“to be thus is nothing; but to be safely is thus”

Question 1

Analysis
“To be thus is nothing; but to be safely is thus”

Answer 1

Demonstrates Macbeth’s inner conflict and insecurity towards his newfound position of power and how it is meaningless without safety and stability. It is ironic how despite being king, Macbeth cannot truly feel safe or content due to his own actions.

Question 2

Use of junxtaposition
“To be thus is nothing; but to be safely is thus”

Answer 2

•Macbeth contrasts existence with security, revealing that the mere position of the throne us insufficient without guaranteed safety.
•This juxtaposition reflects his growing obsession with safeguarding his illegitimate power- an ambition that morphs into destructive force and eventually engulfs his sanity.

Question 3

Use of caesura (pause)
“To be thus is nothing; but to be safely is thus”

Answer 3

•The caesura breaks the fluidity of the line, much alike to how Macbeth has broken the natural order through his usurpation.
•Could also show how his usurpation of the throne has trapped him with perpetual fear, portraying his unchecked ambition as self destructive.