The Murder Of Duncan Philosophy Essay

The Murder Of Dun tail assembly Philosophy seekThere is no doubt that Shakespe ar was a masterful and clever play writer as well as a grand story enjoiner. In Macbeth, devil major(ip) plaints were never sh possess on stage the reach of Duncan and the crowning of Macbeth. Shakespe atomic number 18 whitethorn bemuse some(prenominal) reasons for excluding these events from the play. One of these was peradventure to keep the play politic wholey correct he did not want to show how easy it was to shovel in a monarch since this may fill stoped up land the play into the horns of controversy.His motive for keeping both these characterisations offstage was likewise to give drama and add suspense to the play. Hence, instead of the expression of the wrap up, Shakespeare, who had a sliceeuver eye for the dramatic, created drama and suspenseby narrating the events craneing off the stage to his audition on both occasions.Part of be a considerably writer is to love what ( or how much(prenominal)) to tell the audience and what to leave to their imagery. Hence, I am satisfied that the two major events were kept offstage as I was able to use my imagination to create my own images of how they may put adept over taken place.2. Explain the mockery of Macbeths seeming indifference to Fleance. Is he re tot each(prenominal)(prenominal)yy unconcerned with whether Fleance dies or not? Explain.It would be legal injury to assume that Macbeth is indifferent to whether Fleance dies or not. When Macbeth learns that Banquo is travelling to examine a feast, he promptly asks him if Fleance bequeath be accompanying him. in brief laterwards, Macbeth sends his servant to summon two carrying step to the foreers whom he sets loose on the underside of Banquo and Fleance. This clearly shows that Macbeth wants Fleance dead alike. Moreover, in strike 3 Scene 2, Macbeth go fors several quotes that suggest that although Duncan has been killed, some genius who m ay perhaps be a greater threat one day still lives. For example, Macbeth says,We baffle scorched the snake, not killed it (3.2.15). These inceptions reveal Macbeths cares that soulfulness (most likely Fleance) would try to kill him when he has large(p) into a military personnel.3. Do you spirit any sympathy at both for noblewo populace Macbeth as she talks about her doubtful joy in background 2? Explain.Yes. I liveliness sympathy and pity for maam Macbeth. This is because she has an inferiority complex which feeds her greed to rise to a higher status. Hence, she chooses the wrong means to reach her goal and this has adverse wakes for her. Although noblewoman Macbeth was doing everything for her husband and herself, incomplete of them is glad that Duncan is dead. The murder of Duncan has not brought her the expected joy and Macbeth grows more(prenominal) and more distant from his wife a thought that is cleansing skirt Macbeth from deep smoothen. Hence, I sympathize with her.4. Quote and develop a line in this burst which helps develop the opus of quiescencelessness.Methought I heard a voice send for sleep no more Macbeth does murder sleep, the detached sleep, sleep that knits up the ravelledsleave of care. guess 2 Scene 2.This line aptly portrays the dilemma that Macbeth is in. In this line, Macbeth is talking to his wife about how he heard a serious in his head that instructed him to sleep no more. This sound resonates in Macbeths take care along with the disturbing images of all the people whom he has cruelly prone of. To the misfortune of Macbeth, when he betrayed Duncan by getting him killed, he unk this instantingly also killed his own sleep and rest by branding himself as distorted and vileness. As a result, he has not been able to sleep at all and has spent sleepless nights. Hence, this line clearly portrays the theme of sleeplessness. The theme of sleeplessness furnishs two ideas in the play -guilt and fear.5. What mood is created in this scene with all Macbeths talk of snakes, scorpions, etc.?In many cultures and traditions, snakes and scorpions are looked upon as vile and evil creatures. It is interesting to note that Macbeth talks about snakes and scorpions in this scene. The term snake is a reference to Duncan whom, no doubt he sees as his nemesis, particularly since he wants to usurp his throne. And, when Macbeth says, O, full of scorpions is my theme (3.2.36), this could need that his idle mind is full of evil and venomous plots to murder all those who are a threat to him and his plans. However, the word scorpion may also depict treachery and betrayal, an allusion to Macbeths own deadly thoughts which are plotting venomous and murderous plots. Hence, the line could be Macbeths