Fleance
Fleance is Banquo’s son. After Macbeth sends murderers after Banquo and Fleance, Banquo fights off the murderers while Fleance flees. In Shakespeare’s source material, the legendary semi-historical accounts of the Holinshed Chronicles, Fleance eventually goes on to sire a son who returns to Scotland and begins the Stuart line of monarchs. King James I of England, Shakespeare’s patron, was a Stuart, and many scholars have speculated that the the play’s gracious portrayal of Banquo was meant to flatter the king.
Expert Q&A
In Macbeth, what happens to Fleance after Banquo's death?
After Banquo's death in Macbeth, Fleance escapes, as indicated in Act III, Scene III. This escape causes significant anxiety for Macbeth because the witches' prophecy suggested that Banquo's descendants, not Banquo himself, would become kings. Fleance's survival represents a continuing threat to Macbeth's power, prompting him to seek further guidance from the witches.
Why did Macbeth want to kill Fleance and was his attempt justified?
Macbeth seeks to kill Fleance to prevent the prophecy that Banquo's heirs will inherit the throne, thus securing his own power. His actions stem from paranoia and fear of losing the crown he obtained through murder. While Macbeth views this as a necessary step to eliminate threats, morally, it is reprehensible, as it involves killing a child to maintain a throne gained through earlier treachery. His decision highlights his moral decline and growing ruthlessness.
The significance of Fleance's escape in Macbeth
Fleance's escape in Macbeth is significant because it ensures the survival of Banquo's lineage, which the witches prophesied would eventually inherit the throne. This escape undermines Macbeth's attempt to alter fate and secure his power, contributing to his eventual downfall by keeping the prophecy alive.
Ross
Ross is a Scottish thane who serves as a messenger throughout the play. Ross first appears in act I, scene II, when he reports to Duncan about Macbeth and Banquo’s victory over the Norwegian forces. He later defects to Malcolm’s cause after it becomes increasingly clear that Macbeth is a tyrant. Ross’s role as a messenger is often used to introduce information about events that happen offstage, such as when he reports about the deaths of Macduff’s family and Young Siward.
Expert Q&A
How does Ross react to the murder of Macduff's family in Macbeth?
Ross reacts to the murder of Macduff's family with great reluctance and sorrow. Initially, he struggles to disclose the tragic news, lamenting Scotland's dire state under Macbeth and avoiding the truth when questioned by Macduff. Ultimately, Ross is unable to withhold the devastating information and reveals the brutal slaughter of Macduff's family. His hesitation and heartbreak highlight the atrocity of the act, prompting Macduff to vow revenge against Macbeth.
Ross's perception and description of Macbeth in the early acts of Macbeth
In the early acts of Macbeth, Ross perceives and describes Macbeth as a valiant and honorable hero. He praises Macbeth's bravery and prowess in battle, particularly highlighting his role in the victory against Norway and the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. Ross's admiration reflects the widespread respect Macbeth commands among his peers at the play's outset.
Donalbain
Donalbain is Duncan’s younger son and Malcolm’s brother. After his father’s murder, he flees to Ireland, hoping that separating from his brother will safeguard him. Macbeth spreads the rumor that Malcolm and Donalbain were responsible for their father’s death, using their hasty escape as evidence of their guilt.
Expert Q&A
Describe the character Donalbain from Macbeth.
In Macbeth, Donalbain is King Duncan's son and Malcolm's younger brother. Although he has a minor role and is silent in early scenes, his character shows political astuteness and familial loyalty. After his father's murder, he suggests fleeing to ensure their safety, with Malcolm going to England and Donalbain to Ireland. This separation indicates his understanding of the danger and his intent to protect their dynasty.
Hecate
In ancient Greek mythology, Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft. She is presented as the queen of the witches, and she chastises the three “weird sisters” for speaking to Macbeth without her. The three weird sisters seem to fear Hecate, remarking nervously about her “angerly” expression and hastening to do what she asks. Hecate devises the plan to lull Macbeth into a false sense of security by issuing misleading prophecies in act IV, scene I, claiming that “security is mortals’ chiefest enemy.”
