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| Character | Macbeth | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | |
| Age Range(s) | Adult (36-50) | |
| Type of monologue / Character is | Insecure, Afraid | |
| Type | Dramatic | |
| Period | Renaissance | |
| Genre | Tragedy, Drama, War | |
| Description | Macbeth ponders on whether he should assassinate the king or not | |
| Details | ACT 1 Scene 7 | |
Summary
Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo defeat two opposing armies in battle, an Irish and a Norwegian army. Learning about Macbeth's valor in the battle, the king of Scotland, King Duncan, decides to reward him by giving him the title of the Thane of Cawdor, a title that he takes away from the previous thane who betrayed the Scots by fighting for the Norwegians. On their way back to their base, Macbeth and Banquo run into three witches that prophecise that Macbeth one day will be king and Banquo's descendants will be kings. They also call Macbeth "Thane of Cawdor" which surprises him since he still doesn't know about the king's decision. He is even more surprised when, arriving at the base camp, learns that the king has just given him the title of the Thane of Cawdor, thus wondering if he will really become king one day.
Macbeth goes back to his castle in Inverness and tells his wife what happened. She encourages him to do anything in his power to become king, even if it means assassinate the king. In this monologue Macbeth considers the pros and cons of his plan to kill Duncan, the king of Scotland.
Macbeth goes back to his castle in Inverness and tells his wife what happened. She encourages him to do anything in his power to become king, even if it means assassinate the king. In this monologue Macbeth considers the pros and cons of his plan to kill Duncan, the king of Scotland.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
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| MACBETH If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly: if the assassination Could trammel up the consequence, and catch With his surcease success; that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all here, But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We'ld jump the life to come. But in these cases We still have judgment here; that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice To our own lips. He's 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. Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off; And pity, like a naked new-born babe, Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed Upon the sightless couriers of the air, Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other. |
