Unit 10- Macbeth II (KKHSOU BA-PASS 1ST SEM 2023)
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Unit 10- Macbeth II
General English Units for BA-KKHSOU
- Analyse the major characters in the play Macbeth.
Ans: In his section of the unit, the characters of the play
will be discussed. In the play, we find that the characters can
not be strictly placed under the categories of good or evil. Each
character has strength or positive attributes and weakness or
a negative attributes. As such we see that Macbeth is
courageous but driven by too much ambition. Similarly, Lady
Macbeth is an intelligent woman but uses her intelligence for a
negative purpose. Duncan is the epitome of kingly qualities
yet it is equally true that he has been naive enough not to see
the threat posed by his own men. The play is not about the
victory of good over evil, rather it is a cautionary tale. It tells us
about over-ambition and how it corrupts an individual which
further leads to chaos and tyranny in the society.
(i) Macbeth
Macbeth is introduced in the very beginning of the play as a
brave warrior and a victor, returning from the battle. He is one
of the most skilled warriors and a captain in the army of King8
Duncan of Scotland. During the age of chivalry, a man’s military
prowess allowed him to gain not only honour and praise, but
also power and riches. We come to know that Macbeth played
a major role in successfully defeating the rebels. In recognition
of his bravery, he was honoured with the position of Thane by
the king.
In spite of his courageous nature, Macbeth suffers from
human weaknesses such as pride and over ambition. When he
comes to know from the three witches that he is destined to
become a king, he is no longer satisfied with the position of a
Thane. Instead, he designs an unscrupulous plot with his wife
to murder the king and all those whocome in the way of his
attainment of the throne. Macbeth, even murders Banquo, who
had been his companion during the battle because of the witches
prediction that Banquo’s successors would be kings. We get a
glimpse of his ambitions through the soliloquies and asides that
Shakespeare has used in the play. In the process, Macbeth
falls from the position of a hero to that of an antagonist.Macbeth,
with his pride and willingness for bloodshed, is completely
different from King Duncan who is depicted as an
honourableperson.
Macbeth, in the beginning, is troubled by a sense of guiltas
he plots against the king on the suggestion of his wife. But
soon, he loses his humanity and slowly it is his political ambition
that draws him closer to madness and ultimately death.
(ii) Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth has been one of the most ambitious and
shrewd woman characters ever portrayed in the history of
English literature. She is depicted as a highly clever woman,
skilled in manipulating situations in her favour. Lady Macbeth
deliberately refuses to let her womanly qualities of gentleness
and timidity, come in the way of her aim to become the Queen
of Scotland. She is determined from the very beginning, and
constantly mocks her husband for his lack of courage to kil
Duncan. In public, she gives the impression, especially her
guests of being a wonderful hostess. In fact, she played an
active role in the murder of the king with her husband. She
drugs the men who were guarding the king’s room and kept
blood stained weapons near them, to falsely implicate that it
was the guards who murdered the king.
Lady Macbeth suppresses her humanity in her desire to
see her husband as the king of Scotland. But the violent events
that follow the death of Duncan slowly leads to her loss of
sanity. In Act V, we see that she has started hallucinating that
her hands are stained with blood. She grows more paranoid
and keeps on cleaning her hands to remove the imagined odour
and stains of blood. Her subsequent death leads Macbeth to
think over the nature of time and mortality in his speech:
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.”
(iii) The Three Witches
The three witches or the three weird sisters are described
as strange creatures, who seem to belong to a different world
altogether. Their presence and words are eerie suggesting the
ominous. They are ugly in appearance with thin waif-like fingers
and beards on their face. The witches have been clearly inspired
by the Fates of Greek mythology who control and manipulate
the destiny of human beings. The witches are an active agent
in bringing about the fall and subsequent death of Macbeth.
(iv) Macduff:
In the play, Macbeth is the antagonist while Macduff is the
archetypal avenging hero who fights for honour and a good
cause. Macduff is an important characteras he represents a
person avenging the injustice done. It is Macduff who discovers
the dead body of Duncan killed under rather suspicious
circumstances. He wishes the guilty to be caught and punished
accordingly. However when the news of the murder of his
wife and childrenreaches to him, it is then that he decides to
take act against the tyrannical Macbeth. In the final combat
between hero and antagonist, we see that it is the victory of
humanity over inhumanity. While Macbeth kills people for his
own interests, Macduff decides to killI Macbeth for the cause
ofhis nation.
(v) Banquo:
In the historical account, the real Banquo was a co
conspirator of Macbeth in the murder of Duncan. But in
Shakespeare’s play, the role of the fellow conspirator has been
assigned to Lady Macbeth while Banquo plays a minor
character as the companion as well as rival of Macbeth. Banquo
is somewhat similar to Macbeth as he too is a person curious
to know what destiny has in store for him. For example, when
the three witches predict that Macbeth will become a king,
Banquo expresses his desire to know whether destiny has
similar plans for him. However, he is more humane than
Macbeth. The reader can be more sympathetic towards him
since he is unaware of what Macbeth had planned for Duncan
and him. Also, he is shown as a concerned father, sharing an
affectionate relationship with his son.
