Felix Lahiff Set 2

How is Macbeth II ii dramatically effective?

Act 2 scene 2 is really, I believe, the turning point of the play, changing the character of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth permanently. The unexpected repercussions of the deed on both of them were far worse than they anticipated, therefore making the scene very dramatic and thus changing the play as a whole. Also their relationship is tested to the brink from sharing their deepest secrets comes their relationships demise, as we see in this scene. Macbeth described by the general in Act 1 scene 2, brave Macbeth well he deserves that name (line 16). I believe that he is a brave and capable soldier although further on in the play this is far more complicated. Bravery, ambition and self-doubt struggle for control of Macbeth throughout the play. Shakespeare uses Macbeth as a tool to show the terrible effects that ambition and guilt can have on a man who lacks strength of character. Paranoia is another aspect that Macbeth has at this moment, for example when he returns from Duncans room, his first question is Whos there? What ho? these four short breathy syllables give the intensity and the feeling of being scared. Furthermore the constant questioning suggests how unsafe and unsure he is. In lines 39-44 and then later in the scene, he says Macbeth does murder sleep, the innocent sleep. This personification of murdering sleep as if its a person and furthermore being innocent makes Macbeth wish that he hadnt murdered Duncan. The regret he feels is underlined in line 77, when he says, Wake Duncan with thy knocking: I would thou couldst. Although he only did the deed a moment ago he wishes he didnt, thus outlining the tragic error of the hero, he can never go back, thus marking the turning point in the play, overall showing how this is the most dramatically effective scene in the play . Furthermore the constant repetition of sleep reinforces his paranoia and also his panicking state. Paranoia is evident when he struggles to say Amen, he believes that by clinging on to the word it will save him and cleanse him of his regret. Thus throughout lines 29-34 Amen is repeated several times, all showing his inability to say Amen and how he has lost his touch with god, altogether making the scene more dramatically effective. Guilt is also a large theme that is in Macbeth at this point, in lines 63-65 Macbeth believes that not even all the seas could wash this blood rather the blood would stain the sea, the multitudinous seas incarnadine. Thus Macbeth thinks that he has stained his soul and that the blood will never be washed from his mind. The irony of the situation is that later on in the play Macbeth pushes his feelings aside whilst Lady Macbeth is forever more guilty of her actions, for example in Act 5 scene 1, Heres the smell of the blood still (line 42). Therefore, altogether it leaves a lasting impression on the audience especially those in Jacobean times who have never witnessed regicide or anything of this kind, thus making Macbeth dramatically effective and therefore the scene in the process. Lady Macbeth throughout the beginning acts as a megalomaniac and slightly psychotic, when she first appears on stage in act 1 scene 5. Lady Macbeths reaction to the letter (soliloquy) is instinctive, calling on supernatural spirits, come, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here. The outright rejection of such female values as compassion and nurturance marks her as a heartless protagonist, more monster than woman. Although these scenes depict her in such shocking ways there is in fact her affection towards Macbeth which is a genuine, if distorted, bond of love holding the two together. Lady Macbeth from the very beginning of act 2 scene 2 isnt as strong as she thinks she is. Take lines 1-2: That which hath made them drunk, hath made me bold, here she has had to resort to alcohol to give her strength; thus she is uncertain and weak. Her psychotic side is again highlighted in act 2 scene 2: she says that the drink hath given *her+ fire.. The reference to fire suggests a devilish characteristic. Furthermore her psychotic side is evident in line 59 Ill gild the faces, this grim pun which Lady Macbeth says underlines how gruesome she is. Also in lines 3-4 Shakespeare uses hypermetric lines which give the effect that Lady Macbeth is in a state of excitement; thus making her seem all the more psychotic. These phrases make it more dramatically effective and also the scene in the process. Lady Macbeth also is very practical keeping the whole situation together while Macbeth breaks down. She is the one who advises him to go to bed, retire we to our chamber; A little water clears us of this deed. This also contrasts with his melodramatic imagery although it seems that Lady Macbeth is blind to realise the

Felix Lahiff Set 2

psychological effects of the deed. Furthermore she advises him to Get on *his] night-gown. Not only is it practical but also seems that Lady Macbeth is addressing him like a boy telling him to put clothes on and ordering him to wash this filthy witness from [his] hand. Finally it is again reinforced by tis the eye of childhood / That fears a painted devil, thus the fact that Lady Macbeth is disciplining him makes the whole situation all the more dramatic. The reason it is so dramatic is also because Lady Macbeth begins not to tell the difference between real and imaginary and so therefore it is ironic. This peculiar bond that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have adds to the atmosphere of the situation. She also heartlessly dismisses Macbeth on a number of occasions, A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight., There are two lodged and you do unbend your noble strength all reinforce her character. It also seems that Lady Macbeth needs him to be the strong one trying to break him out of the state of denial by dismissing whatever he says. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth also share lines: Did not you speak? When? Now. As I descended? Ay. This shared line is then followed by Ay which stands on its own and it doesnt belong to any of the pentameter lines either side of it. This disruption to the rhythm adds suspense and fear to the situation of being caught as if they are both listening out, also the shared line shows their bond together and it helps to build up energy to an abrupt stop. Altogether her psychotic side, the practicalities of keeping the whole situation together, her heartless dismissals of Macbeths hallucinations and her attempts to communicate to Macbeth therefore makes Lady Macbeth dramatically effective and the scene in the process. Therefore, to conclude Macbeth act 2 scene 2 is dramatically effective for a number of reasons; Macbeths paranoia, guilt and hallucinations, Lady Macbeths approach towards Macbeth in the tone of a boy, her dismissals of Macbeths hallucinations and her psychotic side not to mention their relationship together. Furthermore the language, structure and tone of the scene altogether make it dramatically effective.