Question

In a response of three to five sentences, explain how Macbeth changes throughout the scene in this lesson. Use the lines from Group A, when he first hears the weird sisters' greeting, and Group B, the aside he makes after he learns he has been named Thane of Cawdor, to support your answer. Group A By Sinel's death I know I am Thane of Glamis; But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman; and to be King Stands not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor. Group B [Aside.] Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial (royal) theme-… If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature? Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings: My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man that function Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is But what is not.

Answer 1

Macbeth is trapped between the reality and what was promised to him. He has already seen one part of this promise come true - that he will become the thane of Cawdor. But he is aware that, to become the king, he will most likely have to murder the present king Duncan, and take his place. This thought terrifies him, and yet he cannot resist it. His transformation is quick and sudden, just like the turn of events. From a man who had doubted the weird sisters' prophecy, much as he liked it, he becomes a man who is ready to admit to himself what needs to be done.