(vi) Duncan:
Duncan is the symbol of the justice and honour that
essential for the smooth running of the country. This has been
depicted through the formal and gracious speech that he makes
in front ofhis subjects. Another important quality in Duncan is
s modesty in accepting his flaws. For example, he admitted
nat he had been ignorant about the previous Thane of Cawdor’s
treachery. It is this ignorance perhaps that led to Duncan
becominga victim of Macbeth and his wife’s treason. Modesty
1s a quality that Macbeth clearly lacked as a ruler, as he
undermined all around him. The king was seen as the divine
representative of God in earlier ages. And Duncan’s personality
essentially reflected this.
(vii) Malcolm and Donalbain:
Malcolm and Donalbain are the two sons of Duncan. The
two princes flee from the country soon after the murder of the
father fearing that they would be wrongly accused of the
murder. Donalbain escapes to Ireland while Malcolm escapes
to England. Malcolm was declared as the successor of King
Duncan which was accepted by everyone except Macbeth.
Macbeth, privately, resented the fact that Malcolm would
become the ruler of Scotland. And for this reason he decides
to kill Duncan and usurp or take over the throne.
Between the two brothers, Malcolm could be seen as a
more resourceful young man since he manages to win the
support of King Edward in England and also form an army.
This essentially reflects his ability to command respect and
honour from others. At the same time, he is wise enough to
psychologically test Macduff’s loyalty towards Scotland. While
Macbeth works for his own advancement, regardless of
Scotland’s position, Malcolm desires the security and
advancement of his country Scotland. As such, he is the rightful
heir to the throne.
- Define the style and language employed by the
dramatist William Shakespeare in his play Macbeth.
Ans: William Shakespeare was a sixteenth century
playwright and as such the language that he uses is essentially
archaic in style. It is important to note that he had written the
play in a language that held currency in his age and society.
The use of symbols and images add to the intensity of the
play.The symbol of blood has been a prominent presence
throughout the play. It is specifically highlighted in the words
of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to suggest their violent mindset.
Also you will see, for example, that the witches speak in a way
that suggests the presence of supernatural elements.For
example, the play begins with the mysterious and cryptic words
of the witches:
First Witch: When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightening, or in rain?
Second Witch : When the hurly burly’s done, When the battle’s lost and won.
Third Witch That will be ere the set of sun.
Their words have been composed by Shakespeare to show
highly cryptic and unknown nature of destiny. Then again,
Shakespeare makes use of formal, courtly language, especially
in the words spoken by Duncan. Thus, 1t 1s seen thas
Shakespeare writes in a language keeping into view the subje
and characters of his play.
ADDITIONAL POSSIBLE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
- What was Macbeth’s claim while combating
Macduff?
Ans: Macbeth continues combating with Macduffclaiming
that no man born from his mother’s womb can defeat him. - What happens in the climax of the play?
Ans: In the climax of the play, Malcolm speaks to the
people how peace has finally been restored, and he also declares
his intentions for bringing happiness and satisfaction into the
lives of his subjects through just and benevolent kingship. He
welcomes the people to witness his crowning as the king of
Scotland at the court. - Describe the three witches in the play Macbeth
Ans :The three witches or the three weird sisters are
described as strange creatures, who seem to belong toa
different world altogether. Their presence and words are eerie
suggesting something ominous. They are ugly in appearance
with thin waif-like fingers and beard on their face. - Who were the antagonist and the archetypal
avenging hero in the play Macbeth?
Ans: Macbeth is the antagonist while Macduff is the
archetypal avenging hero who fights for honour and a good
cause. - Write a short note on any one of the major themes
of the play Macbeth?
Ans: One of the major themes in Macbeth is the corruption
of man brought about by uncontrolled ambition and lust for
power. We see that the downfall and consequent deaths of
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, are mainly caused because of
their excessive desire for power and the throne of Scotland. It
is shown that Macbeth is not an evil man, yet he succumbs to
the human weaknesses for power and success. - Give a brief idea on the emergent theme or aspect
as represented in Act IV of Macbeth.
Ans: In Act IV of the play, Malcolm and Macduff discuss
what kind of a person would make a good king. Malcolm tells
Macduff that a good king will have the qualities of “justice,
verity, temperance, stableness/ Bounty, perseverance,
lowliness.” King Duncan was honoured as he had all these
qualities, and most importantly, he was loyal to the interests of
Scotland rather than his own self-interests. - Why did Macbeth come to hate Macduff?
