The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth has changed. Lady Macbeth hides her anxieties fromher husband andMacbeth nowasserts himself as the dominant partner.Although Macbeth hints at his plans for Banquo, he does not confide in LadyMacbeth. Instead he shields her from the horror of his plot: ‘Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck’. Macbeth also expects Lady Macbeth to ‘applaud the deed’. His pride still causes him to crave approval.
This scene clearly shows the fraying emotional state of both principal characters.Macbeth has clearly embarked on a path that will lead to more bloodshed and compound the guilt of his original crime.
Questions
1. Would you agree that LadyMacbeth is clearly troubled in this scene? Explain your answer. 2. Describe Macbeth’s emotional and psychological state in this scene. 3. Describe the relationship betweenMacbeth and LadyMacbeth as revealed in this scene. 4. Why do you think Macbeth does not include Lady Macbeth in his plot to kill Banquo? 5. Find quotations from the scene that illustrate each of the following ideas:
(a) Lady Macbeth is worried and has found no contentment. (b) Macbeth and/or Lady Macbeth must put on a brave face for those around them. (c) Macbeth is worried and restless. (d) Lady Macbeth envies the peace Duncan has found in death. (e) Macbeth envies the peace Duncan has found in death.