Macbeth ACT III, Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Scene 1- Note that in his dialogue wth Banquo, Macbeth blames Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, for their father’s murder. This is very convenient for him.
Can you connect Banquo’s soliloquy (lines 1-11), which directlytells his degree of trust in the new King Macbeth and his desire to understand the witches’ prophecy about his descendents, with Macbeth’s long soliloquy (lines 28-72). Is Macbeth right to be afraid of Banquo and even jealous? (He wasn’t jealous when they were in dialogue with the witches!)
How does Macbeth get the murderers to be willing to kill Banquo and Fleance?
Scene 2- In contrast to Lady Macbeth’s statement, “What’s done is done” (line 14), to get her husband to bury his sense of guilt, , how does Macbeth in his response (lines 15-28) use the motif of sleep to express his overwhelming anxiety?
Note: The right-hand side translation of Macbeth’s line 42 unfortunately leaves out the reference to “black Hecate’s summons”; Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft, and in scene 5 she meets with her “employees,” the 3 witches. So Macbeth’s reference to Hecate is important because it shows his awareness that he is connected in evil-doing to the 3 witches.
Scene 3- Why is it significant that the one of the murderers, though killing Banquo, did not reach the fleeing Fleance? How does this relate to the witches’ prophecy?
Scene 4- Macbeth is jolly (lines 1-12) with his dinner guests, as his wife had told them to be, but then his mood changes; what begins to cause his distress when he talks to the first murderer?
When Macbeth experiences his second hallucination, Banquo’s ghost sitting in the king’s own place (46-51), and talks to the ghost, how does Lady Macbeth try to explain away his behavior? And then when she criticizes her husband for his behavior (lines 61-68 and line 74), do you see any consistent use of imagery? Is any of this imagery related to gender roles?
In the dialogue with Lady Macbeth and his guests, how does Macbeth talk about his masculinity and yet make excuses for his fear (lines 99-109)? This is shortly before he complains that no one else saw what he did, thus making him doubt his own knowledge of himself (lines 111-116).
Macbeth now believes in the power of the dead to haunt the living (lines 122-126). Do you think that Shakespeare as the play’s creator shares this belief, or is he using the “prop” of the ghost merely to reflect Macbeth’s conscience? (Perhaps to put this question in the historical context of the European Renaissance, we may have to see what historically aware literary critics of the play have to say..)
Scene 5- Why is Hecate angry at the 3 witches?
She considers Macbeth overconfident; is that ironic? He may have been overconfident before, but even in Act II and especially in this act, III, he is extremely nervous about whether he can maintain his status or perhaps even survive.
Scene 6- This scene is merely a device to move the plot forward to indicate that Malcolm and Macduff are both in England and preparing to overthrow Macbeth, but, as indicated at the beginning of the first scene of Act IV, they are not yet in an alliance with each other.
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Macbeth, Act IV, Monday, April 27, 2020:
Macbeth, Act IV, Monday, April 27, 2020:
To watch my Youtube video on Act IV, please click on the link:
How does Macbeth get the murderers to be willing to kill Banquo and Fleance?- He manipulates both murderers.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorite parts of Act III. Here, once more, a case is made for trust. Macbeth indulges Banquo with the responsibility of something that maybe he alone did. He then advances to gain their trust by showing sympathy for the situation they endured. Finally, he manages to get in their heads by making an analogy between men and the different breeds of dogs and their characteristics. Macbeth insinuates that by killing Banquo and Fleance, they can somehow prove themselves superior, comparatively, to the lower-ranking of men or animals.
Macbeth is incredibly convincing and eloquent.
Sam, I like your thorough analysis of Macbeth's manipulative technique. Those who think that he is merely the puppet of his wife should have to consider what you're saying.
Deletegood morning
ReplyDeleteTo me it seems that banquo being as honorable as he is, is willing to follow Macbeth's commands which makes him seem naive. But it seems Macbeth is truly afraid of banquo because of his honor and that makes Macbeth manipulate the two murderers into having banquo killed.
