Overview
This lecture covers the key events and character dynamics in Act 1 Scene 7 of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, focusing on Macbeth’s internal conflict and Lady Macbeth’s manipulation.
Scene Summary
- Servants prepare a banquet to honor King Duncan.
- Macbeth debates with himself about whether to kill Duncan, revealing internal conflict and fear of consequences.
- Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth’s courage and manhood when he wants to abandon the murder plan.
- She reminds Macbeth of his ambition to be king and reassures him that the plan will succeed if he follows through.
- Lady Macbeth outlines the murder plot: she will intoxicate Duncan’s guards, and Macbeth will kill Duncan in his sleep.
- The blame for Duncan’s murder will be placed on the servants.
- Ultimately, Macbeth is persuaded by Lady Macbeth’s resolve and commits to the plan.
Character Dynamics
- Macbeth’s soliloquy shows his awareness of the moral wrongness of killing his guest and king.
- He struggles between ethical duties and ambition.
- Lady Macbeth emerges as the driving force behind the assassination, pushing Macbeth to act.
- She challenges traditional gender roles by rejecting the nurturing, feminine ideal in favor of ruthless action.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Soliloquy — a speech in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud, often while alone on stage.
- Banquet — a ceremonial meal honoring King Duncan.
- Assassination — the planned murder of a prominent figure (King Duncan in the play).
- Feminine Ideal — traditional expectations of women being nurturing and compassionate.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Act 1 Scene 7 of Macbeth for examples of internal conflict and manipulation.
- Prepare notes on Lady Macbeth’s influence on Macbeth’s decisions.