Act 3 Flashcards
(4 cards)
“‘make our faces Vizards to our hearts” [3.2 Macbeth]
appearance vs reality
-this metaphor depicts Macbeth’s depleting morality due to his thirst to consolidate his power
-the noun “vizards” meaning the part of helmet which covers the face for protection or disguise implies that Macbeth’s dual nature is vital for his safety
-also reminiscent of Lady Macbeth’s sentiment of “look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under’t”
-this characterises Macbeth as a marionette of evil influence as he echoes both the witches and his wife
-Macbeth is almost emulating Lady Macbeth’s language and persona of tyranny ,perhaps indicating that despotism and duplicity have become intrinsic to his character
-quote highlights Macbeth’s malleability and deception, both characteristics that fail to align with the qualities of a respectable king
-perhaps Shakespeare intends to epitomise the the truth that Macbeth’s self appointment of the throne and disruption of natural order is ill-fitting
“I am in blood…should I wade no more…returning(would be) tedious ” [3.4 Macbeth]
guilt
-the motif of blood for the consequences of murder was merely limited to the hands in Act 2 however by Act 3 it enrobes his entire body and by extension his entire sense of being
-this metaphor could imply that he is entrapped by his crimes (fuelled by his hamartia -unchecked ambition) has driven him past the point of redemption
-the verb “wade” conveys a sense of struggle and resistance as wading is slow and burdensome
-this could be symbolic of Macbeth’s irreversible journey into evil
-this quote reflects Macbeth’s increasing weariness and the emotional toll of his deed as he understands the irreversibility of bis blood-thirst
-Macbeth’s response to fear and guilt has transitioned from being horrified to indulging further in heinous acts, murder now becoming his means of self-preservation
-this quote could also be Macbeth’s justification for his increasing blood -implied that repentance is more arduous and “tedious” than continuing on his path of evil which reflects his downward morality
“be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck” [3.2 Macbeth]
gender,ambition
-by Act 3 Macbeth overpowers Lady Macbeth as shown through the use of the term of endearment “chuck” which loosely translates to “chick”
-although used relatively positively, there is a very clear reversal in role as Macbeth belittles Lady Macbeth by feminising her, much as she previously did to him
-Formerly it was Lady Macbeth’s ambition that mobilised their crimes however by Act 3 Macbeth seems to be the sole driving force behind their evil as he commands the murder of potential threats
-in contrast Lady Macbeth radiates a subdued defeatist attitude which juxtaposes her previous domineering role with her eventual absence in Act 4 whilst Macbeth commands the murder of Macduff and his family
-perhaps this could reflect the contrasting effects of their regicide
-whilst Macbeth’s callous nature is amplified, Lady Macbeth seems to collapse under the pressure of upholding a false façade
-regardless both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth develop into carcasses of insanity due to their responsibility in the murder of a King
-alternatively this could reflect how the natural order always prevails
-just like how Macbeth is displaced as King by King Malcom( lineage of Duncan and therefore ordained by God), Macbeth overcomes Lady Macbeth as he social superior as according to the Great Chain of Beings
“ valiant Banquo” [3.6 Lennox]
appearance vs reality
-the adjective “valiant” reinforces the belief that Banquo died as a courageous and determined man, portraying him in an overwhelming positive light
-this is because Banquo was believed to be an ancestor of King James 1(patron of the theatre)
-although Banquo is momentarily tempted, he does not indulge in his desire and therefore does not have a fall from grace which is characteristic of a tragic hero
-his appearance is the the reality
