Overview
This lecture analyzes Macbeth's internal struggle and use of paradoxical language after receiving the Weird Sisters' prophecy, highlighting his moral conflict and emerging duplicity.
Macbeth’s Reaction to the Prophecy
- Macbeth describes the prophecy as "supernatural soliciting" and struggles to determine if it is good or bad.
- He voices a paradox: the prophecy can't be bad because it is true (he is Thane of Cawdor), but it can't be good since it leads him to thoughts of murder.
- Macbeth is troubled by the vivid mental image of murdering the king, which unsettles him.
- He acknowledges that his thoughts of murder shake his sense of self and natural function.
The Theme of Paradox and Ambiguity
- Macbeth states, "nothing is but what is not," the play's most paradoxical line so far.
- The paradoxical influence of the Weird Sisters passes into Macbeth, deepening his own sense of internal contradiction and ambiguity.
- Macbeth wishes to hide his intentions from both the stars and himself, showing his desire to be blind to his own dark plans.
Macbeth’s Growing Duplicity
- When King Duncan names his successor, Macbeth realizes he may need to commit a dark deed to fulfill the prophecy.
- Macbeth appeals for darkness to conceal his actions and for his eyes to be closed to his own hand.
- At the end of the act, Macbeth asserts that "false face must hide what the false heart doth know," indicating his need for deception.
- Macbeth is becoming a paradox himself: appearing innocent while plotting evil.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Paradox — a statement that seems self-contradictory but may reveal a truth.
- Supernatural soliciting — Macbeth’s term for the witches’ prophecy, suggesting a supernatural temptation.
- Duplicity — the act of being deceptive or two-faced.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key paradoxical quotes from Macbeth for discussion.
- Prepare to analyze the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in the next class.