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It is after midnight. Banquo unexpectedly meets Macbeth and gives his host rich presents from the king.
He and Macbeth briefly discuss the witches' prophecies -- but it is now clear that there is little trust
between the two men.
Macbeth, left alone, has a series of sudden ghostly visions of bloody daggers pointing the way to Duncan's
chamber.
THE MENTAL SIDE OF MURDER
Murder is never an easy thing, even for a battle-hardened man like Macbeth. When someone is
superstitious, however, it is even more difficult.
The ancient peoples believed there was a direct link between nature and the goodness of one's actions.
This was especially so when it came to authorities who enjoyed God's favour -- people such as kings.
Even before Macbeth went to Duncan's bedchamber to murder the king, nature was described as
darkening over.
Then Macbeth saw visions. A ghostly dagger appeared, apparently leading the way. In another vision,
the dagger was covered in blood.
And then the noises began: the howling of wolves, owls screeching, sounds on the stairs. Even Lady
Macbeth appeared disturbed -- although she maintained an heroic front.
Macbeth shrank before the tumult. He fled the murder scene, taking the daggers with him and refusing
to return. Lady Macbeth was therefore left to do the mopping up after the murder.
We see too the first signs of regret. Macbeth wished that his actions could be undone -- and he
wondered whether his hands would ever again be clean.
This latter wish would also affect Lady Macbeth. Towards the end of the play, we find her sleepwalking
and attempting to wash her own hands clean of Duncan's blood.
Have you looked at the questions in the right column?
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TEST YOURSELF!
Read the left column and then answer the following questions:
Banquo refers to the image of sleeplessness -- which image, says Rumboll, "will haunt the play from
now on."
- How is the image of sleeplessness used in this scene? (5)
[Need help?]
The witches promised that Macbeth would suffer from now on from sleeplessness: "Sleep shall,
neither night nor day Hang upon his pent-house lid".
In this present scene, we find Banquo and Fleance talking in the early hours of the morning, unable to
sleep. When they reach the castle, they find Macbeth himself still awake.
Later, Macbeth has visions of daggers to disturb him.
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The audience has the first intimation that nature itself is preparing for sudden violence. Explain. (4)
[Need help?]
In the Shakespearian world image, nature is holy and fundamentally peaceful but when evil comes along,
this peace is torn like a cloth.
On this particular night, it is overcast so that neither the moon nor the stars can be seen, weather similar
to when the three witches appeared to Macbeth.
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What indication is given that there is now little trust between Macbeth and Banquo? (5)
[Need help?]
Banquo and Macbeth appear distrustful of each other.
Banquo draws his sword when Macbeth enters. Then he raises the question of the witches.
Macbeth, however, lies to him when he says he no longer thinks of them. Surely Banquo can detect the
lie?
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The text book by Rumboll claims that, in the dagger scene, Macbeth prepares for the murder of Duncan
and, in doing so, "systematically imagines each stage of the deed.
- Do you agree with this interpretation? Explain. (6)
[Need help?]
It doesn't sound too logical, does it? When you read this soliloquy, what type of emotion do you find
arising in Macbeth? Fear?
For Macbeth to be systematically imagining each step of the murder, he would have to be plotting: i.e.
cunningly preparing what to do. The exact opposite would appear to be true.
Indeed, Macbeth is probably overwrought by the stress of going against his own nature -- as well as
going ahead with a crime mostly to please his wife.
The stress of doing so -- and coupled with fear -- is the thing that is triggering hallucinations which
cause him to see this ghostly dagger.
It therefore has nothing whatever to do with Macbeth systematically imagining each stage of the deed.
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What is the purpose of the dagger scene? (6)
[Need help?]
In one sense, the dagger scene is critical to the plot of the play.
Macbeth, once an upright and noble general, has succumbed to the wishes of a thoroughly evil wife.
Shakespeare needs to convey to us that Macbeth's decision does not sit well with him.
Macbeth is murdering not only the king but also his own inner well-being. From now on, he will not be able
to rest or sleep. Instead, he will be mentally and physically stressed.
Later, of course, he will grow stronger as he faces up to his actions. It will be Lady Macbeth who will
succumb to sleep-walking, and eventually commit suicide.
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