Respect O Duncan His Opinions Of Macbeth example essay topic

Introduction As usual you must mention the title of the play and full name of the writer- spelt correctly! Generally outline your answer i.e. Macbeth's character is revealed through the reports and opinions of others, he does not actually appear on stage. Shakespeare influences the audience to accept the descriptions given by making it clear that the characters who describe him as trustworthy and honourable. Say will finish by explaining the causes for his change in behaviour. Main body: 1.

Explain the context of the scene you are to analyse 2. Explain the techniques used by Shakespeare to reveal character 3. Analyse what the scene tells us about Macbeth 4. Say which you think is the most accurate description Remember: You must support all points with detailed reference to the text or with quotation. Quotations must be on a separate line, unless only a couple of words long.

Always use quotation marks! Quotes must be exact. Each paragraph should contain three elements o A statement of your point. o A quote or detailed reference to support your point. o A developed explanation. The main techniques used to reveal character in Act 1 Scene 2 Macbeth does not appear in the scene- the character is revealed only through descriptions and opinions of the other characters.

Shakespeare ensures that audience will accept the judgement of these other characters by portraying them as trustworthy, loyal. o Captain introduced by Malcom, King's son as "a good and hardy soldier" who helped rescue Malcolm in the past, therefore he is immediately seen as loyal, trustworthy. o Ross is introduced as "The worthy Thane of Ross" The word worthy gives the impression that he is also a loyal and trustworthy person. Also referred to as "worthy" thane by Duncan. Worthy = having moral worth or value, deserving respect. o Duncan - his opinions of Macbeth are very high and the fact that he is a king and in authority encourages the audience to accept his judgements. Note: You need to be aware that despite the trust we put in their judgement they are all proved to be poor judges of character as Macbeth's true ambitious and unscrupulous nature is revealed.

What we learn about Macbeth's character in A 1, S 2 Brave o "all's too weak: For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name" The captain makes it clear that Macbeth strongly deserves to be called brave. o The Captain describes Macbeth as "like valour's minion" This is a simile, meaning Macbeth is courage's faithful servant. o The captain describes Macbeth as "disdaining fortune" in other words he disregards danger to himself. o Duncan is so moved by Macbeth's victory he shouts "O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman" clearly showing how impressed Duncan is with Macbeth's courage and loyalty. NOTE: Exclamation marks show Duncan is overcome, forced to exclaim. o The captain then explains that no sooner was the rebel army defeated than the Norwegian lord attacked with reinforcements. o Duncan asks if Macbeth and Banquo were frightened by this the captain replies, "Yes; As sparrows, eagles; or the hare, the lion" o This is an ironic analogy. The captain says they are frightened but then contradicts himself by saying they were as frightened of this new attack as eagles are of sparrows. In other words they were not frightened at all. NOTE: In this analogy Macbeth is compared to two great and powerful animals - eagles and lions - again suggests he is courageous and strong. o When the captain leaves to have his wounds treated, the Thane of Ross takes over the narrative.

In this speech he again suggests Macbeth has great courage. He says that Macbeth "confronted" the Norwegian king - this implies he was fearless and determined. EXCELLENT SOLDIER o Shakespeare using imagery to allow the audience to visualise Macbeth in battle - Captain describes him "with his brandished steel, Which smoked with bloody execution... Carved out his passage" The image is of Macbeth cutting a path through enemy soldiers with his sword actually steaming from the heat of the blood - a fierce image suggesting Macbeth is unstoppable. o Also, image of death of rebel "unsealed him from the nave to the chops" - a graphic description of Macbeth's ferocious nature in battle i.e. he cuts Macdonald open. o The captain uses a simile to describe effectiveness of Macbeth in battle. "As cannons overcharged with double cracks" - Macbeth is seen to be as effective as a cannon loaded with two shots' causing double the destruction. o Ross later describes Macbeth as "bellona's bridegroom" - a metaphor which suggests Macbeth is married to war. War is his perfect partner- this is true as it is in war that Macbeth is at his best and it shows off his best qualities. o Ross also describes Macbeth as "curbing" the Norwegian lord's spirit.

Curb means to restrain in other words Macbeth takes control of Norwegian lord, dominates him, therefore Macbeth is the superior soldier. o Obviously Macbeth's skills as a soldier are also shown through the fact that Macbeth leads Duncan's army to victory in the face of two strong enemies. o The final line of the scene makes it clear how Shakespeare wants the audience to view Macbeth before we meet him - as "noble Macbeth", a man excellent character, to be admired. This is important as a Shakespearean tragic hero should always begin the play as a person who is admired and is seen as a great man but is then destroyed by one fatal flaw in his character. In the case of Macbeth, this would be his ambition. The context of Act 3 Scene 6 Lennox (a Scottish lord) speaks sarcastically about how Flea nce has killed Banquo and how Malcom and Donalbain have killed their father, King Duncan.

He is being ironic; he actually believes that Macbeth has killed the king and Banquo. Another Lord paints a dark picture of Scotland under Macbeth. We learn that Macduff has fled to England in an attempt to raise support for an attack on Macbeth. A messenger was sent Macbeth: Analysing Act 3 scene 6 This scene show how people's opinions of Macbeth have begun to change, it is a contrast to A 1, S 2. Lines 3-4 suggest Macbeth has been disloyal to Duncan. The King had made Macbeth Thane of Candor just prior to his own murder.

Lennox comments: The Gracious Duncan Was pitied of Macbeth: marty. he was dead. (Marry = suddenly) Lines 9 -14 show Lennox speaking sarcastically about Macbeth. He describes it as "monstrous" that Malcom and Donalbain have killed their father (the king) and adds that this is a "damned fact". A. actually, he is being sarcastic. This is not a fact at all, rather, Macbeth killed the king.

The worst crime possible in Shakespeare's day. Lennox adds that Macbeth killed "the two delinquents" (Guards) who were drunk and asleep. Obviously, this is a cowardly act as the guards would be incapable of defending themselves. This contrasts with the brave Macbeth of A 1, S 2. Lennox speaks ironically about Macbeth's callous deed: Was not that nobly done? Av. and wise 1 y too.

Both the Lord and Lennox refer to Macbeth as a "tyrant". This means someone who rules by fear. Thus, Macbeth is not king because people respect him; his reign relies upon violence and fear. Lines 29 -31 (From "Thither Macduff... ". tell us that Macduff has gone to ask the English king for help in overthrowing Macbeth: his crown is under threat.

Lines 34 - 37 paint a bleak picture of Scotland under Macbeth. The Lord looks forward to a time when Scotland will again be a place where food is adequate and people can live without fear of violence. He also yearns to see a time when Scots can again, "Do faithful homage and receive free honours". In other words, he wants to see a king worthy of their respect on the throne and people being awarded honours on merit. ALL THESE THINGS HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE UNDER Macbeth. In Shakespeare's time a country ruled by the wrong King would always go to ruin, because it had lost God's blessing..