Macbeth

Key Events

publisher · John Heminges and Henry Condell, two senior members of Shakespeare’s theatrical company
tone · Dark and ominous, suggestive of a world turned topsy-turvy by foul and unnatural crimes
tense · Not applicable (drama)

major conflicts · The struggle within Macbeth between his ambition and his sense of right and wrong; the struggle between the murderous evil represented by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and the best interests of the nation, represented by Malcolm and Macduff

Act 1 Scenes 1-4

Act One Scenes 1-2
As in many Shakespeare plays, we hear about the main character before we see him on stage. The important facts we get are:

Macbeth has shown amazing courage in the battle and virtually been the saviour of Scotland. He is called 'valiant', 'worthy' and 'noble' by Duncan, and is referred to as 'Bellona's bridegroom' – as if he is like a god.

We can thus see two possible sides to Macbeth emerging: the noble upholder of his King, and the bloodthirsty man who seems to be trying to replicate 'Golgotha' – the horrific place where Christ's crucifixion took place.

Banquo asks "Why do you start…?" The word 'start' meant to jump guiltily.
Macbeth's imagination immediately takes off, jumping to thoughts of 'murder'.

His frustration is clear when Duncan proclaims Malcolm as his heir: "Stars hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires." This is the first time in the play that Macbeth invokes darkness, which is symbolic of evil.

However, we can sympathise with Macbeth to an extent as he suffers from merely contemplating what he might do; the 'horrid image' (of himself murdering the king)makes his hair stand on end, and his 'seated heart' knocks at his ribs in terror.