The Plan and Its Implications
As Lady Macbeth successfully persuades Macbeth to proceed with the assassination, they discuss the details of their plan. This section of Act 1 Scene 7 sets the stage for the upcoming murder and its consequences.
Lady Macbeth outlines the steps of their scheme:
- Get Duncan's chamberlains drunk
- Frame them for the murder by planting bloody daggers on them
- Carry out the assassination while Duncan sleeps
Highlight: The meticulous planning in this scene contrasts with the chaos that ensues after the murder, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of their actions.
The scene concludes with Macbeth's newfound resolve, impressed by his wife's cunning and determination. However, this moment marks the beginning of their descent into guilt, paranoia, and ultimately, tragedy.
Quote: "I am settled, and bend up / Each corporal agent to this terrible feat."
This final exchange between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth sets the stage for the pivotal events to come, highlighting the themes of ambition, guilt, and the corrupting influence of power that permeate the play.