Yes, Munir, Banquo could be willing to follow Macbeth's command out of naivete, since he is nervous about the possibility that the new king killed the old king but doesn't expect M. to kill B. himself. On the other hand, maybe he considered M. dangerous to himself but didn't think the new king would move so quickly to get rid of him.
ReplyDeleteFrom Macbeth's point of view he had to be a afraid. with his new found fame and blood lust he has to make sure no one gets in his way. The three witches did say Banquo was "the father to a line of kings". Macbeth can't possibly let this happen else the death of Duncan would have been for nothing.
ReplyDeleteElvin, I find your points very convincing. For anyone doing topics 2 and 3 of essay 2, this will be something to consider.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Professor,
ReplyDeleteFor Scene 1 in Banquo's soliloquy (lines 1-11) and Macbeth's long soliloquy (28-72). Macbeth is right to be afraid of Banquo because the witches foretold them that Macbeth of course will be king but Banquo's descendants would be kings. In order for Banquo's descendants to become kings Macbeth would have to die or be overthrown so that Banquo's descendants would fill the throne. Macbeth did not think further into this because he was caught up about when he shall become king but now that he is well he finally got to thinking about how do Banquo's descendants become king. Macbeth has realized that the man he trusts who is also his great friend will stab him in the back. My question is now, Is Macbeth's destiny the same as Duncan's?
Jaimy, you make important points here, especially about M. being "caught up" earlier "about when he should become king" and later realizing the full implications. When you say that B. would "stab" M. "in the back," is that the case, or is it that M. realizes B. is a moral person who will do the right thing and oppose M. if he feels that the new king has gained the crown through murder?
DeleteYour question is an interesting one. But the witches indicate that their destinies are somewhat different, right?
It could be that to cause Banquo is a moral person.
DeleteSo far, you have answered my questions for scene 1. I understand that some of you will be answering questions out of sequence--for example, you may be online now and want to answer a question for scene 5--and that's ok. I also realize that some of you are busy and can't attend class between now and 11:30, so you should post responses to any question any time before our next class on Monday. The idea is that somebody from the class (or maybe 2 or 3 people) have a perspective on all of the questions, and sometimes I can chime in with a response. That way, we've really covered Act III.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree seems to be afraid of Banquo because of what he states in the first ten lines in scene 1, how Macbeth easily got crowned and Macbeth feels threat by how he mention that it is going to be passed down to Banquo sons and grandsons, and feels that he suspects of him so he sends people to kill Banquo.
ReplyDeleteGiselle, we don't know that the monarchy will be passed down to Banquo's sons. The witches said descendants. There will be a passage in Act IV, scene 1 that may or may not clarify this.
ReplyDeleteIn scene four, during the part with the dinner guests, Macbeth becomes notably distressed when the first murderer tells him that he murdered Banquo but Fleance escaped. Now of course, anyone would be scared by hearing that someone you want dead has someone else that knows of you and managed to escape, but I feel this strikes Macbeth deeper, as we've seen throughout the story, he acts as almost a puppet to his wife, who seems to act as the "true" ruler through him. All these cold, calculating decisions done on his part by his wife is taking the toll on him, as he is now searching for more and more power, whereas the Macbeth we saw in the beginning of the story would be too gentle to do such actions on his own accord.
ReplyDeleteTJ, your points are very interesting. I think that whoever does topics 1, 3, and 4 of essay 2 may need to consider the question of whether Macbeth or Lady Macbeth is "the 'true' ruler" throughout the play--or at least from Act II on. It is possible that some people will argue that your perspective is accurate throughout the play, whereas others will say that it's true up to Act III, and still others will disagree altogether. We will also see what 1 or 2 of the 3 critics have to say about this.
DeleteYeah, I get what you're saying, I think you kind of clarified what I was saying about how it could only be true up to Act III, as I was trying to imply that Lady Macbeth kind of left her mark on Macbeth, so to speak.
DeleteGood Morning,
ReplyDeleteI see Macbeth's trouble with sleep as his guilt of knowing he is not the true and noble king, but in these lines I see jealousy of other's peaceful sleep. "I’d rather be dead than endure this endless mental torture and harrowing sleep deprivation. We killed those men and sent them to rest in peace so that we could gain our own peace." He is jealous of Duncan's ability to sleep peacefully in life as well as death.
