Macbeth act 1 scenes 4-7 summary

Alternative transcript:

he is too kind to murder Duncan Macbeth's conscience is what holds him back 'That i may pour my spirits in thine ear and chastise with the valour of mine tongue' Lady macbeth is going to manipulate macbeth (this links back to when the captain said Macbeth was 'like valour's minion') 'Unsex me here' lady macbeth feels restricted by her femininity and is disappointed that macbeth does not embrace his masculinity as she wishes she could, she calls upon evil spirits to remove her nurturing qualities (like the witches) Scene 6 Duncan and Banquo arrive at Macbeth's castle where they are welcomed by Lady Macbeth. King Duncan is particularly naive and believes the air was sweet, when we knows that moments before she had been plotting his mrder which is anything but sweet Lady Macbeth conforms to her role as a good host and puts on a facade of 'the innocent flower' This is dramatic irony as we know lady macbeth is not sincere whereas DUncan and Banquo do not Scene 7 Macbeth and Lady Macbeth debate between whether or not they should kill King Duncan, after Macbeth's soliloquy Lady Macbeth controls most of the conversation and manipulates Macbeth in agreeing to murder Duncan by appealing to his ambition 'I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both against the deed; then, as his host' Macbeth is in a position of trust regarding the king and has multiple reasons to remain loyal to him I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition' Macbeth has no motivation other than his burning ambition for power and status, he believes his ambition could lead to his downfall