![]() In paraphrase, Macbeth wonders whether the act of murder itself must, by necessity, carry consequences in "the life to come" or whether judgment will await him in this life. Throughout the speech, his words recall those of Shakespeare's earlier tragic hero, Hamlet. It is the thought of something after death that puzzles Macbeth. And if that's the case, does he appear more human, more or less capable of sinning, and, worrysome for the audience, more or less capable of winning their sympathy? All this begs the question of whether Macbeth, able to rationalize and express his thoughts, is thereby revealed as an intelligent, poetic soul. Within the fluid construction of this soliloquy, words and sounds constantly attract and suggest each other, giving the impression of a train of thought. Notice the insistent repetition of individual words - if, were, done, be, but, and here - each repeated two or three times within the first few lines. The imagery of Macbeth's soliloquy reveals the intentions he would like to achieve ("assassination," "success"), but its construction shows the workings of a mind still very much in confusion. Her taunting of her husband's weakness, coupled with the efficiency of her own plan, convince Macbeth that he should take on the "horrid deed." However, any such fears are dismissed by his wife in the same practical tone that she used in Act I. 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. ![]() Alone, Macbeth ponders the deed that he is about to perform. ![]()
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