Your interpretation of this important passage in III, 2 seems highly effective to me and good for topics 2 and 3. However, please remember when quoting the play to use the left-hand side, not the right-hand modern translation.
DeleteAnd Freddy, your idea of Macbeth's jealousy of Duncan is especially interesting, given the Christian notion of heaven and hell.
DeleteGood Morning,
ReplyDeleteWhy is Hecate angry at the 3 witches?
Hecate is angry at the three witches, because they didn't informed her of their evil plan regarding Macbeth. Apparently, Hecate is the one to decide what other witches do with their prophecy and such. In witchcraft is common that the people ('mortals'), that use the magic, worship the Gods or Goddess, they might even give the Gods with something in a form of a thank you. So, the fact that Macbeth doesn't care or think about the witches is really insulting to Hecate. With zero guidance from the witches, Hecate thinks of him as a angry brat that doesn't deserve anything (even if it is just an evil plan).
gift* (line 4)
DeleteYes, Gabriela, it's all about respect for power relationships! The hierarchy of Hecate, witches, and Macbeth in descending order is disrespected. So in that sense, there is nothing ironic about Hecate's attitude toward Macbeth.
DeleteIn direct response to Banquo's soliloquy, Macbeth has every right to be afraid of him. Banquo himself admits the following, "It should not stand in thy posterity,/
ReplyDeleteBut that myself should be the root and father /
Of many kings" (5-7). In other words if he were to believe the prophecy to be true, then it is Banquo and his lineage of sons who will rule, this is definitly a threat to Macbeth, and he admits that he feels threatened when he speaks, "Our fears in Banquo
Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature /Reigns that which would be feared. 'Tis much he dares," (51-54). He understands that while Banquo is an old friend, he will not hesitate to make a move for the crown.
Brittany, your textual support for your idea is solid. I wonder, though, whether Banquo, a very moral fellow, would "make a move for the crown" if he felt that Macbeth was legitimate, but Macbeth seems to sense (rightly) that Banquo suspects that he obtained the position through murder.
DeleteGood morning Professor,
ReplyDeleteMacbeth should be afraid of him. This is because when Banquo is around, he feels as though his plan to kill Duncan will be exposed to him and everyone else. Macbeth fears Banquo that he will lead him on irrationally to his friend. Macbeth feels that Banquo is a threat to him and his ideas.
- Jenny Lin.
Jenny, I think that what you are implying is that Banquo's knowledge of what the witches said makes Macbeth afraid.
DeleteI believe Lady Macbeth undoubtedly has a lot of power over Macbeth. However, I do not think she's the real ruler, neither is Macbeth. Macbeth killed Duncan after her wife persuaded him to and after she failed to. Macbeth was the one to persuade the two murderers. Lady Macbeth saves Macbeth from the public scrutiny when he starts acting up after seeing Banquo ghost at the party.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion is that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are one; they need each other to hold on to power; they compliment each other. This is not the most apparent romantic story, but I do feel romance and love play a lot here, for love is trust, and trust is the axis of this work.
This is a viable perspective , Sam, that can be used for any of the 4 topics, even the feminist analysis. My sense, though, is that you want to do topic 2, and it would play a smaller role in that one.
DeleteI agree with Sam, in the fact that Macbeth already has Banquo questioning how he truly received his position as king; While mentioning his descendants and not Macbeth's would recieve a place on the thrown. In order to protect what he has while being completely threatened to lose it he'd manipulate, deceive and kill; And his wife ultimately supports the idea as well. The two both represent how some people will go about the wrong way in order to recieve power and respect from others and how it doesn't last long for them.
ReplyDeleteYes, Jamie, the presumption is that it won't last long, and you have seen a progression or intensification of problems facing the couple in Act III and will be looking for more in Act IV, which we do on Monday. Act V, of course, is where we find out whether they overcome those problems or lose power.
DeleteScene 5
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion I think Hecate is angry with the three witches for interacting with Macbeth without her knowledge or participation.She implies that they don't know what they are doing and that they have wasted their time prophesying for Macbeth. She is angry because they are helping a man that she says is only interested in himself,and was unworthy of a prophecy.
