Macbeth Language Deconstruction
DO NOW: Macbeth rarely speaks directly of killing Duncan. Instead he uses less brutal
language, or euphemisms. As a class, read the speech in 1.7.1-28 underlining all the words
which refer to the murder of Duncan.
DO LATER:
 SPOKEN: Mr. Barbato will read speech as written. Every time one of the underlined
words is said, whisper “MURDER.”

WRITTEN: Why do you think Macbeth avoids using the words “murder,” “kill,”
etc? What does this tell you about Macbeth’s state of mind at this stage of the play?
What value would this activity offer as a rehearsal piece (creating atmosphere,
establishing character, etc.)?*
MACBETH
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly. If the assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
5
With his surcease success; that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We'd jump the life to come. But in these cases
We still have judgment here, that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
10
To plague th' inventor: this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poisoned chalice
To our own lips. He's here in double trust:
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
15 Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
The deep damnation of his taking-off;
And pity, like a naked newborn babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed
Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
25 That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on th' other.
20
Macbeth Language Deconstruction: Activity 2
Read Macbeth 3.1.1-41 as a class. Discuss what is happening at this point in the play.
(Macbeth is questioning Banquo about his movements in the full knowledge that he, himself
has ordered Banquo and his son to be killed.)
Read lines 1-41 very slowly and underline every word or phrase where Macbeth is being
insincere or lying (e.g. “Fail not our feast”, etc.).
SPOKEN: As these lines are later read by the teacher, have students shout out “That is
false,” and have speakers say what they think is really on Macbeth’s mind.
WRITTEN: Discuss the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo. Is it based on genuine
respect and friendship at the beginning of the play? How is it affected by the prophecies of
the witches? Does Banquo ever doubt Macbeth’s loyalty to his country, king, and fellow
soldiers? What other factors contribute to their increasing distrust of one another? Find
evidence in the text to support your answers.*
Act III, Scene i:
Forres. A Room in the Palace.
[Enter Banquo.]
BANQUO:
Thou hast it now,—king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promis'd; and, I fear,
Thou play'dst most foully for't; yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity;
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If there come truth from them,—
As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine,—
Why, by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well,
And set me up in hope? But hush; no more.
[Sennet sounded. Enter Macbeth as King, Lady Macbethas Queen; Lennox, Ross, Lords,
Ladies, and Attendants.]
MACBETH:
Here's our chief guest.
LADY MACBETH:
If he had been forgotten,
It had been as a gap in our great feast,
And all-thing unbecoming.
MACBETH:
To-night we hold a solemn supper, sir,
And I'll request your presence.
BANQUO:
Let your highness
Command upon me; to the which my duties
Are with a most indissoluble tie
For ever knit.
MACBETH:
Ride you this afternoon?
BANQUO:
Ay, my good lord.
MACBETH:
We should have else desir'd your good advice,—
Which still hath been both grave and prosperous,—
In this day's council; but we'll take to-morrow.
Is't far you ride?
BANQUO:
As far, my lord, as will fill up the time
'Twixt this and supper: go not my horse the better,
I must become a borrower of the night,
For a dark hour or twain.
MACBETH:
Fail not our feast.
BANQUO:
My lord, I will not.
MACBETH:
We hear our bloody cousins are bestow'd
In England and in Ireland; not confessing
Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers
With strange invention: but of that to-morrow;
When therewithal we shall have cause of state
Craving us jointly. Hie you to horse: adieu,
Till you return at night. Goes Fleance with you?
BANQUO:
Ay, my good lord: our time does call upon's.
MACBETH:
I wish your horses swift and sure of foot;
And so I do commend you to their backs.
Farewell.—
[Exit Banquo.]
Let every man be master of his time
Till seven at night; to make society
The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself
Till supper time alone: while then, God be with you!