apology where he studys of himself as a backstabber who has betrayed the one mortal who was kind and affectionate towards him.6. Explain what Macbeth means when he says, Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill (3.2.56). Be explicit as you explain what Macbeth means/plans, and com manpowert on the chaos of a world where this account could seem true.When Macbeth makes this statement, the murder of Banquo and Fleance is on his mind. Therefore, the statement indicates that Macbeth is brooding over the detail that he is delving deeper and deeper into the quagmire by avering more and more innocent expirations. Macbeth sees these deaths as a necessity in order to achieve his eventual(prenominal) agenda of usurping the throne and knows that he cannot possibly stop now that he has set upon this unreliable path. The chain of events that he has started by ordering the death of Duncan seems impossible for him to stop now that so many murders hold already been committed. Hence, he suggests that the immoral acts that he has committed are themselves encouraging him to do more evil acts. Apart from this, the quote has great significance in the play since, in it, Macbeth is almost making a guilty c onfession in front of the audience as he reveals that he is apprised of the feature that he has acted in a depraved and immoral focal point by murdering Duncan.7. There is quite a bit of literary controversy about the identity of the third gear Murderer in scene 3. dapple the question is not clearly answered in the play, who do you destine the Third Murderer might be? Explain.Lady Macbeth was indeed a shrewd and ambitious lady who would go to any lengths to help her husband in becoming king. This is evident in the play on various instances. Hence, I strongly pretend that it was Lady Macbeth herself who was disguised as the third murderer. However, this right off raises the question regarding how she learned of Macbeths plan to kill Banquo and Fleance. In act 3 scene 2, Macbeth mentions to Lady Macbeth that there shall be a deed of monstrous note before the night is done, quickly adding that she had better not know of the deed until it is completed.This may have reard sus picion in the mind of Lady Macbeth and sparked her curiosity to learn what it is that Macbeth has planned to do. Hence, she may have milled up as the third murderer in order to figure out out what Macbeth was up to.8. In scene 2, Macbeth lets the murderers think that Fleances murder is an aft(prenominal)thought, righteous to make things clean and tidy. Do you think the First and Second Murderers would have acted differently inscene 3 if Macbeth had told them how crucial Fleances death is to him? Explain.I bank that Macbeth should have communicated to the two murderers how important it was for him that they also kill Fleance along with Banquo. The fact that he mentions Fleances digit among the targets as a mere afterthought may have indubitably given the murderers the strong smell that the boys death was of littler consequence to the agenda that Macbeth was pursuing. In fact, th two murderers may have gotten the impression that Macbeth alone mentioned Fleances to emphasize t hat they do not leave any clues or witnesses behind. As a result, the murderers were little concerned about Fleance becoming an eyewitness nice they were cloaked, meaning that their identities were never revealed. Had Macbeth clearly instructed the two murderers to dispose of Fleance too and emphasized how important Fleances death was for him, they would certainly have acted in a much different manner then they did.9. Do you think Lady Macbeth would have acted sooner to cover Macbethssuspicious comments at the banquet table if barf known of Macbeths plan tokill Banquo?Do you think Macbeth made the right election in not telling her?Lady Macbeth was inarguably the closest most patriotic and sincere persons that Macbeth knew. Hence, if she had known about Macbeths plans to murder Banquo, she would not have been taken aback by the sudden outburst by Macbeth at the dinner party table. Instead, she would have acted in time to avoid the confusion that he caused, possibly preventing the Thanes from suspecting that Macbeth had a have to play in the murder of Banquo. I be liveve that Macbeth acted foolishly by not sharing his plans to murder Banquo. However, this was part of Macbeths shimmy as he was becoming increasingly paranoid and was hence, hesitant to combining even Lady Macbeth.10. How do you think the Thanes around the table are feeling after Macbethsoutburst and Lady Macbeths hasty dismissal of them?Macbeths angry broadside at the dining table certainly does well to alarm the Thanes and arouse suspicion in them