Kaniya White
Yes, Kaniya, that makes sense. Later on, Hecate forgives them because they show respect.
DeleteThis is the first half from Frances who has done summary/interpretations of all scenes:
ReplyDeleteIII I
The connection between the soliloquies mark the beginning of mistrust between the two old friends. Banquo is Macbeth’s most loyal subject right up to the morning of the king’s death. Banquo’s revelation of Macbeth’s characteristic flaws becomes evident: “Thou played’t most foully for ’t. (III,1,3). Deceit and murder engulfs the new king which ultimately changes Banquo’s perception of his “once admired” commander. Macbeth’s new behavior triggers a heightened level of paranoia between both of them. Macbeth’s unstable psychological status and twisted interpretation of the witches’ prophecies compels Banquo not to trust him any longer. When Macbeth catches Banquo attempting to “flee” both play coy; appeasing each other due to high suspicion of each other. It is this encounter which leads up to Macbeth’s soliloquy and further fuels his fear and jealousy of Banquo… rightfully so.
Macbeth deceives the murderers by telling them Banquo : …in past times, which held you/So under fortune, which you thought had been/Our innocent self.” He liberates himself of any wrong doing in with false evidence and vilifies Banquo for their long suffering. Macbeth is able convince Banquo and Fleance’s murderers that this revenge killing will validate their place in society. As easy it would be to have their deaths ordered, it must be done in secrecy since it is merely a small step to a greater plan.
Scene 2
Lady Macbeth has a practical approach towards Duncan’s death when she states “What’s done is done” to Macbeth. However, this mantra does not settle into Macbeth’s mind as he delves deeper into paranoia. “Better be with the dead, Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace, /Than of the torture of the mind to lie/ In restless ecstasy.” Macbeth depicts his insomnia as treacherous versus Duncan’s eternal sweet sleep of death. The motif of good sleep exemplifies true peace therefore his current state of disarray (Banquo and Fleance’s survival) is a reflection of how bad his sleep is.
Macbeth’s reference to Hecate in line 42 keeps the audience and the character aware that his actions are directly conceived of evil.
Scene 3
Fleance’s successful flea from the murderer is of great importance to the witches prophecy. Even though Banquo gets murdered, the hope for his future heirs to become king relies on his only son Fleance to survive this first attack.
This is the second half from Frances:
DeleteScene 4
Macbeth’s mood changes instantly once he informed of the news regarding Fleance. The escape of Fleance from his murderers triggered fear and doom for Macbeth as the witches’ prophecy fall into fruition.
Lady Macbeth attempts to appease the guest by stating Macbeth’s behavior is a common tantrum in which he has had since childhood. LadyMacbeth also tells them ignore him at the moment since paying attention will only get him more angry… putting fuel tot the fire. Meanwhile, Macbeth is getting verbally attacked by his wife (again) as she questions his “manhood” for this hallucination/outburst. The imagery related to gender roles depicts the female being “weaker” and “less relevant” compared to male counterparts.
As a sign of his masculinity, Macbeth boasts and states that he can take on any beast greater than a man. Macbeth’s hallucination of Banquo’s ghost is what’s to blame for his fearful behavior.
It seems likely that Shakespeare as a playwright of the Jacobean era shared the common belief in the supernatural as well as utilizing it to symbolize Macbeth’s conscience.
Scene 5
Hecate is angry because the three witches went over her powers to meddle with Macbeth without her knowledge. The “chain of command” was broken by the three witches, also a trust issue pertaining to the realm of witchcraft.
Ironically, Hecate considers Macbeth to be overconfident when in actuality, he is merely acting out on his wife’s instagations of him being less of a man. Macbeth cannot control his destiny according to his his plans, therefore fear dominates his behavior more than over confidence.
Scene 6
Scottish royal Malcom and member of the court MacDuff along with the help of England, plan to overthrow Macbeth for an alliance. Even though Macduff and Malcolm are not yet in accordance with each other, each character has a specific purpose to go back to Scotland. Malcom needs to clear his name for his father’s murder and take back the throne while MacDuff wants his people liberated from Macbeth’s tyranny. The union of the two against Macbeth would be beneficial for a liberated Scotland and stronger alliance with England.
