Analysis- Macbeth’s soliloquy

Macbeth’s soliloquy at the start of Act 1, Scene 7, presents us to a side of Macbeth that has not yet been portrayed previously in the play. Here, instead of being the brave and worthy soldier, Macbeth reveals himself to be a man who is being slowly lured by ambition and power, though not identified enough to take the threats in order to achieve his objective, thus resulting in the repetition of “ifs” throughout the start of Macbeth’s soliloquy. Macbeth is also extremely much familiar with the lack of reason for the murder of Duncan.

The soliloquy efficiently includes to our understanding of the internal conflict that afflicts Macbeth as he struggles to figure out whether or not he ought to kill Duncan, who is a virtuous guy along with his kinsman and king. He believes that it protests the nature of man to eliminate someone who is of such a status and relation to him and that it is immoral to do so, “he’s here in double trust: first, as I am his kinsman and his subject, strong both versus the deed” and that it would be a breech of Duncan’s rely on him if he decides to go through with the murder.

We see Macbeth’s unwillingness to murder Duncan himself as he is a guest in his own house. “… as his host, who ought to versus his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself.”

Macbeth knows that his weak point is the desire he has to take the crown. He understands that although he does not wish to murder Duncan however for the fulfillment of his own aspiration, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, however only rising aspiration …” it is something that must take place in order for Macbeth to achieve what he desires. The audience sees the conflict within Macbeth and the horrible fantasies he has for his own failure and his fate. He understands that he is drinking from a “poisoned chalice” which represents Macbeth’s yearning for moral desecration. Another aspect of Macbeth that the audience witness is the unwillingness to point out the murder of Duncan. Rather, he uses euphemisms such as” it, assassination, this blow, the deed, bear the knife, his removing, ghastly deed, my intent” This offers the audience the impression that Macbeth is scared to name his fate and his objectives of killing Duncan in worry of “jinxing” himself.

Macbeth’s tone throughout his soliloquy is one of confusion, frustration and is filled with hellish images which are associated with what may become of Macbeth’s soul. “Bloody instructions, which being taught; return to plague th’inventor, deep damnation, poisoned chalice” Macbeth recognizes the guilt which may come with the murder of Duncan and we find ourselves feeling pity for him as he struggles with morals and his own ambition. Personification and metaphors are also effective in Macbeth’s soliloquy. Through personification, various aspects of humanity such as virtues, justice, and pity have been exaggerated so that the audience may treat these aspects as humans, and feel the vulnerability of human goodness- pity is portrayed as a newborn babe, and virtues are portrayed pleading like angels.

Through Macbeth’s soliloquy, the audience sees that this man, who was supposedly a virtuous, valiant person, has become a weak character, giving in to the temptations brought on by ambition, greed and power, even if it means having to abandon his morals. The audience recognizes that Macbeth is human and he is plagued with a troubled conscience but we are disappointed to see Macbeth slowly drifting towards corruption and his own downfall. He will eventually “o’erleap” himself.