Aim: How is the motif of promises highlighted through the use of imagery?
Today we continued our lesson on Macbeth, Act I Scene vii, mainly focusing on Macbeth’s 2nd soliloquy. After taking the attendance and listening to the announcements, Ms. Peterson gave us more time and let us continue on our group discussion about Macbeth's 2nd soliloquy (on slide 5), and answer the questions on the next slides.
Since my group only had a brief discussion about the soliloquy yesterday in class, my groupmates (Nadine, Sofya, Sofia, William, Brittany) and I decided to have a more in-depth discussion about Macbeth’s 2nd soliloquy. To refresh, To refresh, a soliloquy is a monologue, especially in a play, that is delivered by a character who is alone or unaware of the presence of other characters and that reveals the inner thoughts or feelings of that character. We figured that in this soliloquy, Macbeth contemplates the idea of murdering King Duncan. He wrestles with his conscience. Macbeth knows that as the host, he should be protecting King Duncan instad of planning to murder him. On the other hand, He is aware of the powerful reasons for murdering the king, but is afraid of the consequences he might face and the retribution both in heaven. He also acknowledges his ambition, which is the only reason that motivates him to kill King Duncan. We also found that within the soliloquy, the word “if” and “but” were repeated two to three times within the first few lines, which gives an impression of a train of thoughts. This suggests that Macbeth is still in confusion and that he might be doubting himself.
After the group discussion, we were back together as a class to share our thoughts and answers on the questions (on slide 6). The questions were as the following:
What reasons does Macbeth give for not wanting to kill King Duncan?
Macbeth didn’t want to kill King Duncan because he is the kinsman and subject of King Duncan. Therefore, he should be protecting King Duncan, not trying to kill him. Also, King Duncan is Macbeth’s guest, and Macbeth, as a host, should be protecting his guest. Moreover, Macbeth believed that Duncan is a good virtuous leader and that such a kind and loved leader does not deserve to be assassinated.
What is the only reason Macbeth provides in favor of killing King Duncan?
The only reason that drives Macbeth to kill King Duncan is to fulfill his vaulting ambition.
How does Macbeth explain the consequences for this world and his belief in heaven?
Macbeth believes that the consequences might backfire on him. He thinks that he might receive the same fate as Duncan. As for his belief in heaven, Macbeth believes he will receive divine judgment and be doomed in the afterlife.
Based on King Duncan’s characterization, and how Macbeth views him, how does he feel heaven would respond to Duncan’s death?
He believes the heavens will be mad and target Macbeth for killing such a kind and loved man to fulfill his own greed.
What is Macbeth’s final decision at the end of this soliloquy?
Macbeth’s final decision initially goes through with the murder, but in the short moments where we don’t see him, he changes his mind and tells Lady Macbeth not to go through with the plan.
What can be concluded about Macbeth’s characterization after hearing all of his thoughts? Consider not only this soliloquy but through the beginning of the play.
We can tell that Macbeth is conflicted, indecisive, self-aware, logical and very cautious. He is also very self-aware of his ambition.
After answering all the questions, we moved on to the pros and cons of killing King Duncan (slide 8). After discussing and filling the chart out as a group, we came back as a whole to share our ponts. The following is list a created from the class discussion:
Pros of killing Duncan:
- Macbeth would become King
- Becoming king indicated a change in status and an increase in power and wealth
- Lady Macbeth would become queen and she would be happy
- Rare opportunity (it is rare that the king would come visit and become your house guest)
Cons of killing Duncan:
- Duncan declared his eldest son, Malcolm, as the Prince of Cumberland (heir of his throne)
- Duncan has two sons (even if both Duncan and Malcolm dies, Donalbain would become the successor of the throne, meaning that Macbeth has to kill three people in order to be king)
- Banquo might know that Macbeth killed Duncan (Banquo was there when the prophecies were told)
- Humanity starts declining as Macbeth eliminates(kills) the obstacles in front (Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain)
- Danger of getting caught (MacDonwald, the previous Thane of Cawdor was caught for rebelling against the King)
- Macbeth might not be respected even if he became king (King Duncan is very virtuous and kind, and was loved by his people)
- The guilt of killing Duncan might follow and even haunt him
- Karma
After that, the school bell rang and the class ended. Ms. Peterson said that we will start tomorrow’s lesson with the last two slides that we still haven’t covered yet.
Reflection
Today’s lesson was packed with analysis. The analysis questions were challenging and required cooperation and discussions for answers. The chart about the pros and cons also allowed the class to piece together their thoughts to create a detailed list that acts as a summary of what we have learned in Act I of Macbeth. From this lesson, I also learned about the inner thoughts of Macbeth and opinion towards killing King Duncan. I’ve learned more about Macbeth’s character from this lesson as well. Rather than the noble and brave man King Duncan described him to be in Act I scene ii, or the overly-ambitious and evil man he is prescribed after meeting the three witches and having the thought of killing Duncan, Macbeth is somewhat in the middle. He is a brave and honest man with a lot of ambition. Also, I’ve noticed that he has a sense of self-awareness and self-doubt as well from the soliloquy.
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