Macbeth's First Soliloquy

1. Macbeth's First Soliloquy Act 1 Scene 7

2. Context of the Soliloquy -Macbeth is contemplateing the idea of assassinating King Duncan. -Set almost right after the King meets with both Lady Macebth and Macbeth. They are engaged in a relatively peaceful discussion, which is ironic because of the solilioquy's focus on the killing of King Duncan. -As we will get into later, this is the final time during the play that we see an ethical and moral Macbeth. It goes downhill from here, especially within this soliloquy.

3. Act 1 Scene 7 lines 1-10 -Macbeth is analyzing the possibility of killing Duncan. He starts off plainly by saying that if he is to assassinate Duncan that the deed should be done quickly. -Macbeth wishes that the consequences of the murder could be controlled, or erased entirely. Essentially, Macbeth wants to kill Duncan, but does not desire the consequences, both physical and mental, that will accompany the action. He longs to be absolved of the sin that would come along with the murder of Duncan. If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well     It were done quickly: if the assassination     Could trammel up the consequence, and catch     With his surcease success; that but this blow     Might be the be-all and the end-all here,     But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,     We'ld jump the life to come. But in these cases     We still have judgment here; that we but teach     Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return     To plague the inventor.

4. - Macbeth is selfish here, worries over bad karma. - He knows that by murdering for power, he is inviting other people under him to do the same. - Using "we" -- Macbeth broadens his interpretation of his situation to all of humanity. - "Bloody instructions" = metonym for murder, also foreshadowing - Right now Macbeth is only worried about his future and not the moral conflicts of murder. Lines 7-12 We'd jump the life to come. But in these cases We still have judgment here; that we but teachBloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice To our own lips.

5. He's here in double trust; First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself. - Macbeth switches his thought process from selfishness to moral responsibility. - Admits the trust that Duncan has in him; not just as the king's second-hand man, but also as his host. - Hospitatlity extremely important Lines 12-16

6. Lines 16 - 23 Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off; And pity, like a naked newborn babe, Striding the blast, or heaven’s cherubim, horsed upon the sightless couriers of the air.

7. Analysis     The First thing that we see in this pasage is that he has nothing against Duncan. He concludes Duncan is an excellent King, "blameless in his great office" and has exercised his authority to a very noble extent. If he killled him then he would be commiting a diservice to his country and people     This could be a way to further emphasize Macbeth's dilema. Highlighting the near perfect cult of personality that Duncan has behind him.     It could also be Macbeth just second guessing himself, showing his uncertanty about doing something and is venting his guilt.

8. Analysis continued     Macbeth admits that if he were to kill him than he would be going against his duties as host, and that he should do everything in his power to protect him, not hurt him.     states that even the gods themselves will cry for Duncan, and that he will forever be a martyr for the people if killed.      This could be also taken as a way to justify the murder in Macbeth's eyes. By killing him Macbeth will make people remember Duncan in his prime, not some old king who died of old age.

9. Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on th' other. -Macbeth is clearly still in self-reflection mode, saying that he does not have the ability to kill Duncan; he has not courage or willpower. -He believes that people will not sympathize with him, they will just weap for Duncan. -Still quite timid and unsure of himself, but Macbeth is on the path towards assassination. Lines 24-28

10. Contribution to the Theme -A central theme within the play is the nature of evil and corruption. This soliloquy is the final time that we see a Macbeth that is moral, ethical, and considers reason in his decisions. This leads us as readers to believe that humans are corrupted by society as opposed to born evil or corrupt. We are to believe that it is the witches and Lady Macbeth that corrupted him. -In terms of plot, Macbeth's contemplation of the consequences display reason and rationally on his parts, which is abandoned soon after with Lady Macbeth's influence. -Thus begins the question that readers have to answer: Does Macbeth create his own downfall? Or does it come about by forces outside of his control? His words and thoughts in this soliloquy begin this discussion, and his actions here point us towards an answer to this question.