Macbeth Group

Question:

rana-tard
rana-tard
Student
High School - 10th Grade

What exactly is Macbeth saying in his soliloquy in Act 1, scene 7?

id like it to be re-said in modern language

Rate question:

Posted by rana-tard on Friday March 14, 2008 at 2:24 AM and tagged with act i, macbeth, scene 7, soliloquy, translation.

Answers:

  1. shauger
    shauger Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Macbeth is saying that there are a couple of problems with murdering King Duncan.  First of all, in general, when you do something evil, it tends to come back and get you ("Bite you in the butt," so to speak.) Secondly, as a host AND as Duncan's subject, Macbeth should be protecting Duncan, not trying to kill him.  Finally, as far as Duncan is specifically concerened, he has been a good king.  He has not abused his powers and has been generous.  Macbeth recognizes that the only reason he wants to kill Duncan is his own ambition to be king - Duncan does not deserve to die.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth

    Rate answer:

    Posted by shauger on Friday March 14, 2008 at 4:31 AM

  2. sydneyw878
    sydneyw878 Student
    College - Junior

    Macbeth has been thinking about the murder and decides that he should not commit the crime for several reasons. First of all, Duncan never did anything to him. Second of all, Karma. The theme of this story is "Fair is Foul, And Foul is Fair." His soliloquey is backing this statement up.

    Rate answer:

    Posted by sydneyw878 on Friday March 14, 2008 at 5:32 AM


  3. brandih

    eNotes Editor

    The first part of this soliloquy is discussed in the eNotes free Shakespeare Quotes section.  Also, the modern English translation may be found at the link below:

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth-text/3351

    Rate answer:

    Posted by brandih on Friday March 14, 2008 at 11:06 AM