Character Sketch from ISC Class 11 English Drama Macbeth Act 1 Scene 7 of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
A character sketch defines what the character is like and how he/she evolves or develops throughout the story. In this post you can find the Character Sketch of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth from ISC Class 11 English Drama Macbeth Act 1 Scene 7
- Character Sketch of Macbeth
- Questions related to the Character of Macbeth
- Character Sketch of Lady Macbeth
- Questions related to the character of Lady Macbeth
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Character Sketch of Macbeth
In this scene, Macbeth is shown to be deeply conflicted and hesitant about the plan to kill King Duncan. He begins with a long soliloquy where he tries to talk himself out of the murder, revealing a strong sense of guilt and fear of consequence. He recognizes that the murder would violate his duties as Duncan’s kinsman, subject, and host. He respects Duncan as a good king, noting that Duncan’s ‘virtues / Will plead like angels’ against the deed. Macbeth admits that his only motivation is ‘vaulting ambition’, a desire that overleaps itself. When he tells Lady Macbeth they ‘will proceed no further in this business,’ he is acting as a man who values his newly earned reputation over wicked gain. However, by the end of the scene, his weakness is exposed; he is easily manipulated by his wife’s taunts about his manhood and ultimately gives in, becoming ‘settled’ on committing the ‘terrible feat’. He is a powerful but easily swayed man.
Questions related to the Character of Macbeth
Q1. Why does Macbeth talk to himself not to commit the murder?
Q2. Finally, what are the reasons that force Macbeth to commit the murder?
Character Sketch of Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth dominates this scene with her fierce will and relentless determination. She is introduced when Macbeth is already retreating from the plan, and she immediately launches a powerful attack on his resolve. She is cynical and masterful in her manipulation, calling Macbeth a coward and accusing him of having been ‘drunk’ with hope. Her most chilling characteristic is her ruthlessness, which she demonstrates by saying she would rather ‘dashed the brains out’ of her own child than break a solemn oath, as Macbeth is attempting to do. When Macbeth voices a concern ‘If we should fail—’, she quickly dismisses it and immediately provides a detailed, cold-blooded plan to frame the chamberlains by intoxicating them. She challenges his ‘manhood,’ forcing him to choose between being a ‘beast’ if he breaks his promise or a true man if he follows through. Her strength completely overpowers Macbeth, securing his commitment to the murder.
Questions related to the Character of Lady Macbeth
Q1. What ways are adopted by Lady Macbeth to force Macbeth commit the murder?
Q2. Why is Lady Macbeth so keen to kill the king?