3/31 Handout

Part 1
1. What is the relationship between Macbeth and his wife? Explain.
Macbeth and his wife are very loyal to each other. After hearing about the prophecy, however, Lady Macbeth becomes very controlling because she wants things done her way to satisfy her desire for power. Through it all she has changed her husbands intentions and that's not what spouse's should do to one another.

2. Why does Macbeth ultimately decide to murder Duncan?
Lady Macbeth, after finding out about the prophecy, begins telling Macbeth how he's a coward and hesitant towards matters. Macbeth is a kind man and is still very scared about the thought of killing the King. She convinces him that this is their chance to obtain the "unchallenged power" they want. Macbeth, wanting to prove her wrong, approves of the murder of King Duncan because he knows there's a chance of getting away with it all.

3. Explain Macbeth's character thus far in the story.
Macbeth is a loyal and kind-hearted man. He is honored for his success during the war by those at home. Although he seems as if he wants to make the right decisions, he is often easily persuaded to do the opposite.

4. Do you think he will get away with the murder? Provide reasoning. 
He will get away with the murder because he has been kind to the King and his attendants from the beginning, from serving the country to allowing them to stay at his castle. They will not suspect anything other than kind actions from him.

5. What do you think Macbeth should do?
I think Macbeth should remain the same as he has since the beginning and not change anything based on his wife's desires. He has proven to be a man that makes decisions based on what is just and fair only until the thought of killing Duncan came around. I believe Macbeth should refrain from the murder and settle with what was planed for him, which is not being the king, but only the Thane of Cawdor.

Part 2
1. " Tonight's great business you must leave to me. It will secure us unchallenged power for the rest of our lives." (Act 1. Scene 5. Lines 66-67)
"Are you afraid to match your acts with your ambitions? Can you want the glittering prize - the crown - yet be a self-confessed coward." (Act 1. Scene 7. Lines 38-40)

2. " You want greatness. You are not without ambition. But you lack the ruthlessness that's needed. " (Act. 1. Scene 5. Lines 16-18)
" Come home quickly, so that I can inspire you with my passion. My brave words will overcome the scruples standing between you and the golden circle- the crown that fate and the supernatural seem to have destined for you!" (Act 1. Scene 5. Lines 21-25)

3. "Whatever happens, even the roughest day comes to an end." (Act 1. Scene 3. Lines 146-147)
" We'll go no further in this business. He has honored me recently, and I've won great respect from all sorts of people. This is to be enjoyed while it's new, not cast aside so soon. (Act 1. Scene 7. Lines 31-34)

4. "Duncan is here on double trust: first, because I'm his kinsman and his subject (both good arguments against the deed); then, because I'm his host, who should protect him form his murderer- not bear the knife." (Act 1. Scene 7. Lines. 9-12)