Arts >> Theater >> Drama

What clues do the soldiers activities give you that Macbeth may be wrong?

Act 5 Scene 5: In this scene, the soldiers' activities provide several clues that Macbeth may be wrong about his invulnerability:

1. The Soldiers Disregard the Witch's Prophecy: The soldiers discuss Macbeth's belief in the witches' prophecy, but they do not seem to take it seriously. They refer to it as "the prophecies that will not be believed" and dismiss it as mere "rhyme and reason." This indicates that the soldiers do not believe in Macbeth's supposed invulnerability and consider the witches' predictions unreliable.

2. They Mention Malcolm's Forces Advancing: The soldiers report that Malcolm's forces are approaching Birnam Wood, which contradicts the witches' prophecy that Macbeth cannot be harmed until "Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill / Shall come against him." The fact that Malcolm's army is marching toward Dunsinane suggests that Macbeth's belief in the prophecy may be false.

3. They Report Macduff's Background: One of the soldiers mentions that Macduff was "from his mother's womb / Untimely ripped," revealing Macduff's exceptional birth. This information contradicts the witches' prophecy that no man "of woman born" could harm Macbeth. By highlighting Macduff's unique circumstances, the soldiers hint at the possibility that he may be the one to defeat Macbeth.

4. They Encourage One Another to Fight: As the soldiers prepare for battle, they encourage each other to fight bravely and honorably. This indicates their willingness to risk their lives in the battle, even against the seemingly invincible Macbeth. Their courage and determination suggest that they do not fully believe in Macbeth's supposed invulnerability and are prepared to challenge him.

5. They Discuss Macbeth's Tyrannical Rule: The soldiers also express their dissatisfaction with Macbeth's tyrannical rule and yearn for a change in leadership. They describe him as a "bloody tyrant" and express a desire to "meet and bear / Our bodies forward even to the breach / After the enemy." Their negative sentiments toward Macbeth further undermine his belief in his invulnerability and foreshadow his eventual downfall.

Drama

Related Categories