Tonya M. Fleetwood

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Paper:"Something Wicked This Way Comes - Close look at Act I, Scene 7"
Year in School: College Junior
Class:Shakespeare: Text & Performance (London)
Date written:February 17, 2003

I consider this particular excerpt is important because of the moral and philosophical implications, as well as the exposé of the inner doubts and contradictions of Macbeth. Then, with the immediate entrance of Lady Macbeth, it is important to get a sense of how quickly Macbeth betrays his assertions and becomes swayed by his conniving wife. The scene opens with Macbeth’s mind tossing and turning, creating a fixed atmosphere of immorality. Macbeth’s soliloquy is a direct window into his inner thoughts. The reader is clearly able to feel the sense of his personal turmoil and guilt.

In the first few lines of this soliloquy, Macbeth considers “If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well / It were done quickly.” By saying this, Macbeth is conveying his struggle to accept the consequences of what the murder of Duncan will bring. In other words, Macbeth is saying that if the consequences were finished when the murder was finished, then it is best to do the deed as swiftly as possible. However, Macbeth knows such actions do have horrific effects and the rest of his speech clearly shows that he is very much aware that he cannot kill Duncan without suffering the consequences.

Macbeth continues by saying that “this blow / Might be the be-all and the end-all!” Here is example of how Macbeth’s mind is working as if in a debate. He knows that the witches predicted that he would someday be King. Therefore, by killing Duncan he is one step closer to the throne, and it would be the “be-all” in terms of his life’s achievement. On the other hand, by Macbeth saying that killing Duncan might be the “end-all,” he is conscious of the fact that the same action could end his life as well.

A few more lines into Macbeth’s speech, he mentions “Bloody instructions,” and how these instructions “which, being taught, return / To plague the inventor.” To me, the use of the word ‘bloody’ combined with what it is referring to, is particularly vivid. The fact that Macbeth is using the word ‘bloody’ proves that he is already associating actions with his words and thoughts. Also, by saying that the “instructions” are “Bloody” is more proof of how Macbeth realizes that murder is an immoral and terrible crime. These lines are incredibly ironic as well. The “Bloody instructions” do come back to haunt “the inventor.” The way Macbeth uses the word ‘inventor’ only connotes a single perpetrator. On the contrary, both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth play a part in the proceedings of Duncan’s death. And, indeed, the actions of both characters come back to haunt them, especially for Macbeth during the banquet scene.

Macbeth’s internal debate continues, and he looks for reasons against the murder. “He’s here in double trust; / First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, / Strong both against the deed; then, as his host.” The theme of trust is especially evident in this short quotation. Macbeth sees he has a duty to protect Duncan, both as his kinsman and as his host. He can see that to violate this trust would be to violate his own moral code. Of course, he should not need these extra reasons. The reason he should not murder Duncan is not because he has some duty to protect him, but because murder is unquestionably wrong. Macbeth, however, continues along the same lines, considering Duncan’s kingship. He acknowledges that Duncan “Hath borne his faculties so meek,” and this would be very difficult for Macbeth to overlook. Duncan has undeniably been a fair and good king, rewarding those with loyalty, such as Macbeth’s thaneship.

Later in the soliloquy, Macbeth compares Duncan’s many merits to “angels, trumpet-tongued.” Macbeth is building a picture-perfect image of Duncan in his mind. He is still striving to come up with credible reasons to stand in the way of killing Duncan. Macbeth’s poetic language regarding Duncan contradicts completely with the torturous language he associates with the action of murder – “deep damnation.” This, again, is Macbeth trying to talk himself out of the crime. It is clearly palpable that he knows that he should not kill Duncan. He makes his ‘good’ thoughts extremely good [i.e. his loyalty to Duncan], and, at the same time, makes his ‘bad’ thoughts extremely bad [i.e. murdering Duncan]. He is trying to make it easier to avoid killing Duncan.

