“Macbeth” Acts I and II Themes Discussion
For each of the themes below, give an explanation of how and when they have appeared in “Macbeth.” Be sure to use quotes for each of your answers, and to discuss them appropriately. When using evidence in a paragraph, you should always mention 1) the speaker of the quote, 2) the context (when and where the events took place) of the quote, and 3) why the quote is important to that scene/the play (significance).
The Code of Honor
The Code of Honor is the correct behavior between king and thane. The king should reward his thanes for service to the king, and the thanes should be loyal to and fight for the king. This theme appears in Macbeth, when Banquo speaks to Macbeth about loyalty, before Duncan is killed. Macbeth asks Banquo for his support, and Banquo replies, “So I lose none in seeking to augment it but still keep My bosom franchised and allegiance clear, I shall be counseled” (II. I. 26-28). Banquo tells Macbeth that he will give Macbeth allegiance or loyalty when or if Macbeth becomes king, but until then, Banquo will remain loyal to Duncan, the king. Thus, Banquo is clearly following the Code of Honor.
· Malcolm speaks to the Captain: “Hail brave friend… as thou didst leave it” (I ii 5-7) – Malcolm is asking an underling (military respect) how the battle is going.
· When Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth “He’s here in double trust” (I vii 12-14)– saying that Duncan is his King and his kinsman – Macbeth doesn’t want to kill him – wants to follow the Code of Honor and stay loyal to Duncan.
· Duncan says to Ross and Lenox, “Go pronounce his present death and with his former title greet Macbeth.” (I ii 64-65). Duncan is following the Code of Honor and rewarding Macbeth with the title of Thane of Cawdor.
· “First I am his kinsman and his subject… shut the door” – same as “double-trust,” illustrating Macbeth’s internal conflict
· Macbeth speaks to Duncan: “The service and the loyalty I owe…and our duties are to your throne.” (I iv 22-25). Macbeth is describing the behavior expected in the Code of Honor.
Fair & Foul
What seems good is bad, and what seems bad is good.
· “Fair is foul and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air.” (I i 10-11) – This sets the mood, foreshadowing the plot. This also establishes the theme.
· “This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill; cannot be good. If ill, why hath it given me earnest of success, Commencing in a truth.” The witches’ prophecies cannot be bad because I have been rewarded with a title. If these prophecies cannot be good because I am tempted to kill my king. (I iii 130-131)
· “So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” (I iii 38) Macbeth says this before he hears the prophecies from the witches. The day is good because they have won the battle, but the day is bad because there was a civil war in Scotland and people were dying.
Duplicity
· “There’s no art To find the mind’s construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust.” (I iv 12-13). Duncan speaks, saying that there is no way to know what someone is thinking by looking at his face.
· “…look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under’t.” (I vi 65-66). Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to look innocent, even though he is being evil.
· “Away and mock the time with fairest show; False face must hid what the false heart doth know.” (I vii 80). Macbeth says they must look fair/innocent, even though their false (evil) hearts know what terrible act they plan to commit.
Choices and Consequences
· “Methought I heard a voice cry “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep” – the innocent sleep,” (II ii 35) Macbeth says that he will no longer be able to sleep because his conscience is dirty forever. He has lost his peace of mind.
· “Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst!” (II ii 45). When the soldiers are knocking on Macbeth’s door, Macbeth says he wishes he could wake Duncan from his murdered state.
· “He is already named and gone to Scone To be invested.” (II iv 31). Macbeth is headed to Scone to be crowned king.
· Duncan’s sons choose to leave Scotland and go to England and Ireland to ensure their safety. The consequence is that they are suspected of the murder and are not considered as the next king(s).
· In the civil war, Macbeth fights and defeats the Thane of Cawdor who was a traitor to Duncan. Ironically, the new Thane of Cawdor (Macbeth) also proves to be a traitor to Duncan.