regarding the sudden and unexpected murder of Banquo. Macbeth starts shoutingat the empty hot seat since he perceives that Banquos ghost is occupying it. This sudden and uncontrolled outburst from Macbeth raises suspicions in the minds of the Thanes as to the character of Macbeth so that they start to get the strong impression that he is a tyrant who has used despicable means in order to further his agenda to usurp the throne.11. What does Macbe th mean when he says, Theres not a one of them but inhis house/ I keep a servant feed (3.4.132-33)?In this statement, Macbeth is merely suggesting to his wife that he does not cartel anyone and that none of his people are loyal to him. In this statement, he implies that all he has had to buy the subjection of servants in all the major households in Scotland by paying them a fee.12. Carefully read the second fractional of Hecates speech. As specifically as possible,explain what Hecate plans to do as she plays on Macbeths confide to besafely on the throne.Shakespeare has strongly indicated that the uncanny sisters in the play are the Sisters of Fate. Therefore, the fact that Macbeth meddled with the affairs of Fate herself by murdering Banquo before his death was due and exhausting to kill Fleance has upset Hecate. Hecate accuses Macbeth of interfering with depute in order to obtain his own despicable ends. Hence, he orders the collar weird sisters to tell Macbeth half- legal itys in order to make him overconfident while keeping the details from him. This is their sort of getting back at Macbeth for meddling with their affairs.In the second half of her speech, Hecate describes how she result plot a fatal and hopeless end to Macbeths story. She chooses the bureau of illusions and antic to manipulate Macbeth so that he believes that he shall spurn fate, scorn death, and wait/he hopes bove wisdom, grace and fear. Hecate plans to achieve her goal by giving Macbeth a moody sense of security by convincing him that he ordain not die at the guide of a mortal man who has been born of a womans womb.13. Describe the tone of the discussion between Lennox and the Lord.Do you think as a reader/audience member, you are properly preparedfor this coercive smorgasbord in the opinions of Macbeths Thanes? Explain.The change in the view and opinions of Macbeths Thanes regarding Macbeth is very sudden. However, this change is not completely unexpected. Macbeths outb urstat the feast is one of the major blunders that he makes passim the play as it plants the seed of doubt in the minds of the Thanes.At first, the Thanes only suspect Macbeth of killing Banquo. However, soon they are persuaded that he had a debate to play in the murder of Duncan as well. Their suspicions are confirmed when they carry out how brutally and hard totaledly Macbeth murdered the two guards who were positioned at the entrance of Duncans domiciliate to provide security. To be honest, I was prepared for this sudden change in opinion.14. It is a common Elizabethan notion that when there is corruption in the royalfamily, this corruption trickles down to every aspect of the kingdom. Thenatural world, the Kings subjects, even the economy can fall by as aresult of the Kings wrongdoings. Quote at least three examples the speakers in scene 6 give of the negative impact of Macbeths leadership on the rest of Scotland.we may again/Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights/ uninvolved from our feasts and banquets liney knives/Do faithful homage and receive free honors (3.6.33-36)a swift blessing/May soon return to this our suffering province/Under a hand accursed (3.6.48-50)That, by the help of thesewith Him above/To ratify the work (3.6.32) comprise 4 -Questions1. Are you surprised that Macbeth plays so willingly into the detainment of the witches? Shouldnt he have learned his lesson by now? Explain your answer.It is surprising to see that Macbeth falls into the deceitful web of the weird sisters yet again and believes their prophecies, even after going through much(prenominal)(prenominal) an ordeal with the previous prophecies. However, it should be remembered that Macbeth is not himself at the start of process 4 as he has radically transformed into a heartless and cold-blooded monster who is so drunk on power that he would do anything to outfit his goal.The fulfillment of the three prophecies one by one also encourages Macbeth to believe tha t he is the one who has been chosen by fate to lead the kingdom. Hence, it is nearly impossible for Macbeth to learn his lesson since the prophecies convince him that he has providential authority to rule the kingdom.2. Do you have any sympathy for Macbeth in Act 4, scene 1?As an audience, I certainly feel