Marty Flores

ENGL 339

2/26/05

Macbeth

Macbeth is a play that focuses largely on the thoughts of the characters, which requires asides that allow us, the audience, to see as far as possible into their minds[SM1] . In I.vii.1-29, Macbeth addresses the audience as he ponders the consequences of murdering Duncan. This speech runs a full course of possibilities ranging from a fast and clean death that results in Macbeth taking the crown to scenes of spirits flying around to remind everyone of the evil murder.

Macbeth uses similes to show Duncan’s innocence when he says that Duncan’s “virtues/will plead like angels…and pity, like a newborn babe…or heaven’s cherubin” will avenge his death. Macbeth personifies Duncan’s virtuous deeds and the pity that people will have for them and considers how everyone will mourn and remember Duncan. These are appropriate for Duncan because he is so well loved by his followers and appears to do nothing but good.

This speech also explores major concepts in the play. The golden rule of “what goes around comes around[SM2] ” is explored in lines 8-12 of this scene where Macbeth acknowledges that he is doing something wrong and it will return to haunt him. This is also one of many other[SM3] examples where Macbeth considers the short term effects (in lines 1-7) before considering the long term effects in lines 12-20[SM4] . Towards the end of the speech he makes an observation that rings true throughout the play: “I have…vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself/ and falls on th’ other.” This is a major theme of the play as Macbeth’s ambition is what brings him to be king and also brings his demise[SM5] .

The sounds in this speech are used to paint pictures in our minds. The angels that plead against Duncan’s death are described as “trumpet-tongued” (19), which makes one think of a grand entrance or announcement, often accompanied by trumpets in older days[SM6] . Alliteration is used in several lines to imply tones of the speech. In line 4, the words “surcease” and “success” are both used to describe Macbeth’s underhanded rise to the throne. These words spoken together almost sound like hissing at a villain in a melodrama, or the hissing of a snake[SM7] . The sound made by pronouncing the letter “s” has always had a sinister connotation to it. Another example of alliteration used for emphasis can be found in line 20 where Macbeth describes “deep damnation,” causing one to think of things that are dark and condemned.

This speech gives us tremendous insight into Macbeth’s thought process and how heavily he considers his actions. It also foreshadows how despite his feelings of guilt, he still goes through with the murder and goes on to kill others because of his “vaulting ambition[SM8] .”

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[SM1]Well conceived and well stated general statement

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[SM2]an excellent way to characterize the golden rule which also suggests the law of karma

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[SM3]delete

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[SM4]wonderful

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[SM5]yes—the typical tragic pattern of rise and fall through hybris

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[SM6]notice the contrast to the secrecy of the actual murder and its aftermath

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[SM7]lovely

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[SM8]Marty—beautifully written, full of very specific insights all gathered into a fine characterization of the whole approach of the play at the start and the end of the paper. Are you sure you don’t want to be an English teacher? A