In the final lines of the speech, Macbeth has no intention to kill Duncan. His only hurdle now is over-riding his own ambition. “I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent but only / Vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself / And falls on the other.” This is particularly effective in describing how Macbeth could “o’erleap” himself and so end up falling. The use of the word ‘o’erleap’ is also interesting, since Macbeth used it before when Malcolm was named heir to the throne. Macbeth had said that he must either overleap Malcolm or fall.

I think it is noticeable how, throughout his speech, Macbeth avoids using the words ‘murder’ or ‘death.’ Instead he uses words such as ‘assassination’ and ‘surcease.’ In a way, this is probably Macbeth’s way of disguising the true implications of his actions, which is yet another example of Macbeth’s psychological debate.

Lady Macbeth enters after Macbeth convinces himself to abstain from killing Duncan. As soon as she is present, the mood changes. She immediately starts arguing with Macbeth. “Why have you left the chamber?” Her words are scolding, as if she were talking to a child. She is obviously angry that Macbeth would leave the table and draw unintended attention to himself. It is clear that Macbeth is unaware of her concerns when he says, “Hath he asked for me?” Lady Macbeth becomes very angry.

Even with his wife so furious, Macbeth makes it clear to her that he does not want to proceed with their plan. This comment is rather brave, given the known ambition of Lady Macbeth. It is clear, however, that the assertion came directly as a result of Macbeth’s soliloquy. He tries to justify his decision to her. “He hath honoured me of late.” Again, he uses the idea of honor and loyalty to validate his argument. However, he does not give Lady Macbeth the same powerful reasons that he tortured himself with a few moments earlier. It gives off the impression that he is afraid of his wife. He is afraid of what she will think, what she will do, and how she will react to his decision. During this discourse between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth it is almost hard to believe they are married. There doesn’t seem to be any love or romance. Of course, a plan of murder would certainly not bring about romance. However, neither of the two characters seems very supportive of one another. It seems as though Lady Macbeth is only striving to reach the highest of nobility, regardless of the consequences. Macbeth is definitely thinking of the consequences, but instead of killing Duncan for his throne, Macbeth seems to be doing it for approval of his wife.