Ans: Macbeth came to hate Macduff as he began to doubt
his loyalty. When he was ealled by Macbeth, he did not turn up
and made for England to pray to Malcolm for help to free
scotland from the tyranny of Macbeth. Besides, the first witch
in the second meeting of Macbeth with the witches, had warned
him to beware of Macduff the Thane of Fife.
It is for these reásons that Macbeth came to hate Macduff.
[16. Why did Macbeth feel confident that no one
could conquer him?
Ans:In his second meeting with the witches Macbeth
Was asked to beware of Macduff, the thane of Fife. Secondly,
the figure appearing in the form of a Bloody child told him that
none of woman born could harm him. Then a third figure
emerging from the smoke of the cauldron predicted Macbeth
that he would never be vanquished (defeated) until the great
Birnam wood came to Dunsinane hill. Macbeth became
confident after hearing the second and third prophecies that no
one could conquer him.
- Describe how king Duncan was dene to death?
Ans: Being persuaded by his wife, Macbeth came down
to the great hall ofthe castle and waited there till all was quiet.
He felt nervous as the time for murder drew near. In the
meantime a dagger, floating in the air, came to his view. Its
handle was towards him and the point towards the chamber of
Duncan. He went ahead and opened the door of the chamber.
Duncan was enjoying a sourd sleep. The two grooms sitting on
their stools were in drunken stupor. Their daggers lay on the
bed where Lady Macbeth had placed them.
Macbeth took hold of the daggers and stabbed the king
without looking at his face. The king did not even stirmor did he
moan. Macbeth was almost paralysed with horror. He came
straight way to the hall with the blood stained daggers in his
hands. Lady Macbeth asked him togo back and put the daggers
there. She also told him to smear the sleepy grooms with blood
and wash his hands with water. But Macbeth refused to go.
Then she ran back to the chamber herself and did what she
had intended. After her return she found her husband in the
same mental condition. She dragged him to their chamber as
their was a hard knock on the outergate which meant some
imminent danger. This is how king Duncan was done to death. - What did Lady Macbeth decide to do when she
received the letter from Macbeth?
Ans: Lady Macbethwas absorbed in a deep thought after
receving the letter of her husband. It fanned the flame of her
ambition. She was equally ambitions like her husband but devoid
of the milk of human kindness possessed by Macbeth.She
decided to instigate him to such an extent that he would feel
impelled to do away with the king staying as a guest in their
castle. She greeted Macbeth as a king the moment he reached
home. Shestarted coaxing him to fulfil the prophecy made by
the third witch by killing Duncan. - How did Lady Macbeth plan the murder of the
king?
Ans: After due deliberation Macbeth told his wife that he
would proceed no further in the business of the foul murder of
theking. On hearing this she rebuked him, calling him coward
and feeble. She told him how she had already planned the
murder. She told him that she would drug the drink of the two
grooms of the king when he would sleep soundly after the
days journey. Then he should kill Duncan and put the blame
upon the two servants. Being instigated thus Macbeth resolved
to follow his wife’s persuasion. - Describe Macbeth’s second meeting with the
witches.
Ans: Mecbeth’s plan to get Banquo and his son Fleance
murdered is partly fulfilled Banquo is killed but Fleance escapes.
This makes Macbeth lose the peace of his mind. He remembers
the prediction of the third witch that the posterity of Banquo
will be the future kings of Scoland. He becomes restless to
remember this and desires to meet the withches once more.
0at deep mid-night he repairs to them. He finds them clustered
around a cauldron, performing some black arts. Macbeth faces
them straigthway and commands them to answer his questions.
They promise to do accordingly and bid him to say nothing but
watch.
Firstly, there appears an armed head which warns Macbeth
against Macduff, the Thane of Fife. After that the ‘head
disappears Macbeth now gets confirmed of his doubt about
Macduff and decides to do away with him. Secondly, there
appears a Bloody-child calling Macbeth thrice by name like
the first one. It asks Macbeth to be bold and resolute and assures
him that ‘none of woman born can harm him. Macbeth is beside
himself with joy. His delight knows no bounds. His fear from
Macduff evaporates in a momemt. The third figure ‘a crowned
child’ with a tree in its hand, tells him that he is safe until Bimam
wood comes to Dunsiinane hill. This pleases Macbeth still
further. But he is not fully satisfied. He demands to know if
Banquo’s progency (children) would truly be kings. To this the
witches showa procession ofeight kings (stuart kings) followed
by Banquo. After that the witches vanish leaving Macbeth alone
there, only to curse them and damn ‘all those that trust them
Thus the second meeting of Mecbeth with witch’es fails to
bring peace to his perturbed (disturbed) mind.
- What was Lady Macbeth’s nature?
