth's kingdom hates him. He will probably lose the coming battle with the English army, in which case his own death is inevitable.

As mentioned in the first act of the play, Kerns were lightly armed Irish or Scottish mercenaries who fought with swords, bows, and carried wooden shields. Macduff considers them wretched because they are mercenaries; that is, their honor and loyalty can be bought. This sentiment further reinforces Macduff as an honorable man, sparing his own wrath for Macbeth instead of others.

Bear-baiting was an Elizabethan "sport" or pastime in which a bear was tied to a stake and harassed by dogs. Macbeth uses this metaphor to describe his own condition: he finds it impossible to escape from the superior number of enemies and compares himself to the baited bear. Despite this, he continues to fight against all odds, holding faith in the witches' other prophesy that said no man born of woman may harm Macbeth.

Macbeth despairs to learn that Macduff was born of a cesarean section—surgically removed from his mother's womb instead of being born "naturally." This news completes the equivocal prophesies that the apparitions gave to Macbeth and he realizes that he has no more protection.

Since Macduff furiously attacks Macbeth, this continuation of dialogue represents a lull or brief pause in the combat. Macbeth, still confident in his supposed protection, rebuffs the attack and takes this moment to perhaps try to save Macduff's life by speaking these words.

Shakespeare adds a small but noticeable touch here to help the audience recover some sympathy for Macbeth. Knowing what he did to Macduff's family, Macbeth has avoided him in the fight and doesn't want to harm him—because he believes he has already harmed Macduff enough.

Macbeth is a powerful and valiant warrior. Normally he would have beaten Macduff in a duel, but Macbeth is morally weakened by his own feelings of guilt as well as by the way he has been misled by the witches to believe he is invulnerable.

In these lines, Macbeth refuses to commit suicide (unlike his wife). He wants justice for his actions and he wants that sentence to come from a fellow human being, not a ghost. However, even though he refuses to take his own life, his relentless pursuit of combat suggests that he has no value for his own life anymore.