SIWARD

“We learn no other but the confident tyrant / Keeps still in Dunsinane and will endure / Our setting down before ’t.”

• Meaning: All reports say Macbeth, the overly confident tyrant, remains in his castle at Dunsinane and is prepared to endure a siege from us.
• Analysis: Siward refers to Macbeth as a “confident tyrant,” which highlights how Macbeth still believes he is invincible, probably because of the witches’ prophecies. Siward sounds almost surprised that Macbeth isn’t fleeing or engaging—he’s just waiting, stubbornly relying on hope rather than strategy.
• Language device:
  • Epithets: “Confident tyrant” is a loaded phrase, combining Macbeth’s arrogance with his abuse of power.
  • Irony: The audience knows Macbeth’s confidence is based on misinterpreted prophecies, not real strength.
• Themes:
  • Hubris and downfall: Macbeth’s belief in his invulnerability is pushing him to make fatal decisions.
  • Leadership: Contrast between Malcolm’s strategic thinking and Macbeth’s prideful inaction.

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MALCOLM

“’Tis his main hope; / For, where there is advantage to be given, / Both more and less have given him the revolt,”

• Meaning: This is Macbeth’s only real hope now—staying in the castle. Because if there were any opportunity for others to leave him, both the high-ranking and low-ranking people have already abandoned him.
• Analysis: Malcolm recognizes that Macbeth is isolated. His support has withered away except for those who are either forced or afraid to leave.
• Language device:
  • Antithesis: “Both more and less” = nobles and commoners alike.
• Themes:
  • Tyranny isolates: Even though Macbeth holds the throne, he has lost loyalty.
  • Rebellion and justice: The rightful forces are gathering strength while Macbeth loses allies.

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“And none serve with him but constrained things / Whose hearts are absent too.”

• Meaning: The only people still with Macbeth are doing so unwillingly. Their bodies may be there, but their hearts and loyalty are not.
• Analysis: Suggests that Macbeth’s army is weak in spirit—those who remain are not inspired or motivated.
• Language device:
  • Metaphor: “Constrained things” – people reduced to objects, forced into service.
• Themes:
  • Loyalty vs. coercion: Macbeth has ruled by fear, not respect.
  • Leadership and morale: Contrasts with the unity in Malcolm’s army.

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MACDUFF

“Let our just censures / Attend the true event, and put we on / Industrious soldiership.”

• Meaning: Let’s wait for the real outcome before judging things, and meanwhile, let’s act as disciplined and hard-working soldiers.
• Analysis: Macduff is a practical and focused warrior. He suggests it’s too early to celebrate or criticize—they must focus on fighting.
• Language device:
  • Alliteration: “just censures” emphasizes fair judgment.
• Themes:
  • Duty and honor: Soldiers should focus on action, not assumptions.
  • Justice: The idea of letting truth unfold before passing judgment.

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SIWARD

“The time approaches / That will with due decision make us know / What we shall say we have and what we owe.”

• Meaning: The moment is coming that will decide everything—what we’ll gain and what it has cost us.
• Analysis: Siward reflects on war’s uncertainties—victory comes with sacrifice.
• Themes:
  • Reality of war: Not just about glory, but also about what is lost.
  • Honor and sacrifice: War demands a reckoning with cost.

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“Thoughts speculative their unsure hopes relate, / But certain issue strokes must arbitrate;”

• Meaning: Speculative thoughts are based on uncertain hopes, but only real actions and outcomes will settle things.
• Analysis: You can hope and imagine all you want, but the final decision lies in the battle.
• Language device:
  • Personification: “Strokes” (sword strikes) are the real decision-makers.
• Themes:
  • Action vs. words: Action will determine truth, not speculation.
  • Fate and free will: Despite prophecy, they must still fight for the result.

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MALCOLM

“Towards which, advance the war.”

• Meaning: Let’s move forward to battle!
• Analysis: Strong and decisive leadership from Malcolm.
• Theme: Justice and restoration. The rightful heir is now taking direct action.

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They exit marching.

• Symbolism: The march represents destiny moving forward. The prophecy is about to be fulfilled, and Macbeth’s downfall is imminent.