Enter Macbeth

MACBETH:

“They have tied me to a stake. I cannot fly,
But, bear-like, I must fight the course.”

• Simple meaning: I’m trapped, like a bear tied up for baiting—I can’t run away, I have to stay and fight.
• Analysis: Macbeth compares himself to a bear in a bear-baiting ring, a cruel Elizabethan sport.
• Language Technique: Simile, animal imagery.
• Themes: Fate vs. free will, violence, honor.
• Note: Macbeth sees no escape—he’ll fight to the end, even though he feels surrounded.

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“What’s he
That was not born of woman? Such a one
Am I to fear, or none.”

• Simple meaning: Who is there that wasn’t born of a woman? That’s the only kind of man I should be afraid of—no one else.
• Analysis: Macbeth still clings to the witches’ prophecy, believing himself invincible.
• Language Technique: Irony—this belief will soon be proven false.
• Themes: Fate and prophecy, hubris (excessive pride).

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Enter Young Siward

YOUNG SIWARD:

“What is thy name?”

• Simple meaning: What’s your name?
• Note: A classic heroic challenge.

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MACBETH:
“Thou ’lt be afraid to hear it.”

• Simple meaning: You’ll be scared when you hear who I am.
• Analysis: Macbeth boasts about his reputation.
• Language Technique: Foreshadowing, arrogance.
• Themes: Reputation, fear, power.

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YOUNG SIWARD:
“No, though thou call’st thyself a hotter name
Than any is in hell.”

• Simple meaning: No, I won’t be afraid—even if your name is more terrifying than any demon’s.
• Analysis: Shows Young Siward’s courage.
• Language Technique: Hyperbole, imagery (hell imagery).
• Themes: Bravery, youth, honor.

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MACBETH:
“My name’s Macbeth.”

• Simple meaning: I am Macbeth.
• Note: Simple but dramatic moment.

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YOUNG SIWARD:
“The devil himself could not pronounce a title
More hateful to mine ear.”

• Simple meaning: Even the devil doesn’t have a more hated name.
• Analysis: Macbeth’s name now equals evil.
• Language Technique: Metaphor, religious imagery.
• Themes: Corruption, tyranny, morality.

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MACBETH:
“No, nor more fearful.”

• Simple meaning: Yes, and no name is more feared either.
• Analysis: He owns his fearsome image proudly.
• Language Technique: Duality—others hate him, but he uses that fear for power.
• Themes: Power, ego.

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YOUNG SIWARD:
“Thou liest, abhorrèd tyrant. With my sword
I’ll prove the lie thou speak’st.”

• Simple meaning: You lie, hated tyrant. I’ll fight you to prove it.
• Analysis: Shows Young Siward’s righteousness.
• Language Technique: Direct address, epithet (“abhorrèd tyrant”).
• Themes: Justice, heroism, good vs evil.

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They fight, and Young Siward is slain.

• Simple meaning: Macbeth kills him.
• Analysis: Reinforces Macbeth’s belief in the prophecy. Also shows the tragic cost of youthful bravery.
• Themes: Tragic loss, overconfidence, the cost of war.

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MACBETH:
“Thou wast born of woman.”

• Simple meaning: You were born of a woman—just like everyone else.
• Analysis: Again, Macbeth justifies why he won—he thinks no man “born of woman” can kill him.
• Themes: Prophecy, fate, illusion of safety.

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“But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn,
Brandished by man that’s of a woman born.”

• Simple meaning: I laugh at swords and weapons if they’re held by people born of women.
• Analysis: Macbeth feels unstoppable—but it’s dramatic irony because the audience knows Macduff’s birth was unusual.
• Language Technique: Personification (swords “smile”, weapons “laugh”), repetition of prophecy, dramatic irony.
• Themes: Hubris, illusion, invincibility.

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He exits.

• Macbeth leaves to continue fighting—still full of pride, unaware of the truth that will soon destroy him.

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⚔️ Next: Alarums (battle noises). Enter Macduff.

This sets up the final confrontation. Macbeth’s overconfidence is about to be challenged.