Scene 3 3
ReplyDeleteI think it is significant that one of the murderers through killing Banquo did not reach the fleeing France because that means Banquo's “legacy” will continue. Even though Banquo is dead, since Fleance was able to escape that means there is still hope for his heir to become king meaning that Macbeth in all actually didn't solve his problem, he knew that having Fleance killed would indeed guarantee what he wanted. This relates to the witches' prophecy because what the witches told Macbeth in their prophecy was not that Banquo would become king, but rather that Banquo's children would. Having Fleance still alive, then, means that he represents a continuing threat to Macbeth.
Kaniya White
Kaniya, you make a very good point!
Deletegoodmorning ,
Deletei strongly agree with this
Good morning
ReplyDeleteIn act 4 Macbeths fears about Macduff are justified because of what the witches show him. he then proceeds to try and have him killed but is informed that Macduff has ran away so he send murderers after Macduffs family instead. this really shows how much Macbeth fears being overthrown and how egotistical and maniacal he is and the lengths he would go to from being overthrown
Yes, Munir, your ideas are extremely relevant, and they apply most to topics 2 and 3 for essay 2.
DeleteThis is part I from a student (about our previous discussion of Act III) who prefers to remain anonymous:
ReplyDeleteAct 3 Scene 1 - Can you connect Banquo’s soliloquy (lines 1-11), which directlytells his degree of trust in the new King Macbeth and his desire to understand the witches’ prophecy about his descendents, with Macbeth’s long soliloquy (lines 28-72). Is Macbeth right to be afraid of Banquo and even jealous? (He wasn’t jealous when they were in dialogue with the witches!)
Banquo describes his thoughts as distrustful and suspicious of the circumstances Macbeth got to his new throne. He tries to understand the meaning of the witch’s predictions about his descendents. Questioning why the oracles would mention the success of his descendents as opposed to Macbeth's. Macbeth’s thoughts later on parallel Banquos', both try to understand their place in this new kingdom. Banquo’s approach can be described as more innocent and less aggressive than Macbeth’s, as Macbeth immediately recognizes Banquo as a natural opponent even though they were friends based on Banquo’s royal qualities, wit, and military abilities. He was right to recognize Banquo as an enemy as history has presented a similar situation between Mark Antony and Octavius Caesar. Also, the witches’ prophecy directly described the situation to come had he not reacted. The prophecy states that Macbeth will be king but Banquos descendents will rule after that.
How does Macbeth get the murderers to be willing to kill Banquo and Fleance?
Macbeth first makes Banquo the common enemy, convinced the murderers that Banquo’s death will make him healthier. Also, Macbeth promises them a higher rank withing the kingdom, and purpose the murderers take control of their own life by offering them a chance to improve it. The chance is to kill Banquo, by killing him in secret they would have made the king a favor and they will be compensated accordingly for alleviating the feeling of hatred.
Act 3 Scene 2- In contrast to Lady Macbeth’s statement, “What’s done is done” (line 14), to get her husband to bury his sense of guilt, , how does Macbeth in his response (lines 15-28) use the motif of sleep to express his overwhelming anxiety?
Lady Macbeth’s attitude is summarized in the line 'What’s done is done' , expressing that after considering all the facts and reaching a decision where someone had to die; there is nothing else to regret, go back or think about, it had to be done and it is over. Macbeth on the other hand affirms he is being tortured by his feelings of anxiety and lack of peace which lead him to restlessness and the inability to enjoy a much needed peaceful sleep.
Act 3 Scene 3 - Why is it significant that the one of the murderers, though killing Banquo, did not reach the fleeing Fleance? How does this relate to the witches’ prophecy?
Macbeth orders to murder Banquo achieve the fact that he will not produce any more descendents. The prophecy states that Banquos descendents will rule after Macbeth. However, Banquo's son flees the murder scene making the prophecy still relevant even though Banquo is dead. Banquo son is still able to fulfill the oracles predictions
Second part from the anonymous student:
ReplyDeleteAct 3 Scene 4 - What begins to cause M’s distress when he talks to the first murderer?
