Macbeth Summary
Uploaded by Admin on Jan 22, 1999
Act III Scene II
Context: This is the scene in which Lady Macbeth remains calm, and tries to make sure Macbeth is in a good mmod before the banquet.
Macbeth, on the other hand is feeling terrible about the crimes he's committed and is in turmoil.
Language: Macbeth compares the people he's killed with a snake. This metaphor is quite a large one, and lasts for several lines. "O! full of scorpions is my mind..." Shakespeare tries to show what Macbeth is going through with this image. There is much contrasting language in this scene as Macbeth uses harsh words and angry tones, while Lady Macbeth attempts to sooth him and calm him down.
Act III Scene IV
Context: Macbeth finds out that the murderers have killed Banquo, but, that Fleance escaped. Also, he is scared by Banquo's ghost which shows up at the banquet. Lady Macbeth attempts to keep everything under control and maintain her composure, while Macbeth has a fit. This drives Macbeth to become careless, and just become totally selfish.
Language: Lady Macbeth scolds Macbeth for giving in to his fears, and letting his imagination get the best of him. "Approach thou like a rugged Russian Bear..." there are quite a few similes in this scene, which have no real effect except to provide a few simple images for the reader.
Act IV Scene III
Context: This scene's purpose is to give the reader a feeling of how much is being built up against Macbeth. There is a great contrast in this scene because it opens with despair, and ends in friendship and confidence.
Language: Incredible amounts of contrast in this scene in the language.
The first part is all about evil, despair, and crime. The second part is about courage, and hope and confidence. Many metaphors in this scene:
"I think our country sinks beneath the yoke;" Shakespeare usually carries his metaphors quite far, and this is no exception. "The poor state esteem him as a lamb." Shakespeare uses many references to animals in Macbeth.
Act V Scene V
Context: The death of Lady Macbeth, drives Macbeth to despair, but he still fights on to the end.
Language: Personification is used by Shakespeare in this scene.
"To-morrow...Creeps in this petty pace...".
"Life is but a walking shadow..."
This incredible imagery gives the audience a great feeling of Macbeth's despair.
Shakespeare probably uses soliloquies most effectively compared to any other author. This soliloquy ("Is this a dagger..." II,I) is definitely the most...