Go to Documents index Paper:"Something Wicked This Way Comes - Close look at Act I, Scene 7" Year in School: College Junior Class:Shakespeare: Text & Performance (London) Date written:February 17, 2003 I consider this particular excerpt is important because of the moral and philosophical implications, as well as the exposé of the inner doubts and contradictions of Macbeth. Then, with the immediate entrance of Lady Macbeth, it is important to get a sense of how quickly Macbeth betrays his assertions and becomes swayed by his conniving wife. The scene opens with Macbeth’s mind tossing and turning, creating a fixed atmosphere of immorality. Macbeth’s soliloquy is a direct window into his inner thoughts. The reader is clearly able to feel the sense of his personal turmoil and guilt. In the first few lines of this soliloquy, Macbeth considers “If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well / It were done quickly.” By saying this, Macbeth is conveying his struggle to accept the consequences of what the murder of Duncan will bring. In other words, Macbeth is saying that if the consequences were finished when the murder was finished, then it is best to do the deed as swiftly as possible. However, Macbeth knows such actions do have horrific effects and the rest of his speech clearly shows that he is very much aware that he cannot kill Duncan without suffering the consequences. Macbeth continues by saying that “this blow / Might be the be-all and the end-all!” Here is example of how Macbeth’s mind is working as if in a debate. He knows that the witches predicted that he would someday be King. Therefore, by killing Duncan he is one step closer to the throne, and it would be the “be-all” in terms of his life’s achievement. On the other hand, by Macbeth saying that killing Duncan might be the “end-all,” he is conscious of the fact that the same action could end his life as well. A few more lines into Macbeth’s speech, he mentions “Bloody instructions,” and how these instructions “which, being taught, return / To plague the inventor.” To me, the use of the word ‘bloody’ combined with what it is referring to, is particularly vivid. The fact that Macbeth is using the word ‘bloody’ proves that he is already associating actions with his words and thoughts. Also, by saying that the “instructions” are “Bloody” is more proof of how Macbeth realizes that murder is an immoral and terrible crime. These lines are incredibly ironic as well. The “Bloody instructions” do come back to haunt “the inventor.” The way Macbeth uses the word ‘inventor’ only connotes a single perpetrator. On the contrary, both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth play a part in the proceedings of Duncan’s death. And, indeed, the actions of both characters come back to haunt them, especially for Macbeth during the banquet scene. Macbeth’s internal debate continues, and he looks for reasons against the murder. “He’s here in double trust; / First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, / Strong both against the deed; then, as his host.” The theme of trust is especially evident in this short quotation. Macbeth sees he has a duty to protect Duncan, both as his kinsman and as his host. He can see that to violate this trust would be to violate his own moral code. Of course, he should not need these extra reasons. The reason he should not murder Duncan is not because he has some duty to protect him, but because murder is unquestionably wrong. Macbeth, however, continues along the same lines, considering Duncan’s kingship. He acknowledges that Duncan “Hath borne his faculties so meek,” and this would be very difficult for Macbeth to overlook. Duncan has undeniably been a fair and good king, rewarding those with loyalty, such as Macbeth’s thaneship. Later in the soliloquy, Macbeth compares Duncan’s many merits to “angels, trumpet-tongued.” Macbeth is building a picture-perfect image of Duncan in his mind. He is still striving to come up with credible reasons to stand in the way of killing Duncan. Macbeth’s poetic language regarding Duncan contradicts completely with the torturous language he associates with the action of murder – “deep damnation.” This, again, is Macbeth trying to talk himself out of the crime. It is clearly palpable that he knows that he should not kill Duncan. He makes his ‘good’ thoughts extremely good [i.e. his loyalty to Duncan], and, at the same time, makes his ‘bad’ thoughts extremely bad [i.e. murdering Duncan]. He is trying to make it easier to avoid killing Duncan. In the final lines of the speech, Macbeth has no intention to kill Duncan. His only hurdle now is over-riding his own ambition. “I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent but only / Vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself / And falls on the other.” This is particularly effective in describing how Macbeth could “o’erleap” himself and so end up falling. The use of the word ‘o’erleap’ is also interesting, since Macbeth used it before when Malcolm was named heir to the throne. Macbeth had said that he must either overleap Malcolm or fall. I think it is noticeable how, throughout his speech, Macbeth avoids using the words ‘murder’ or ‘death.’ Instead he uses words such as ‘assassination’ and ‘surcease.’ In a way, this is probably Macbeth’s way of disguising the true implications of his actions, which is yet another example of Macbeth’s psychological debate. Lady Macbeth enters after Macbeth convinces himself to abstain from killing Duncan. As soon as she is present, the mood changes. She immediately starts arguing with Macbeth. “Why have you left the chamber?” Her words are scolding, as if she were talking to a child. She is obviously angry that Macbeth would leave the table and draw unintended attention to himself. It is clear that Macbeth is unaware of her concerns when he says, “Hath he asked for me?” Lady Macbeth becomes very angry. Even with his wife so furious, Macbeth makes it clear to her that he does not want to proceed with their plan. This comment is rather brave, given the known ambition of Lady Macbeth. It is clear, however, that the assertion came directly as a result of Macbeth’s soliloquy. He tries to justify his decision to her. “He hath honoured me of late.” Again, he uses the idea of honor and loyalty to validate his argument. However, he does not give Lady Macbeth the same powerful reasons that he tortured himself with a few moments earlier. It gives off the impression that he is afraid of his wife. He is afraid of what she will think, what she will do, and how she will react to his decision. During this discourse between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth it is almost hard to believe they are married. There doesn’t seem to be any love or romance. Of course, a plan of murder would certainly not bring about romance. However, neither of the two characters seems very supportive of one another. It seems as though Lady Macbeth is only striving to reach the highest of nobility, regardless of the consequences. Macbeth is definitely thinking of the consequences, but instead of killing Duncan for his throne, Macbeth seems to be doing it for approval of his wife.