OLD MAN
“Threescore and ten I can remember well,
Within the volume of which time I have seen
Hours dreadful and things strange, but this sore night
Hath trifled former knowings.”
Explanation:
The Old Man, who is 70 years old (threescore and ten), recalls witnessing many terrible and strange events throughout his life. However, he believes that nothing he has seen compares to the horrors of the previous night, implying that the unnatural occurrences following Duncan’s murder are unprecedented.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Metaphor: “Within the volume of which time”: Time is compared to a book, suggesting that life’s experiences are like stories recorded over the years.
- Hyperbole: “Hath trifled former knowings”: The Old Man exaggerates by claiming that everything he has known pales in comparison to this dreadful night.
- Theme: Supernatural and Disorder – The world is in chaos, reflecting the unnatural act of regicide (killing a king).
ROSS
“Ha, good father,
Thou seest the heavens, as troubled with man’s act,
Threatens his bloody stage. By th’ clock ’tis day,
And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp.”
Explanation:
Ross addresses the Old Man as “good father” (a term of respect). He suggests that the heavens (or nature itself) are reacting to the sinful act of murdering the king. The world is metaphorically a bloody stage, where humans act out violent events. Even though it should be daytime, it remains dark, as if night is overpowering the sun.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Personification: “Heavens, as troubled with man’s act” – Nature reacts emotionally, emphasizing the unnaturalness of Duncan’s murder.
- Metaphor: “Dark night strangles the traveling lamp” – Night is described as strangling the sun (the “traveling lamp”), suggesting that darkness is unnaturally dominant.
- Theme: The Great Chain of Being – The belief that the universe is structured in a divine order, which has now been disrupted due to Duncan’s murder.
ROSS
“Is ’t night’s predominance or the day’s shame
That darkness does the face of earth entomb
When living light should kiss it?”
Explanation:
Ross questions whether the darkness is overpowering the day (night’s predominance), or if the day is too ashamed to shine due to the horror of recent events (day’s shame). He describes the darkness as burying the earth (entomb), whereas light should normally shine upon it.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Personification: “Night’s predominance” – Night is given power, suggesting an unnatural reversal of the expected order.
- Juxtaposition: “Living light” vs. “darkness entombing the earth” – Highlights the contrast between life (light) and death (darkness).
- Theme: Light vs. Darkness – Darkness symbolizes evil and chaos, while light represents order and goodness.
OLD MAN
“’Tis unnatural,
Even like the deed that’s done. On Tuesday last
A falcon, tow’ring in her pride of place,
Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.”
Explanation:
The Old Man confirms that these events are unnatural, just like Duncan’s murder. He recalls an omen from the previous Tuesday: a falcon, a majestic predator, was killed by an owl, a smaller and weaker bird. This unnatural reversal mirrors how Duncan (the powerful king) was killed by Macbeth (a lesser noble).
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Symbolism: The falcon represents Duncan, a noble and powerful ruler. The owl, often associated with death and darkness, represents Macbeth.
- Irony: Normally, a falcon would hunt an owl, but here the roles are reversed. This reflects how Macbeth, who should have been loyal, turned against Duncan.
- Theme: Natural Order Disrupted – The killing of the falcon by the owl symbolizes the inversion of the natural hierarchy, just as Macbeth’s betrayal upsets the divine right of kings.
ROSS
“And Duncan’s horses (a thing most strange and certain),”
Explanation:
Ross introduces another unnatural event: Duncan’s horses behaved in an extraordinary and inexplicable way, reinforcing the idea that nature itself is rebelling against Duncan’s murder.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Foreshadowing: The strange behavior of Duncan’s horses suggests further chaos to come.
- Theme: Nature Reflecting Human Actions – Just as the falcon’s unnatural death reflected Duncan’s fate, the horses’ behavior suggests the world is in turmoil.
ROSS
“Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,
Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,
Contending ’gainst obedience, as they would
Make war with mankind.”
Explanation:
Ross describes Duncan’s horses as normally beautiful and swift, but after his murder, they became wild and uncontrollable. They broke free from their stalls, resisting any form of control, almost as if they were rebelling against human authority.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Juxtaposition: “Beauteous and swift” vs. “turned wild” – The horses, once symbols of grace, have become symbols of chaos.
- Personification: “Contending ’gainst obedience” – The horses are described as actively resisting, mirroring the rebellion against the natural order.
- Theme: Nature Reflecting Human Actions – Just as Macbeth’s betrayal has disrupted human order, nature reacts violently.
OLD MAN
“’Tis said they eat each other.”
Explanation:
The Old Man reports a shocking event: Duncan’s horses, in their madness, turned on each other and cannibalized one another. This unnatural behavior mirrors the disorder in Scotland after Duncan’s murder.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Symbolism: The horses represent Scotland’s noblemen, now turning against each other after Duncan’s death.
- Theme: Disorder and Chaos – The idea that even animals are behaving unnaturally shows the extent of Macbeth’s crime.
ROSS
“They did so, to th’ amazement of mine eyes
That looked upon ’t.”
Explanation:
Ross confirms that he personally witnessed the horses eating each other, reinforcing how unnatural and horrifying the event was.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Emphasis on Horror: Ross’s direct observation makes the event more real and terrifying.
- Theme: The Supernatural and Omens – This bizarre event foreshadows further violence and destruction under Macbeth’s rule.
(Enter Macduff)
ROSS
“Here comes the good Macduff.—
How goes the world, sir, now?”
