Act 5, Scene 3 Summary and Analysis
Act 5, Scene 3
Inside the Castle of Dunsinane, Macbeth is possessed by frantic energy. He clings to the witches’ prophecies, reassuring himself that Birnam Wood can never come to Dunsinane and that “the boy Malcolm” was clearly born of woman. Hearing that the English forces are near, he decides to put on his armor. The doctor who has been attending Lady Macbeth explains to Macbeth that his wife suffers from an illness of the mind, not of the body. Macbeth orders the doctor to cure her diseased mind, but the doctor replies that in these cases, only the patient has the power to heal themselves (“Therein the patient / Must minister to himself”). The doctor comments to himself that if he was away from the castle, no amount of money could tempt him to return.
Analysis
Even as Macbeth hardens into an absolute tyrant, becoming a caricature of villainy to those around him, he retains some sense of who he might have been and of what he has lost. He expresses this when he muses in act 5, scene 3:
I have lived long enough: my way of life
Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf;
And that which should accompany old age,
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have; but, in their stead,
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath,
Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not.
Macbeth has just been shouting and cursing at his unfortunate attendants, whose numbers are constantly dwindling as all those who have the chance to escape from the castle quickly do so. He defends his position fiercely, even as he realizes that it is not worth defending. Despite his corrupted state, he is perceptive enough to realize that he is surrounded by those who hate him and still sensitive enough to care. At such moments, his bluster about the witches’ promises of invulnerability do not even seem to convince himself, and he seems not only resigned to death, but even welcoming of it.
Expert Q&A
Can you explain this quote from Act 5, Scene 3 of Macbeth?
Seyton—I am sick at heart,
When I behold—Seyton, I say!—This push
Will cheer me ever or disseat me now.
I have lived long enough. My way of life
Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf,
And that which should accompany old age,
As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have; but, in their stead,
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honor, breath,
Which the poor heart would fain deny and dare not. (lines 22-31)
In Act 5, Scene 3 of Macbeth, Macbeth expresses his anticipation and anxiety about the upcoming battle against Malcolm and Macduff. Despite his belief in the prophecy that no man born of a woman can harm him, he is distressed. He reflects on his life, foreseeing a future filled with hollow honors and curses, instead of genuine respect and companionship. Unaware that Macduff was born through cesarean birth, he clings to the prophecy as his only hope.
What is Macbeth's attitude in Act 5, Scene 3, based on his opening lines?
In Act 5, Scene 3, Macbeth's attitude is one of arrogant confidence, as he believes the witches' prophecies protect him from harm. He dismisses threats, such as the approaching Birnam Wood, with contempt and derides those around him, including his servants and the opposing army. His overconfidence blinds him to the true meaning of the prophecies, leading to his downfall. Despite momentary fear, he quickly returns to his dismissive and tyrannical demeanor.
What is the significance of King Edward's healing power scene in Act 5, Scene 3?
The scene highlights King Edward's divine healing power, symbolizing his legitimacy as a monarch appointed by God, contrasting sharply with Macbeth's illegitimate rule. Edward's ability to heal, akin to Jesus, emphasizes his role as a divine agent, while Macbeth brings only chaos and destruction. This contrast serves as a warning against immoral power grabs, possibly directed at contemporary King James I. Shakespeare uses Edward's healing to praise rightful kingship and condemn Macbeth's tyranny.
What is the meaning of Macbeth's lines in Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 3?
Macbeth: Throw physic to the dogs, I'll non of it.
Come, put mine armor on. Give me my staff.
Seyton, send out. ---Doctor, the thanes fly from me.---
Come, sir, dispatch. If thou couldst, doctor, cast
The water of my land, find her disease
And purge it to a sound and pristine health,
I would applaud thee to the very echo,
That should applaud again. --Pull't off, I say--
What rhubarb, senna, or what purgative drug,
Would scour these English hence? Hear'st thou of them?
In Act 5, Scene 3 of Macbeth, Macbeth expresses his disdain for medicine, realizing it cannot cure Lady Macbeth's madness, which he attributes to guilt. As he prepares for battle, he urges the doctor to diagnose and heal his country, personifying it as a sick woman. Ironically, Macbeth fails to see that his own tyrannical rule is the true cause of the nation's problems.
What does act 5, scene 3 reveal about Macbeth as a person and ruler?
Act 5, Scene 3 of Macbeth reveals the conflicting aspects of Macbeth's character as both a person and a ruler. Emotionally, he clings to the witches' prophecies, believing in his invincibility. However, rationally, he acknowledges his impending doom, recognizing he will not enjoy the rewards of old age. This scene highlights the duality within Macbeth, reflecting the play's themes of appearance versus reality and the inversion of traditional roles.
What actions and words of Macbeth in act 5, scene 3 reveal his temper?
In Act 5, Scene 3, Macbeth's temper is evident when he scolds a frightened servant, calling him a "cream-faced loon" and cursing him, "Death of thy soul!" He also angrily dismisses the Doctor who cannot cure Lady Macbeth, contemptuously saying the medicines are for dogs. Macbeth's anger reflects his frustration over losing control and his impending defeat by Malcolm's forces, leading him to lash out at those around him.
How does Macbeth's demeanor in Act 5, Scene 3, reflect Scotland's suffering?
In Act 5, Scene 3 of Macbeth, Macbeth's demeanor reflects Scotland's suffering through his defiance and denial of fear, despite the looming threat of 10,000 English troops. He oscillates between panic and despair, symbolizing the chaos in Scotland. Macbeth questions the doctor about curing a "mind diseased," metaphorically linking his mental turmoil with Scotland's condition. His focus on prophecies and defiance mirrors the country's instability and his impending downfall.
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