Macbeth Blog Notes

Act 1 Scene 1

·        “The battlefield. Thunder and Lightning. Enter three witches”

Pathetic Fallacy is used in order to introduce the idea that this is a tragedy from the beginning, furthermore the initial location of the battlefield is significant because it instantly introduces the theme (idea) of conflict into the play as battlefields are synonymous with conflict. Furthermore battlefields are also associated with death and destruction and so Shakespeare’s choice to open his play on a “battlefield” suggests the play will contain death and destruction. This then creates a negative tone, and the fact that this occurs at the very beginning, is even more significant as it forms initial audience expectation. We anticipate that Macbeth will be a play of death, violence, destruction and in which there are clear winners and losers.

·        The first people we meet in the text are the witches, instantly bringing the element of the supernatural into the play. In the Jacobean era the supernatural and those associated would not be viewed kindly at all by society and were greatly feared.

·        It is interesting that the first time Macbeth is referred to in the play is by one of the witches, this begins the link between Macbeth and the supernatural. There is a clear connection between Macbeth and the witches (what we can we infer from that?)

·        “brave Macbeth”  -Interestingly although these are positive words about Macbeth , and even more so because so because they are uttered by a Captain, this is not the first reference to Macbeth in the play and so the reader has already connected him to the Supernatural as the Witches mentioned him and their meeting. Although he is being seen in a good light, we cannot help but begin to consider the contrast developing in the presentation of Macbeth’s character.

·        We are told Macbeth’s sword “smok’d with bloody execution”. The word choice of smok’d shows that the sword is has been put to great use by Macbeth and suggests that he has murdered many people. In this situation (fighting for King and country) in the Jacobean era this is a typically heroic act/ deed and therefore Macbeth’s killing qualities and murderous nature are admirable.  He is a successful soldier.

·        “bloody” this word is repeated consistently throughout the play, furthering the theme of death and destruction that pervades Macbeth. This also makes clear that Macbeth  is a tragedy.

·        The description of Macbeth’s actions in battle is admirable (in these times) but also grotesque.

·        Duncan says of Macbeth: “O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman”. This is the first real knowledge the reader gains of Duncan’s great respect for Macbeth and of his admiration. The word choice of “gentleman”.... Also the word choice of “valiant” suggest being honourable, admired and of a higher quality than most. Through Duncan’s opinion we are beginning to see a hero in Macbeth. Furthermore we see that Duncan is a decent and gracious king who acknowledges loyalty.

·        Shakespeare employs animal imagery to help guide and inform the reader’s understanding of the true nature of the characters of the plays. The comparison of Macbeth and Banquo t: “sparrows, eagles or the hare, the lion” is significant as just as these animals are predatory, strong, sly (“hares”) and feared by many others so too are Macbeth and Banquo. These animals sit at the top end of the animal kingdom’s hierarchies.