Shavahn Loux
2/28/05
Humanity
Act 1, scene 7, lines 1-28. Shakespeare uses this monologue to give Macbeth some depth of character and to show us that he is more than the tyrannical monster he appears to be later in the play.
As the first stage of his [SM1]speech begins, Macbeth is very assured and confident about what a great thing the murder will be, and how it will make his life much more pleasant. The only unpleasantness will be to commit the actual slaughter of Duncan[SM2].
Then, during the next stage, his thoughts turn more to reality, about what will happen in the wake of his kingÕs death. The realization sinks in that what goes around comes around, and he will eventually be haunted by the aftermath of the situation. Shakespeare uses dark language in this passage such as Òbloody instructionsÓ, Òplague thÕ inventorÓ and Òpoisoned chalice.[SM3]Ó to increase the feeling of malice and doom.
Next, guilt kicks in. All the reasons that he cannot kill Duncan flood through his mind. ÒHeÕs here in double trust: first, as I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; then, as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself[SM4].Ó
Pity and admiration follow the guilt[SM5]. He considers how heart-broke the entire countryside will be, and what an incredible king Duncan has been. The people will want revenge for sure, and it will take a while for the air to clear and the dust to settle. Here, many references to pure, innocent beings are made. ÒÉplead like angelsÓ, ÒAnd pity, like a naked newborn babeÉÓ, ÒÉheavenÕs cherubin horsedÉÓ
He essentially talks himself out of committing this horrendous deed by the end, as he knows that this will only end up hurting him in the long run. ÒI have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which oÕerleaps itself and falls on thÕ other[SM6]-Ò
There are several instances through this passage that Shakespeare uses sound to create a feeling. ÒÉand catch with his surcease success, that but this blow might be the be-all and the end-all-hereÉÓ Surcease success gives a feeling of sneakiness, and of malice. S has been a sound associated with snakes and slyness and can give the feeling that something is going on thatÕs not quite right.
Another line with very powerful sounds is ÒÉthat his virtues will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued against the deep-damnation of his taking offÉÓ Trumpet-tongued and deep-damnation give very deep, resonate[SM7] sounds which give the reader a feeling of malice. It can also be associated with the sound of a drum beating, such as the drums which called the slaves to row on a ship.
This passage shows us the inner-workings of Macbeth; it allows him to be more likeable because it shows all of the indecision which he faces. It also makes him more human and real for the same reason. Here he proves that he did not jump head-first in to his tyrannical rule, but slid down the slippery slope a little at a time[SM8].
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[SM1]delete
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[SM2]short
quote would help
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[SM3]delete
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[SM4]too much
quotation
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[SM5]good
characterization
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[SM6]you might
discuss the logical or almost mathematical outcome of this final statement in
relation to what came beforeÑthe awareness that ambition like other vices looks
good at first and then comes back to bite
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[SM7]resonant
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[SM8]good
conclusion. Well structured and
clearly expressed analysis of parts with a strong overall thesis. A