Scene Analysis Act 3 Scene 1 for Macbeth
...profitless for Macbeth and his family because the throne will not pass to his son. The sceptre is barren because it will not pass from Macbeth's hand to that of his son's. Macbeth sets the mood of this scene using this soliloquy to set the tone of this scene. The tone is tense because the audience feels that Macbeth is planning on doing something very sinister. Macbeth is trying to interfere with fate when he tries to retain the throne for his own family. The resentment towards Banquo is shown through Macbeth's use of diction. "Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand," Line 64 Page 69 These words demonstrate Macbeth's anger that the Crown of Scotland is to be taken from him and passed onto a different family, Banquo's family. According to the witches prophecy Banquo's sons are to be King, not Macbeth's and this makes him furious. From the soliloquy you feel the anger and fear that Macbeth has towards Banquo because the three witches prophesized that Banquo's children would be Kings Macbeth is furious because he believes that he should start a linage of Kings, not Banquo. This shows that Macbeth's ambition is not only to be King but to create a dynasty. He wants his name to live on through his children; he wants his name to be immortal. Macbeth wants the crown to stay in his family and he will try and do anything to make sure that it happens. He is distraught that he might have given his 'eternal jewel' or his soul to the 'common enemy of man' or the devil. He is can not believe that he may have committed these deeds, the murder of Duncan, for Banquo's 'issues' not his own. Banquo's 'issues' are his children, who the three witches prophesized will become Kings. Macbeth has risked eternal damnation by Killing Duncan but Banquo’s issues could simply inherit the crown without having to do anything to earn it. Macbeth also feels insecure about his position when Banquo is around because he knows that Banquo would make a better King than him. "He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour to act in safety." Line 54 Page 69 Macbeth sees in Banquo qualities that he feels that he lacks in contrast to Macbeth. He feels that he does not have the same qualities that Banquo has. He feels that Banquo has a more fitting 'royal' character then he does. Macbeth feels that Banquo’s character is better suited to produce future Kings. This worries him because of the witch’s prophecies. He also displays frustration about the fact that Lady Macbeth has been unable to present him with an heir. All this shows the audience how tense and anxious he is. The diction helps create an atmosphere of tension. Macbeth uses angry words when he mentions Banquo implying his feelings that Banquo has done him wrong. Macbeth worries that Banquo suspects and feels insecure since Banquo's nobility he will ensure all will find out what Macbeth has done. "...his royalty of nature reigns that which would be feared." Line 51 Page 69 Banquo is very brave and not afraid to reveal the truth that he suspects Macbeth had a role in the death of Duncan. "'Tis much he dares." Line 52 Page 69 In this speech the audience is given insight into Macbeth's mind and they sense that he is planning to do something sinister, probably to Banquo because Banquo is mentioned many times in the soliloquy, and there is much expression of anger in Macbeth's words. This soliloquy is dominated by the themes of betrayal and of carrying out a mortal sin that will send a soul to hell. Macbeth is angry that his mortal sin, will lead to Banquo's children reaping the rewards of his effort. He is furious that his soul is going to hell for Banquo's children, not his own. This soliloquy helps the audience get a view into Macbeth's character. His true self is revealed to the audience. Before the delivery of this soliloquy the audience felt that Macbeth was a good person pushed over the edge to do evil things by prophecies and his over-ambitious wife. But after he delivers the soliloquy there is a feeling that he may have genuinely been evil, he had just be biding his time till he could take a step up to take over the throne. The delivery shows him as a very ambitious person, a person le...