After Macbeth spoke to the first murderer, he learns that Banquo’s son Fleance was able to escape. This means that the prophecy hasn’t changed, it is still possible for Banquo’s descendents to take the kingdom away from him at any point.
When Macbeth experiences his second hallucination, Banquo’s ghost sitting in the king’s own place (46-51), and talks to the ghost, how does Lady Macbeth try to explain away his behavior? And then when she criticizes her husband for his behavior (lines 61-68 and line 74), do you see any consistent use of imagery? Is any of this imagery related to gender roles?
Lady Macbeth attributes her husband’s odd expressions and behavior to a passing emotional fit, which if not encouraged will go away. The role described as Lady Macbeth is of a powerful woman with very hard structured gender roles. She mentions of him behaving like a little girl afraid of ghostlike stories, or that he isn’t strong enough to act like man.
Macbeth now believes in the power of the dead to haunt the living (lines 122-126). Do you think that Shakespeare as the play’s creator shares this belief, or is he using the “prop” of the ghost merely to reflect Macbeth’s conscience? (Perhaps to put this question in the historical context of the European Renaissance, we may have to see what historically aware literary critics of the play have to say..)
I believe the sophistication of all the plots within the plots show that Shakespeare wasn’t reflecting his own beliefs about death and ghosts. It seems to me that all the factors in Macbeth’s mind overwhelmed him into insanity, his dead friend murdered by him was what took him over the edge.
Act 3 Scene 5- Why is Hecate angry at the 3 witches?
She considers Macbeth overconfident; is that ironic? He may have been overconfident before, but even in Act II and especially in this act, III, he is extremely nervous about whether he can maintain his status or perhaps even survive.
Hecate’s is portrayed as the most powerful and talented witch and is angry because the three witches told Macbeth the whole story before herself. Also, in letting Macbeth know the future it allows him the chance to change it or try to do it. Perhaps there a “witch code” on this that prevents them from delivering the whole scheme ahead of time in order to prevent changes or attempts to change the future.
Act 3 Scene 6-
Macduff represent the military while Malcom represents the nobility; somehow, they will have to work together to overthrow Macbeth.
Good Morning Class,
ReplyDeleteI have watched the Youtube video and don't have any questions. I enjoy the prophecy of Macbeth having to fear McDuff but then another prophecy that no man of woman born should harm Macbeth. Its almost to increase his fear/paranoia possibly leading to more impulsive self destructive behaviors.
Yes, Freddy, I think those writing on topic 3 should deal with the possibility of Macbeth's paranoia, if you feel that's a proper diagnosis, and its counterproductive creation of impulsive actions. Of course, it's indisputable that his fear increases, and you'll consider whether this increase makes him more impulsive.
DeleteAnnie writes:
ReplyDeleteIn act 4 Macbeth seems to wrestle with his conscience, although he doesn’t seem like the type to kill or want to kill he will do anything in his power not to be brought down... this shows how self centered he truly is and as lady Macbeth views him she describes him as not strong enough to act like a man ... I feel that her opinion on him fuels his ego even more.
Well, Annie, he wasn't the type to want to kill except in battle when it's appropriate to defend one's king and country, but the question is: has he been transformed by the situation into a psychopath because of the reasons you suggest? Perhaps. And your point about Lady M taunting him has a lot of possible support from their dialogues.
Deletegood morning professor,
ReplyDeleteI watched the video.
For scene one, when you asked where did Macbeth's wickedness come from, I think it was always in him. He just needed a little push from Lady Macbeth and the witches. The witches just spoke the prophecy and it depends on how the person takes it and their actions. For example, when Macbeth kept asking for more answers and got something that did not satisfied him, he stated that they shouldn't be trusted and they bring bad energy.
Scene2, when you asked about why did they show how they killed the Macduff's son, my belief or theory is because they wanted to get rid of the next generation that could bring harm or fear to Macbeth.
Giselle, you and Annie may have an interesting difference of views that could be explored by students who write on topic 3 of essay 2. Either perspective could be supported convincingly, I think.
