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A summary of Act 1: Scenes 5–7 in William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of Macbeth and what it means. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans.
Upon the sightless couriers of the air, Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, 25 That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur. To prick the sides of my intent, but only. Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself. And falls on th' other. MACBETH. If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well.
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Who is Lady Macbeth in Act 1 Scene 7?
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Analysis. Macbeth, alone, agonizes about whether to kill Duncan. He'd be willing to murder Duncan if he thought that would be the end of it. But he knows that "bloody instructions, being taught, return to plague the inventor" (1.7.10). Also, Macbeth notes, Duncan is a guest, kinsmen, and good king.
Summary. Alone, Macbeth ponders the deed that he is about to perform. He is aware of the powerful reasons for murdering the king, but is nagged by self-doubt arising from his fear of retribution both in heaven and on earth and by his likely loss of reputation. However, any such fears are dismissed by his wife in the same practical tone that she ...
Macbeth is talking to himself again. He hems and haws over the consequences he’ll face if he decides to commit murder. He knows that killing Duncan could mean bad news for him and just about everyone else in Scotland. When Lady Macbeth enters, he tells her he can’t go through with this sordid plan. But she’s got other ideas.
The expository speech between Lennox and the lord in Act 3, Scene 6 clarifies that political loyalties have shifted and that Macbeth is now viewed as a usurper who needs to be deposed. We see that Macbeth’s rule is disastrous for Scotland as a whole, as Lennox laments the fate of “this our suffering country/Under a hand accursed” (3.6.49-50).
