MACBETH ACT 1 SCENE 7 IO NOTES:

. Global isuue: Ambition and Power

– Macbeth has changed from a courageous, valiant, indestructible, and

invincible man to a man enticed by ambition and power to assassinate
the monarch, Duncan, in order to fulfil the witches' prophecy.
– Despite the fact that he is still undecided and unconvinced, the
temptation is still present. In the soliloquy, we can see his internal
conflict/oral problem.
– The extract focuses on the character's innermost thoughts, secret
desires, and sentiments, resulting in an uncontrollable stream of
thought with a lot of moral ambiguity until Lady Macbeth's arrival. It
moves fluidly, as if it were a train of thought.
– This scene is part of the growing action because it shows how the
witches sowed the notion of killing Duncan.
– Macbeth is thinking about it and is aware of the compelling reasons for
Duncan's murder.
– He is plagued by doubt and apprehension of retaliation and
reputational harm.
– Lady Macbeth eventually persuades him by insulting him and his
manhood.
– This soliloquy allows the spectator to examine Macbeth's character
and mental state at the time.
– It aids students in gaining the necessary information to follow the play
and foretell Macbeth's future actions.
– The adjectives used by L Macbeth to mock her husband and his lack
of courage and confidence---‘green and pale’, ‘wherein you dressed
yourself’ “bloody instructions”, “deep damnation”, and “poisoned
chalice” suggests that Macbeth is aware that Duncan’s murder would
take him to utter darkness yet he cannot suppress his desire for
power.
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