DeleteYour point about killing Macduff's son is valid; Macbeth would fear more from a male offspring next in the line of succession than a grown woman--because of the sexism of the time, of course.
Hello professor, I don't have any questions about the video. I liked the prophecy that no man of woman born should harm Macbeth.
ReplyDeleteYes, Ethiel, it's an interesting prophecy, and the question is: what man could exist who is NOT born of woman? It sounds like a riddle. It could involve a trope (for example, a metaphor) OR if not, the prophecy means that no one could harm Macbeth. But if the witches wanted to be straightforward, that means that they want to help M. rather than disrupt his thinking process. The witches don't seem to want to help him, though, as they are full of mischief.
DeleteHello Professor,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting video. Finished watching it.No question so far.
Good Morning Professor.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the video and have no questions on it. All points being made make sense and are well explained.
Thank you, Jaimy. Regarding the last part of scene 3, perhaps think about your sense of Macduff's 2 kinds of reactions to the deaths of his wife and children. (This could be relevant to topics 1 and 2 for essay 2, if you'll do either of those.)
DeleteJust finished the video. Act IV was very interesting seeing as to how Malcom and Macduff are on to Macbeth. Malcom's view of himself was also a part I found interesting before he took it all back. I have no questions so far.
ReplyDeleteYes, Elvin, we don't have any evidence in Act I, scene 2 or Act II, scene 3 (or later in Act V) that Malcolm is anything like the evil psychopath/sociopath that he pretends to be, so perhaps he was just good at playing a part, at acting. Duplicity that requires someone to pretend to be someone else is a theme of the play that we haven't discussed much. But as critics a century ago noted, many of Shakespeare's plays dramatize the opposition of appearance/reality.
DeleteOK, Sarzin. Do you have an opinion on whether things are looking good or bad for Macbeth keeping his power as we head into Act V on Wednesday? (And other people can chime in on that.)
ReplyDeleteI want to elaborate on something at the end of my video. It is possible that one of you has already commented on this, as I can't see new posts while I'm typing.
ReplyDeleteMalcolm's speech in IV, 3, 209-212, encourage Macduff to "give sorrow words," express his grief, but then as soon as Macduff shows emotion and guilt ("And I must be from thence!" [line 215]), Malcolm immediately counsels that the 2 of them should convert their "deadly grief" in "great revenge" (219-220), and when Macduff ignores him to continue grieving, Malcolm says: "Dispute it like a man" (225), which leads Macduff to the memorable part of the dialogue where he associates emotion with maleness and therefore goes against the stereotypical division of gender attributes: men (reason) & women (emotion). At least one critic we'll read will make a lot of their dialogue in this scene. Of course, Malcolm persists-- Let grief/ Convert to anger" (lines 234-5) and finally, Macduff resorts to old gender stereotype: "Oh, I could play the woman with my eyes" (line 236)-- that is, he could cry-- and then resolves to go with Malcolm's program. You should think about Shakespeare's own attitude toward gender distinctions in this passage. Is he supporting or challenging the division of gender attributes through this dialogue or is he just representing 2 different attitudes so that the audience can decide for themselves how to think about these things?
I just finished watching the video. I don't have any questions so far. I think it is interesting how Macbeth is almost demanding to know the witches prophecies and the truth behind that. Macbeth seems desperate to find out.
ReplyDelete- Jenny Lin.
Yes, Jenny, he is behaving desperately. And it doesn't help that the new prophecies are seemingly contradictory and oddly phrased.
DeleteI 100 percent agree with Giselle, Macbeth is not satisfied on what is being brought to him and since he wants more answers, you can see he is not happy at all.
ReplyDeleteYou also see that with everything going on in Macbeth’s life. Trust and loyalty plays a huge part in his life. Since he doesn’t know what is yet to come from the witches prophecy. At this point he idea of who is an ally to him or an enemy changes his whole perspective of what can he do next.
ReplyDeleteHey proffesor i finshed the video and i dont have any questions i do agree with some of my other classmates stating how its really interesting to see how Macbeth is behaving strangly and desperately now that he doesnt know what will come next in his life.
ReplyDeleteKaniya White