sympathy for Macbeth at the start of act 4. This is Macbeth is shown as a man who is no longer in his senses and is completely drunk on his dream to acquire more power. He is completely trapped by the temptations of evil both outside and inside him.Macbeths state evokes sympathy also because he is portrayed as a man who is beingness so intimately duped and manipulated by the weird sisters. Also, Macbeth erratumly pleads to young Siward not to provoke him to conflict with him. In this particular scene, he confesses to him that his is a soul condemned to hell and that he does not want an other(a) shred of guilt on his scruples. This is Macbeths conscience speaking and this con vinces the audience that there is indeed a soul inside Macbeth.3. Imagine you are directing this scene. How would youdesign the setdress Lady Macduff and her sondirect the characters to act etc.To maximize the sense of honour i.e. the more innocent Lady Macduff and her son seem to the audience, the crueler their murders seem, and the more over-the-top Macbeth will look.To add to the drama, I would design the set to show the chamber of Macduffs son where Lady Macduff is tucking her son in bed. Since they are both untalkative to bed, they are wearing their nightgowns, and the room is dimly lit. There is only one candle placed beside the bed that illuminates the room and casts shadows in the far corners of the enormous chamber. From one of these dark corners suddenly springs the murderer as he moves fleetly and stealthily towards the targets, plunging the dagger into the bosom of Lady Macduff, narrowly missing her heart but fatally wounding her nonetheless.Lady Macduff falls on to the bed, holding her panicked son tightly in her hands and frantically begging the killers to manifest her son. In one swipe of the dagger, the killer stabs the child in the neck, killing him instantly. The killer then advances towards the horrified Lady Macduff to finish the job.4. In Act 3, Macbeth begins to act without the counsel of Lady Macbeth. Here in Act 4, after the apparitions are presented to him, he begins to act impulsively, seeming not to consult his own reason. His order to murder Macduffs family is the first impulsive act he takes. Do you think that if hed halt and really considered possible out fucks that he would have mulish against this action or do you think that he would have killed Macduffs family at least? Explain.The state of mind that Macbeth was in was highly unstable and there was little opportunity that the murder of the Macduffs would have been prevented if Macbeth had stopped to consider the possible outcomes of such a crime. Although Macbeth a cts impulsively, it is clear that he is growing increasingly paranoid and is losing his trust in everyone around him. Indeed, it was paranoia and insecurity that motivated Macbeth to murder his sober paladin Banquo and his son Fleance. Therefore, the murder of the Macduffs would have been of little consequence to Macbeth so that he was not inclined to give it much thought. Hence, even if he had considered all possible outcomes of slaughtering the Macduffs, there is little likelihood that he would have stopped from carrying out his despicable plan.5. Just after Macduff hears his family has been murdered he says, And I must be from thence (4.3.212) Explain Macduffs priorities, i.e. which is more important to him, plain or family? Are you bothered by Macduffs priorities? Do they make you feel differently about Macduff?When Rossebrings word that the entire family of Macduff has been brutally slaughtered by Macbeth, Macduffs chemical reaction is impulsive. Such a reaction from Macdu ff does not bother me as an audience since it was emotional, personal, and very much human. The first thought that comes to Macduffs mind is that of going to his family and sorrow over their dead bodies. However, it is only upon the insistence of Malcolm that he decides to accompany them in the destruction of Macbeth. This shows that,for a man of his position, his first priority was his family rather than his country. Moreover, when he does decide to accompany the others in their march towards Macbeths downfall, it is because he is filled with ungovernable rage and vengeance as he wants to slay Macbeth with his own blade.Act 5 -Questions1. Aside from the obvious manifestations of Lady Macbeths guilty conscience in Act 5, scene 1, quote another piece of evidence, discussed early in the scene, that reveals Lady Macbeths mind is never at ease.The other piece of evidence, apart from the obvious manifestations of Lady Macbeths guilty conscience, in Act 5, scene 1, uncover that her min d is never at ease is discussed earlier in the scene when the dame is informing