There is controversy surrounding whether Hecate was included in the original manuscript of the play or whether she was added in a later edition. Some Shakespearean scholars believe that a different poet is responsible for the scenes featuring Hecate, citing their incongruous tone and verse structure as evidence.
Expert Q&A
What does Hecate suggest about Macbeth's free will and fate in Macbeth?
Hecate suggests that Macbeth's belief in his free will is an illusion, as she ultimately controls his fate. She reprimands the witches for their interference, asserting her role in determining Macbeth's destiny. Hecate plans to deceive Macbeth with illusions, making him overconfident and leading to his downfall, thus highlighting the tension between perceived free will and actual fate.
Hecate's Role and Discontent in Macbeth
In Macbeth, Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, appears in Act 3, Scene 5, expressing anger at the three witches for dealing with Macbeth without her consent. She criticizes Macbeth as selfish and undeserving of their help, and she plans to create illusions that will lead to his downfall by making him overconfident. Hecate's role underscores the theme of overconfidence as "mortals' chiefest enemy," foreshadowing Macbeth's tragic errors. Her presence suggests a shift from misguided assistance to deliberate harm against Macbeth.
Hecate's plan to manipulate Macbeth's ambition and its success
Hecate's plan to manipulate Macbeth's ambition involves using his overconfidence and desire for power against him. She instructs the witches to present misleading prophecies that will give Macbeth a false sense of security. This manipulation ultimately succeeds as Macbeth becomes increasingly paranoid and reckless, leading to his downfall.
Siward
Siward is the English Earl of Northumberland and Malcolm’s uncle. He leads the army that Malcolm uses to reclaim Scotland from Macbeth. Siward is a stoic man who values honor and courage. When he hears that his son died in battle, his primary concern is whether his son died an honorable death. When he hears that his son’s wounds were on his front rather than on his back, he says that he could not “wish [Young Siward] to a fairer death” and refuses to mourn him further.
The Doctor
The Doctor is called in to assess Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking. Upon hearing her talk in her sleep, he becomes convinced that her malady is not physical, but spiritual. He suggests that the only cure for what ails Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth himself, is to confess to a priest.
Expert Q&A
Interpretation of the Doctor's statement regarding self-healing in Macbeth
The Doctor's statement about self-healing in Macbeth suggests that Lady Macbeth's illness is psychological rather than physical, implying that only she can cure her own mind. This reflects the theme of guilt and its consequences, as her mental torment stems from the crimes she has committed with Macbeth.
Lady Macduff
Lady Macduff is Macduff’s wife. She loves her children and is not afraid to challenge her husband’s decisions, which is evident when she criticizes Macduff’s decision to flee to England. After the witches tell Macbeth to fear Macduff, Macbeth sends murderers to Macduff’s home. The murderers kill Lady Macduff and all of her children, which gives Macduff great grief when he hears the news in England.
Lady Macduff is most often read as a foil for Lady Macbeth due to her status as a loving wife and mother. Though she is outspokenly critical of her husband’s decisions, she does not mock him or insult him. She also worries for herself...
(This entire section contains 152 words.)
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and her children in Macduff’s absence, highlighting her compassion and sensibility. In addition to foiling Lady Macbeth, Lady Macduff’s murder is also used to reinforced Macbeth’s villainy and descent into true tyranny.
Lennox, Menteith, Angus, Caithness
Lennox, Menteith, Angus, and Caithness are Scottish thanes who desert Macbeth when Malcolm’s forces arrive. Lennox begins the play in the company of King Duncan and is an insecure statesman. However, after Duncan’s death and Macbeth’s ascension, he quickly becomes suspicious. In act III, scene, VI, Lennox indicates his support for Malcolm and Macduff’s plan, noting all of the “strangely borne” events around Scotland. The desertion of Lennox and the other Scottish lords emphasizes just how poor of a ruler Macbeth is.
Murderers
The three murderers are hired by Macbeth to kill Banquo and Fleance. They were originally angry with Macbeth, but Macbeth convinces them that Banquo is the true cause of their misfortune. They successfully murder Banquo, but Fleance escapes, leaving open the possibility that the witches’ prophecies will come true.