Scenes 1.4 and 1.5
Scene 1.4 – A camp near the battlefield
Malcolm,
the king’s son, reports that the former Thane of Cawdor begged for forgiveness
before he was executed. Duncan instructs his son never to trust a traitor. The
moment Macbeth and Banquo enter, Duncan lavishes praise and gratitude to his two
heroic captains. Macbeth says that he was only doing his duty, which he was more
than happy to perform. Duncan then announces his intention to hand down the
crown to his son, Malcolm. Macbeth, who half expected to hear his name when
Duncan announced his heir, realizes that he must hide his contempt of Malcolm to
avoid any suspicion that he desires the crown for himself. They all prepare to
go to Macbeth’s castle at Inverness to celebrate.
Scene 1.5 – Inverness, Macbeth’s castle
Lady
Macbeth reads a letter from her husband describing the astonishing events that
have come about recently and delivering the news of their impending ascension to
royalty. She worries that Macbeth is too kind and honorable to seek the quickest
way to gain the crown, which is to murder Duncan, and she hopes to convince
Macbeth towards the deed. A servant enters to tell her that Duncan is coming
tonight. Upon hearing of this opportunity for immediate action, Lady Macbeth
commands the deadly spirits to “unsex” her – that is, to drive out all
that is weak or “womanish” in her body – and to make her feel no remorse
or guilt over a deed with a reward so great. When Macbeth alone enters, she
quickly informs him that she will come up with a plan to murder Duncan tonight,
but until then, they must play the part of kind hosts.