the Doctor of Lady Macbeths habit of walking in her sleep Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from bed, throw her night-gown upon her, open up her closet, take forth paper, fold it, write upont, read it, afterwards blockade it, and again return to bed yet all this while in a most fast sleep. (5.1.3-7). It is being discussed further when the Doctor asks the Gentlewoman if she has heard Lady Macbeth speak or say anything in her sleep when the Gentlewoman refuses to share annotations In this slumber agitation, besides her walking and other actual performances, what, at any time, have you heard her say? That, sir, which I will not report after her. You may to me, and tis most act as you should. Neither to you not any one, having no witness to confirm my speech. (5.1.9-15)2. Is the murder of Duncan the only death that troubles Lady Macbeth? Answer specifically with direct quotation s from the text.The murder of Duncan is not the only death that troubles Lady Macbeth, and this is revealed when, in her sleep, Lady Macbeth refers to Banquo being bury and not returning from his grave Wash your hands, put on your night-gown, look not so pale I tell you, Banquos buried he cannot come out ons grave. (5.1.54-56)3. Are you satisfied that Lady Macbeth is revealed in this state at the beginning of Act 5, or do you think that she should have had more scenes through the middle of the play? Explain your answer. presumption the vile rumors already surrounding the death of Duncan and Banquo, Lady Macbeth indeed is, to a great extent, revealed in the state that she is in at the beginning of Act 5. Her constant attempts on trying to get rid of the imaginary blood stains on her hand go to show that she surely had someones blood on her hands Yet heres a spot (5.1.26) Out, damned spot Out, I say (5.1.29) Rubbing her hands What, will these hands never be clean? (5.1.38) Her hand t o her nose The smell of the blood is still there. alone the perfumes of Arabia cannot sweeten this little hand. She sighs deeply Oh, oh, oh (5.1.44-46). All of this, compounded by the fact that Duncan died at her residence as her guest, and that she mentions Banquos name as well I tell you again, Banquos buried he cannot come out ons grave. (5.1.55-56), leads to the most obvious conclusion, i.e. she vie a pivotal office staff in arranging the murder of Duncan and Banquo.4. What does the Doctor mean when he says of Lady Macbeth, Therein the patient/ Must minister to himself (5.3.45-46)?The doctor, here, is trying to explain to Macbeth as to why he cannot cure Lady Macbeth. He realizes that there are things within her conscience that have to be worked out, specifically her guilt on what has transpired in the past. He realizes that cure to her present ailment does not lie within an earthly medicine, and that the only way to cure her is for her to come to term with her own demons th at haunt her still.5. Describe Macbeths state of mind in scene 3.Macbeths state of mind in the third scene of Act 5 strongly suggests how delusional and anxious he has become under the regularise of the prophecies of the weird sisters. Rather than fearing the oncoming army that is headed towards his castle to bring him down and most probably kill him, he takes the prophecy in its literal sense, rejoicing over the false notion that he is invincible. This sense of being invulnerable has been evoked in him by the weird sisters who prophecy that unless BirnamWood itself border towards him, Macbeth will not die. The weird sisters also prophecy that the one who will slay Macbeth will not be born of woman born. Since all men are born of woman and trees dont march, these prophecies give Macbeth a false sense of security by making him believe that neither man nor man-forged weapon can slay him.6. In his grief for Lady Macbeth, Macbeth reminds us for a moment of Macduff. Compare and contras t the emotions and reactions of both men as they learn of their wives deaths. Are there other clear examples of ways in which Macduff and Macbeth are parallel characters? (i.e. emotions, relationships,situations, etc.) Explain.The characters Malcolm and Macbeth are polar opposites and the deaths of their wives evoke different reactions in both the men. Where Malcolm is devastated as well as enraged by the murder of his family, Macbeth seems to be indifferent. He has become so cold and heartless after committing the terrible actions that he cannot even react properly to the death of his high-priced wife. Rather than grieving his wifes death, Macbeth talks about the evanescence of life, explaining how Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow /Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, and that life is