As one of the most famous soliloquies in
Macbeth, the dagger scene (Act I scene 7) best show the inner
conflict (that voice inside your head that causes you to question your own actions and
decisions). In this soliloquy Macbeth stands along on the stage contemplating his task
at hand.
If
this deed were done when it is done, then it would better
If it were done
quickly. If the assassination of the King
Could be entangled with the
consequences, then I could,
With his murder, be a success. If only this
blow
Could be the be-all and the end-all right here,
Only here, upon
this bank and shallows of time,
We’d risk it for the life to
come.
Macbeth wants to be
king. He wants the titles and power predicted for him by the witches, but as he stands
just outside of his soverign's room, he wonders if he is strong enough to commit the
deed.
Duncan
is here in double trust. First, he is here because I am his relative and his subject,
Both Strong reasons against the deed. Secondly, as his host, I should shut the door
against his murderer, Not carry the knife
myself.
Macbeth realizes the
importance of his position. The king trusts him. As his guest, Macbeth should be
protecting him- not planning his murder. As his subject, he should be loyal to him- not
planning to take his crown.
While he ultimately does kill
Duncan, it is only after several moments of self reflection and personal pep talk to
persuade himself to follow the dagger (a sign in his mind) ushering him towards the
kings room and to his future.
No comments:
Post a Comment