The Intriguing Scene of Mirrors in Macbeth's Play
The scene of mirrors in Macbeth's play reveals significant character developments and contrasts, such as Macduff's loyalty to Malcolm, Malcolm's self-reflection on Macbeth's flaws, and Edward's positive attributes as an inversion of Macbeth. The interplay of these characters and themes adds depth to the story, highlighting the themes of leadership, deception, and healing.
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4.3 A scene of mirrors Friday, 13 September 2024 Jonathan Peel JLS 2016
Scene break down: The longest scene in the play. Can interrupt the dramatic flow. Shakespeare was too good a writer to do this without a very good reason L1-114 Macduff approaches Malcolm at the English court. Malcolm pretends to be licentious and every bit as flawed as Macbeth. L115 139 He reveals the truth and Macduff swears allegiance to Malcolm L 140 161 Refers to the English King: Edward the Confessor a Saintly man. L162-195 Ross brings news from Scotland and plans are made L195-243 Ross reveals the murder of Macduff s family, Macduff mourns and is encouraged to bear it in a manly fashion. He does so and swears revenge. Jonathan Peel JLS 2016
MIRROR 1 Malcolm in describing his weaknesses, throws light on Macbeth s character: Quotation Comment This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, was once thought honest black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow . Esteem him as a lamb, being compar d with my confineless harms Bloody, luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful, sudden malicious, smacking of every sin that has a name A stanchless avarice, that were I King, I should cut of the nobles for their lands, desire his jewels The King-becoming graces- as justice, verity, temp rance, stableness, bounty, perseverence, mercy, lowliness, Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude Jonathan Peel JLS 2016
MIRROR 2 Once he admits his true character, he restores Faith in his ability to lead: I am yet unknown to woman : his virginity is a mark of his spiritual purity. Modest wisdom plucks me/ From over- credulous haste : he will not jump into quick decisions My first false speaking was this upon myself: his first lie has been this test Jonathan Peel JLS 2016
Edward: An inversion of Macbeth Edward is given positive attributes throughout the scene. List as many as you can find: gracious, sanctity In this scene Scotland is described as sick: O nation miserable , O Scotland, Scotland! new widows howl, new orphans cry In contrast, Edward is actively healing the Evil and saving lives through miraculous means. His support presents Malcolm with an army of Sanctity to march against Evil. It will win, since Edward has the power to overcome the Evil . Jonathan Peel JLS 2016
MAN/huMAN MALCOLM Dispute it like a man. MACDUFF I shall do so; But I must also feel it as a man: I cannot but remember such things were, That were most precious to me. Did heaven look on, And would not take their part? Sinful Macduff, They were all struck for thee! naught that I am, Not for their own demerits, but for mine, Fell slaughter on their souls. Heaven rest them now! MALCOLM Be this the whetstone of your sword: let grief Convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage it. MACDUFF O, I could play the woman with mine eyes And braggart with my tongue! But, gentle heavens, Cut short all intermission; front to front Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself; Within my sword's length set him; if he 'scape, Heaven forgive him too! MALCOLM This tune goes manly. Come, go we to the king; ROSS Your castle is surprised; your wife and babes Savagely slaughter'd: to relate the manner, Were, on the quarry of these murder'd deer, To add the death of you. MALCOLM Merciful heaven! What, man! ne'er pull your hat upon your brows; Give sorrow words: the grief that does not speak Whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break. MACDUFF My children too? ROSS Wife, children, servants, all That could be found. MACDUFF And I must be from thence! My wife kill'd too? ROSS I have said. MALCOLM Be comforted: Let's make us medicines of our great revenge, To cure this deadly grief. MACDUFF He has no children. All my pretty ones? Did you say all? O hell-kite! All? What, all my pretty chickens and their dam At one fell swoop? Jonathan Peel JLS 2016
Grief at death Why is Malcolm so seeming cold here? What is the defining male attribute in this play? What does Macduff mean by play the woman with mine eyes ? He is expected to behave in a certain manner, what is it? Note the response to the Deaths of Lady Macbeth: 5.5 17 And Young Siward: 5.9 9ff What do you notice about the response expected of a warrior to death of a loved one? Jonathan Peel JLS 2016
Dramatic Irony The audience knows i) that Malcolm is ggod and that ii) Macduff s family is murdered. How does this affect them as they watch the scene. Does Malcolm convince that he will be a good King he seems to find it very easy to EQUIVOCATE to say one thing and mean another. We do not see the end of his reign, but the witches are clear: Fleance will rule and be followed by the descendants of Banquo, not of Macbeth or Malcom Jonathan Peel JLS 2016