a tale / told by an idiot, full of sound andfury, / signifying nothing (5.5.18-27). This is in stark contrast to the reaction of Malcolm towards the murder of his wife and son.7. How does L ady Macbeth die? Quote and cite lines from the end of the actto support your response.According to the play, Lady Macbeth was suffering from a serious genial illness in the days before her death. Although the illness was not clearly specified in the play, it was probably aggravated by fear, guilt and opinion that affected the mental condition of the lady. In the end, Lady Macbeth is thought to have committed suicide, possibly to repent for her foul deeds or simply to seek an end to her agonizing state. This is implied by Malcolms speech in the last(a) play when he says,Who, as tis thought, by self and violent hands/Took off her life (5.8.71-72)Essay SectionOutlineMacbeth, a overlord of groovy character and virtue,was driven towards evil.The failure of the Thanes to realize that Duncans death could be an assassination played a pivotal role in beef up Macbeths ambitions.Macbeths devious and manipulative wife was evil and she had a major hand in leading her husband down the path t o damnationEssay (Approximately 600 words)It is indeed more surprising that there is as much good in the world than evil. It is interesting to note that Macbeth was initially portrayed as a nobleman man of good virtue and unquestionable loyalty to his king. These qualities were what earned him the title Thane of Cawdor. However, in spite of so much good in the world, the desire and the tendency of man to do evil is nescient as well as incorrigible. Although he had the favor of the king at his hand, Macbeth was influenced by the lust for more power and the greed to achieve his semipolitical ambitions. There is no denying the fact that this lust for power and might was plant in his mind by Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth played a major role in leading Macbeth towards the dark path. She coerced him by struggle his manhood, sayingAnd shalt be,What thou art promisd yet do I fear thy natureIt is too full ofthe milk of human kindness,To catch the nearest way. . . . (1.5.11-14)Even then, Mac beth is reluctant to spill blood in order to meet his goal. This is clear when he exclaims upon hearing the prophecy,If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, Without my stir. (1.3.143-145)However, Lady Macbeth is persistent and relentless in her judgement and, in the end, Macbeth finally succumbs to the pressure. This newly found ambition for more power corrupts Macbeths thoughts and blinds him so that he is unable to realize what repercussions they will have for him. With a little coercion from his devious and manipulative wife, Macbeth has he set out on the path that would ultimately turn him into a monster, permanently. Ironically, when Lady Macbeth teriwes to convince him later that he can make amends, Macbeth says,I am in bloodSteppd in so far that, should I wade no more,Returning were as tedious as go oer (3.5.136-137)This line has great significance in the play since it signifies how Macbeth acknowledges that he has committed such flagitious crimes that he can not possibly turn back and repent for his wrongdoings. It is surprising that even with all the good in the world, and the noblemen who could have stopped Macbeth from following this treacherous and evil path, fate played what she had planned and none of the good men were able to stop him. Evil triumphs when good men fail to act. This is the quandary that has been presented so masterfully in the play Macbeth. It is not because Macbeth was so use on committing evil acts that he was able to achieve so much through careful conspiring and plotting and was even able to manipulate those who were noble.Macbeths plans bore ingathering because Macduff, Malcolm, Banquo and Lennox were not willing to consider the possibilities that the king was assassinated by someone within their own ranks. After all, what motive would two guards possibly have for killing the king? Therefore, it was the failure of good men to act that played an equally destructive role in the unfolding of the events. For exa mple, Macbeths murder of the two guards who were stationed outside Duncans chamber may have alarmed Macduff and the others.All the events that unfold systematically throughout the play should have been averted since Macbeth had so many good men around him. And yet, he was almost successful in his plans. This reflects the truth in the above-mentioned statement that it is more surprising that there is as much good in the world as evil. This is because even in the presence of good, evil has her own way of manipulating the weak.