Ans: Lady Macbeth is dominated by an inordinate ambition
like her husband. The note of ambition is struck early in these
two main characters. She is a woman of resolute fim and
determined will. She is the motive power with all the ruthlessness
of nature and iron resolutionwhich her husband, Macbeth, does
not possess. But for the incentive encouragement of her strong
will to drive him on, Macbeth would never have committed the
crime. To fulfil this purpose she is shown as a character of
determined will and firm will-power. But Lady Macbeth is never
quite the iron character that she seems to be. She tries to assume
the charatcer of a man. Her feminine nature assests itself.
The sleep-walking seene shows that her assumed masculine
strength has failed her. - Why did Macbeth hesitate to murder King Duncan?
Ans: Macbeth hesitates to murder King Duncan who is a guest in his castle. He fears that there may be disastrous after- effects if he kills the king. He feels that it is a dreadful thing to slay one who is his ruler and also his guest. Men will be horrified if such a noble king is slain. He cannot avoid punishment by doing away with such a humble king. He would suffer the tortures of hell in the world hereafter. After a deep brooding, Macbeth comes to realise that the crown gained through a foul means would bring him no peace of mind. Moreover, Macbeth being the kinsman of the king is morally obliged to protect him from all dangers, instead of stabbing him. This heinous act on his part is bound to cause pity and sympatty for the king and a bitter reaction against the murderer. Thus he finds no moral justification in committing such a hateful deed for grabbing the royal crown. Considering all these aspects of the cruel and heinous deed Macbeth resolves to proceed no further in the business.
- (a) Why did the king of Norway crave a truce with Macbeth?
Ans: Macdonwald one of the noblemen, rebelled again king Duncan with the help of the king of Norway and the disloyal thane of Cawdor. The two generals, Macbeth and Banquo were sent to suppress the rebellion. Macbeth and Banquo’s heroic fight suppressed the rebellion and Macdonwald was butchered by Macbeth. The king of Norway ws so frightened that he immediately begged for a truce and agreed to pay a huge amount of ransom.
- What type of King was Duncan ?
Ans: King Duncan was a kindly old man gentle meek and mild king of scotland. So hedid not befit a king in those days of violence and disturbance.
- What did Malcolm order his soldiers to do to conceal the number of his troops?
Ans: The Army of Malcolm with Siward and Macduff marching against Macbeth came to a wood. On asking, Siward was told that the name of the wood was Birnam. Then Malclom asked his soldiers to hew (cut) down a branch each and carry it in front so that the real number of soldiers was commouflaged. The solders did accordingly and marched. The sight gave the impression that the Birman wood was actually moving. Thus the Bimam wood came to Dunsinane hill. Herein we find the ambiguity of the prophecy of the witches.
- How did Macbeth first think of murdering king Duncan?
Ans: The witches, as arranged, meet Macbeth and Benquo on the health. They address Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor and as king to be. To Banquo they make the prophecy that, though he will never be king. yet his offispring (children) will hold royal place. They disappear, and at once a messenger comes and hails Macbeth as Thane on Cawder. This confirmation of the second prophecy makes Macbeth picture himself as becoming king. In fact Macbeth has already the imperial theme’ at heart. The immediate fulfilment of the second prophecy (Thane of Cowdor) builds up hopes of kingship for him. He thinks that the third prophecy, to be king hereafter, will also be fulfilled. The thought of becoming future king of Scotland fills him with horrible imaginings (exciting thoughts) He is preoccupied with the thought as to how be the king of Scotland.
- How did Malcolm test the honesty of Macduff?
Ans: Malcolm in his self-imposed exile in England, has heard of the high handed despotism of Macbeth. He has also grounds to suspect that some attempts may be made apais his own life. The way in which Macduff has left his home wife and his son open to danger seems suspicious to Malcol He is cautious suspicious and calculating. He has doubts about, his the bonafides of Macduff. He must be satistied that Macduf 1s not the enemy’s spy. He, therefore, tests the honesty integrity of Macdut character to show that he is an unworthy heir to the throne of Scotland. Malcolm claims to have so many vices and admits that he is not worthy of succeeding the gracious Duncan. He further declares that he has not even one redeeming virtue of becoming king. Hearing all this from the mouth of Malcolm Macduff gives him up and decides to leave, thinking that he is really unfit to the throne of Scotland. Macduff’s genutne anger disarms Malcolm and he accepts Macduff as a sincere man. He then explains to him why he had practised that stratagem
- Your charm is useless’ what was the charm’ referred to here? How ws it useless?
Ans: Macbeth was told by the second witch in his second meeting with the witches that no woman born could do him any harm. Macbeth was greatly delighted to know this. He thought that he was blessed with a life prolected against all injuries, a life guarded by some magic charms. But this charm did not apply in the case of Macduff who was taken from his mother’s womb before his time of birth. So Macbeth’s charm of life was ineffective and useless in the case of Macduff who killed him in the end. and His test consists in lowering his own
