Act 1, Scene 3
1. Before seeing the witches:
“So foul and fair a day I have not seen.”
This line is significant as it mirrors the words spoken by the witches in Act 1, Scene 1. By repeating their words, Macbeth aligns himself with the witches and foreshadows his descent into darkness and evil. The use of oxymoronic language, with “foul” and “fair” being contradictory terms, creates a sense of unease and ambiguity. It suggests that Macbeth’s actions and the events that will unfold in the play will be both morally corrupt and seemingly justifiable. Overall, this line sets the tone for the themes of deception, manipulation, and the blurred boundaries between good and evil that will be explored throughout the play.
2. After receiving the prophecies, Macbeth became desperate to know more:
“Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more.
By Sinel’s death I know I am thane of Glamis. But how of Cawdor? The thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman, and to be king
Stands not within the prospect of belief,
No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence You owe this strange intelligence, or why
Upon this blasted heath you stop our way
With such prophetic greeting. Speak, I charge you.”
Shakespeare portrays Macbeth’s desire for knowledge and his susceptibility to the witches’ influence through his use of imperatives. Macbeth commands the witches to “stay”, “tell me”, and “speak, I charge you”, indicating his eagerness to learn more from them. This demonstrates how easily the witches can manipulate and control people, as Macbeth is willing to disregard any potential inaccuracies in their prophecies. Despite his awareness of their imperfections, Macbeth still craves further interaction with the witches, highlighting his ambition and susceptibility to their supernatural powers.
3. Becoming Thane of Cawdor:
Shakespeare uses dramatic irony:
“The thane of Cawdor lives. Why do you dress me In borrowed robes?”
The use of the phrase “borrowed robes” is ironic because Macbeth will eventually betray and kill King Duncan to take his throne, just as the previous Thane of Cawdor betrayed the king. This foreshadows Macbeth’s own treacherous actions and highlights the theme of deception and the consequences of ambition in the play.
4. Macbeth’s ambitions begins to grow
(aside)” Glamis, and thane of Cawdor! The greatest is
behind.
Macbeth is initially excited by the witches’ prophecies and the promise of becoming Thane of Cawdor. He sees this as a stepping stone to an even greater honor, possibly the crown itself. Macbeth’s language is filled with ambition and anticipation.
5. Macbeth’s intrusive thoughts begin:
(aside) “Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act
Of the imperial theme.
(aside) This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success, Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor. If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature? Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings.”
Macbeth’s reaction to the witches’ prophecies reveals his ambition and his contemplation of the supernatural forces at play. He questions whether the prophecies are inherently good or bad, showing his uncertainty and moral ambiguity. Macbeth rationalizes the prophecies by noting that the first prophecy, about becoming Thane of Cawdor, has already come true. He sees this as evidence that the supernatural forces might guide him towards success. The juxtaposing phrase “This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good” highlights Macbeth’s internal struggle and the conflicting emotions he feels about the prophecies. The word “supernatural” suggests that Macbeth recognises the otherworldly nature of the witches’ powers, but he is unsure of their true intentions. This uncertainty further fuels his ambition and desire for power.
6. Macbeth feels uncomfortable with his thoughts:
“If good, why do I yield to that suggestion”, here, he questions the morality of the thoughts and desires that have arisen within him. He wonders why he is drawn to something that seems beneficial or positive if it conflicts with his moral compass.
The imagery, “Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature?”: The imagery of his hair becoming “unfix” suggests that these thoughts unsettle him deeply, causing his hair to stand on end. This indicates the visceral and unsettling effect these transgressive thoughts have on him.
7. Thoughts of murder are present:
“Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings”: Macbeth concludes that his current fears are nothing compared to the terrifying thoughts and images of what he might have to do to fulfil the prophecies. This line demonstrates his growing unease and the increasing intensity of his internal struggle. The phrase, “horrible imaginings” refers to the thoughts of murder.
8. Dark thoughts:
“My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,”: here, Macbeth reveals that the idea of murder has crossed his mind, but it remains a mere fantasy. This shows the beginning of his internal struggle and the emergence of his ambitious and darker thoughts.
“Shakes so my single state of man”: Macbeth expresses how this thought of murder shakes or disturbs his “single state of man.” This suggests that his moral and psychological equilibrium is being disrupted by the idea, hinting at the internal conflict he is experiencing.
“That function is smothered in surmise,”: Macbeth states that his ability to function effectively is being suffocated by conjecture or speculation (surmise) about the potential consequences and implications of his thoughts. This indicates that his mind is consumed by uncertainty and doubt, impairing his judgment and decision-making.
“And nothing is but what is not”: This line reflects Macbeth’s sense of confusion and disorientation. He feels that reality is slipping away from him, as his thoughts become dominated by what could be (fantasies and surmises) rather than what actually is. It suggests a sense of detachment from reality and a descent into a world of imagination and uncertainty.
Overall, this quote captures Macbeth’s internal turmoil as he grapples with the idea of murder and its consequences. It illustrates his growing obsession with ambition, the erosion of his moral principles, and the destabilisation of his mental state. This inner conflict serves as a central theme throughout the play, driving Macbeth’s tragic descent into darkness and eventual downfall.
Leave a comment. We would love to hear your thoughts!