MENTEITH
“The English power is near, led on by Malcolm,
His uncle Siward, and the good Macduff.”
- Explanation: The English army, led by Malcolm, his uncle Siward, and Macduff, is approaching.
- Analysis: The word “power” emphasizes the strength of this army. “Good Macduff” suggests that Macduff is a noble and honorable leader, contrasting with Macbeth.
“Revenges burn in them, for their dear causes
Would to the bleeding and the grim alarm
Excite the mortified man.”
- Explanation: Malcolm, Macduff, and Siward are eager for revenge because they have suffered personal losses. Even a person with no emotions (“mortified man”) would be moved to action by their suffering.
- Analysis: The phrase “revenges burn” uses metaphor to show their intense anger. “Bleeding and grim alarm” suggests the horrors of war.
ANGUS
“Near Birnam Wood
Shall we well meet them. That way are they coming.”
- Explanation: They will meet Malcolm’s forces near Birnam Wood. That’s where they are marching from.
- Analysis: This moment foreshadows the prophecy that Macbeth will be defeated when Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane.
CAITHNESS
“Who knows if Donalbain be with his brother?”
- Explanation: Caithness wonders if Donalbain (Malcolm’s brother) has joined the army.
- Analysis: This shows uncertainty about Donalbain’s role. He fled to Ireland earlier in the play.
LENNOX
“For certain, sir, he is not. I have a file
Of all the gentry.”
- Explanation: Lennox confirms that Donalbain is not with Malcolm. He has a list (“file”) of all the noblemen fighting in the army.
- Analysis: The mention of a file shows that this rebellion is well-organized.
“There is Siward’s son
And many unrough youths that even now
Protest their first of manhood.”
- Explanation: Siward’s son is fighting, along with many young men who have not yet grown beards (“unrough”). They see this war as their first test of bravery.
- Analysis: The phrase “protest their first of manhood” suggests that these young soldiers want to prove themselves in battle.
MENTEITH
“What does the tyrant?”
- Explanation: Menteith asks what Macbeth is doing. He calls him a “tyrant,” showing that Macbeth has lost support.
CAITHNESS
“Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies.”
- Explanation: Macbeth is strengthening his castle at Dunsinane, preparing for the attack.
“Some say he’s mad; others that lesser hate him
Do call it valiant fury.”
- Explanation: Some people believe Macbeth has gone mad, while others see his actions as desperate bravery (“valiant fury”).
- Analysis: The contrast between “mad” and “valiant” shows how opinions of Macbeth vary.
“But for certain
He cannot buckle his distempered cause
Within the belt of rule.”
- Explanation: Macbeth’s rule is out of control (“distempered cause”), and he cannot hold it together, like a belt that is too small.
- Analysis: This metaphor suggests that Macbeth’s power is failing.
ANGUS
“Now does he feel
His secret murders sticking on his hands.”
- Explanation: Macbeth is haunted by his past crimes, especially the murders he committed.
- Analysis: The phrase “sticking on his hands” refers to the “blood on his hands” motif, symbolizing guilt.
“Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach.”
- Explanation: Small uprisings (“minutely revolts”) are happening everywhere because Macbeth has broken trust (“faith-breach”) with his people.
“Those he commands move only in command,
Nothing in love.”
- Explanation: Macbeth’s soldiers obey him because they must, not because they respect him.
- Analysis: This contrast between fear and love reflects a key theme in leadership.
“Now does he feel his title
Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe
Upon a dwarfish thief.”
- Explanation: Macbeth’s kingship does not fit him, like a giant’s robe on a small thief. He is unworthy of the throne.
- Analysis: This metaphor shows that Macbeth lacks the qualities of a true king.
MENTEITH
“Who, then, shall blame
His pestered senses to recoil and start
When all that is within him does condemn
Itself for being there?”
- Explanation: It’s no surprise that Macbeth is paranoid and afraid because he knows deep down that he should not be king.
- Analysis: “Pestered senses” suggests Macbeth is overwhelmed by guilt and fear.
CAITHNESS
“Well, march we on
To give obedience where ’tis truly owed.”
- Explanation: The soldiers will fight for the rightful king, Malcolm.
- Analysis: The phrase “truly owed” contrasts Macbeth’s false rule with Malcolm’s legitimate claim to the throne.
“Meet we the med’cine of the sickly weal,
And with him pour we in our country’s purge
Each drop of us.”
- Explanation: Malcolm is like a medicine for Scotland’s sickness. The soldiers will give everything (“each drop of us”) to cure their country.
- Analysis: The extended metaphor compares Malcolm to a doctor and Scotland to a sick patient, emphasizing hope.
LENNOX
“Or so much as it needs
To dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds.”
- Explanation: They will give just enough blood to help Malcolm (“sovereign flower”) grow and to destroy Macbeth (“weeds”).
- Analysis: This metaphor reinforces the theme of restoring natural order.
Final Lines
“Make we our march towards Birnam.”
- Explanation: The army moves towards Birnam Wood, setting up the prophecy’s fulfillment.
Key Language Devices and Techniques
- Metaphors:
- Macbeth’s power is like a belt that doesn’t fit.
- His rule is like a giant’s robe on a dwarfish thief.
- Malcolm is medicine for Scotland.
- Imagery:
- Blood and sickness (Scotland as a diseased body).
- Natural imagery (flowers vs. weeds).
- Contrast:
- Love vs. fear in leadership.
- Macbeth’s tyranny vs. Malcolm’s rightful rule.
- Foreshadowing:
- The mention of Birnam Wood hints at Macbeth’s downfall.
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