Analysis of Act I of Macbeth Play - Essay Example

Duncan interjects with praise about how brave and noble Macbeth is “O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!” (Line 27, Scene II). It is clear that Duncan really feels that Macbeth has deserved the victory, Duncan praises Macbeth some more “What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won” (Last Line., Scene II). In Scene 5, Lady Macbeth in her soliloquy talks about her plan to murder King Duncan. It is clear that she wants to stop feeling any compassion, and she wants to be stripped of any mercy that she may possess so that she can help her husband get the throne of Scotland. She talks about a raven, and the raven being the mythological symbol of death clearly shows her intentions to kill Duncan.

According to Lady Macbeth, the raven who is croaking about the death of Duncan is hoarse, which clearly shows just how determined she is that Duncan must die. She wants to kill him, and she wants none of her femininity to come in the way of her ambition. This depicts how she is deeply pondering about murdering the king. On entering the castle, Duncan remarks on the pleasantness of the air which is seconded by Banquo. He talks about the martlet, a kind of swallow that lives in the castle because it likes to build its nests high up.

This is in reference to Duncan who accompanies Macbeth and considers him a friend, and yet does not aim for the kingship himself. Duncan is content, like the martlet, to live high up without any rank. He is unsuspecting of the motivations of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and does not see any unpleasantness around him, just like the swallows that are flying around oblivious to the danger to them. Even though he has made his home in the castle, in a manner of speaking, he does not have any ambition and he does not seek to enthrone himself.