Explanation:
Ross greets Macduff respectfully and asks for news about the state of Scotland.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Dramatic Irony: The audience already suspects that things are getting worse, even before Macduff speaks.
- Theme: Political Upheaval – Scotland is in turmoil after the king’s murder.
MACDUFF
“Why, see you not?”
Explanation:
Macduff responds sarcastically, implying that the state of the world is so obviously chaotic that Ross should not need to ask.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Rhetorical Question: Highlights the obviousness of Scotland’s decline.
- Theme: Tyranny and Corruption – Macbeth’s rise is already being felt.
ROSS
“Is ’t known who did this more than bloody deed?”
Explanation:
Ross asks if there is any news about who committed Duncan’s murder.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Euphemism: “More than bloody deed” – Instead of directly calling it murder, Ross softens the phrase, showing his hesitation to speak of the crime.
MACDUFF
“Those that Macbeth hath slain.”
Explanation:
Macduff says that the blame has been placed on the guards Macbeth killed, though he might not fully believe it.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Macbeth killed the guards to silence them.
- Theme: Betrayal and Deception – Macbeth manipulates events to secure his power.
ROSS
“Alas the day,
What good could they pretend?”
Explanation:
Ross expresses disbelief, questioning what motive Duncan’s servants could have had to kill him.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Rhetorical Question: Shows Ross’s suspicion.
- Theme: Justice and Truth – People are beginning to doubt the official story.
MACDUFF
“They were suborned.
Malcolm and Donalbain, the King’s two sons,
Are stol’n away and fled, which puts upon them
Suspicion of the deed.”
Explanation:
Macduff reveals that Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, have fled, which makes them look guilty. He also suggests the guards were bribed (suborned).
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Theme: Ambition and Paranoia – Macbeth’s ambition leads to framing the wrong people.
- Irony: The real murderer is not suspected, while the innocent are blamed.
ROSS
“’Gainst nature still!
Thriftless ambition, that will ravin up
Thine own lives’ means. Then ’tis most like
The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.”
Explanation:
Ross laments how unnatural this situation is. He criticizes ambition that destroys everything (ravin up) and predicts that Macbeth will now become king.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Metaphor: “Ravin up” – Ambition is compared to a ravenous beast devouring its own life sources.
- Theme: Ambition and Corruption – Macbeth’s hunger for power leads to chaos.
MACDUFF
“He is already named and gone to Scone
To be invested.”
Explanation:
Macbeth has already been declared king and is on his way to Scone for his coronation.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Theme: Legitimacy and Power – Macbeth has taken the throne, but his rule is already tainted by suspicion.
ROSS
“Where is Duncan’s body?”
Explanation:
Ross asks where Duncan’s body is being taken.
MACDUFF
“Carried to Colmekill,
The sacred storehouse of his predecessors
And guardian of their bones.”
Explanation:
Duncan’s body is being taken to Colmekill, a sacred burial site for Scottish kings.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Symbolism: The burial represents the end of Duncan’s reign and the transition to Macbeth’s rule.
- Theme: Death and Legacy – Duncan is given a proper burial, but his death haunts Scotland.
ROSS
“Will you to Scone?”
Explanation:
Ross asks Macduff if he is going to Scone, where Macbeth is about to be crowned as king.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Direct and Formal Tone: Ross’s question seems simple, but it hints at the political divide forming in Scotland.
- Historical Significance: Scone was the traditional site for the coronation of Scottish kings.
MACDUFF
“No, cousin, I’ll to Fife.”
Explanation:
Macduff refuses to go to Scone and instead chooses to return to his home in Fife, showing his reluctance to support Macbeth’s rule.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Foreshadowing: Macduff’s decision hints that he does not trust Macbeth and will later oppose him.
- Theme: Loyalty and Resistance – While others accept Macbeth’s kingship, Macduff distances himself.
ROSS
“Well, I will thither.”
Explanation:
Ross decides to go to Scone, showing that he, unlike Macduff, will witness Macbeth’s coronation.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Political Divide: Ross and Macduff are taking different paths, reflecting Scotland’s growing division.
- Theme: Power and Legitimacy – Macbeth is being crowned, but not everyone supports him.
MACDUFF
“Well, may you see things well done there. Adieu,
Lest our old robes sit easier than our new.”
Explanation:
Macduff wishes Ross well but subtly expresses doubt about Macbeth’s rule. His metaphor compares the old leadership (Duncan) to comfortable robes and the new leadership (Macbeth) to ill-fitting ones.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Metaphor: “Old robes” vs. “new robes” – Duncan’s rule was stable, but Macbeth’s rule may bring discomfort and unrest.
- Theme: Change and Consequence – Not all change is for the better. Macduff suspects trouble ahead.
ROSS
“Farewell, father.”
Explanation:
Ross says goodbye to the Old Man, a symbolic figure representing traditional wisdom and moral order.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Symbolism: The Old Man represents the old order that has been disrupted by Duncan’s murder.
- Theme: Wisdom and Fate – The older generation sees the unnaturalness of the events unfolding.
OLD MAN
“God’s benison go with you and with those
That would make good of bad and friends of foes.”
Explanation:
The Old Man blesses Ross and Macduff, praying for those who will bring good out of the current chaos.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Contrast: “Good of bad” and “friends of foes” – Highlights the turmoil in Scotland, where morality and loyalty are confused.
- Theme: Hope and Justice – The Old Man suggests that righteousness will eventually be restored.
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