Macbeth Act 4 Q&A

Last ones of da quarter!

What three things does Macbeth learn from the witches and apparitions and how does he react to them?
To appease Macbeth’s begging, the witches summon three apparitions.  The first apparition tells Macbeth to fear Macduff, the Thane of Fife.  The second apparition tells Macbeth that no man born of woman (alive) can harm him.  The third apparition tells Macbeth that he will never be beat until the Great Birnam Wood goes to Dunsinane Hill.  Macbeth takes the meaning of these “prophecies” very literally.  For example, after the second apparition’s message, Macbeth laughs and haughtily dismisses the first prophecy, saying “Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of thee?” (IV.1, 82).  After the third apparition’s message, Macbeth scoffs and says that “That will never be,” for “Who can impress the forest, bid the tree Unfix his earthbound root?” (IV.1, 94-96).

How does Macbeth react to Macduff's departure? (Use concrete details.)
When Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff fled to England, Macbeth is both surprised and angry.  He says that whatever his heart wants to do, he will do it.  Macbeth vows to do a surprise attack on Macduff’s castle and kill “His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls That trace him in his line,” as revenge (IV.2, 152-153).  He chooses to do so partly because he is furious after the witches showed him an apparition with a parade of ghosts with crowns, one of them being Banquo.

What action is taken by Macduff and Malcolm in Act IV? (Use concrete details.)
Macduff and Malcolm decide to go to war against Macbeth with “Old Siward with ten thousand warlike men,” (IV.3, 135).  Macduff is extremely angry with Macbeth and his usurping of Scotland’s crown; even after Ross comes with the news that Macduff’s entire family has been slaughtered, Malcolm’s determination leads Macduff to turn his grief into fury against Macbeth when he (Malcolm) says, “Be this the whetstone of your sword.  Let grief Convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage it,” (IV.3, 230-231).

peace&blessings, Maria(:

The Greatest of Macbeth!

1. What three things does Macbeth learn from the witches and apparitions and how does he react to them?

         Macbeth is greeted by the witches in Act Four, and is greeted through three apparitions proceeding the appearance of the three witches. The act and scene begin with the appearance of the witches, concocting their witchcraft will casting a few spells. The third witch proclaims, “Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf, witches’ mummy, maw and gulf of the ravined salt-sea shark,…” (Shakespeare 4.1, 22-24). What the witches are referring two in their spell castings are all evil and vicious animals. This underlying symbolism depicts that the foreshadowing acts of Macbeth being poisoned. The lines of the witches create a gradual ramp for the climax of the scene. These crucial terms of the witches empower the meanings of the three apparitions, who appear halfway through the scene.

The first apparition “Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff, beware the Thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough” (Shakespeare 4.1, 71-72). The first apparition appears as a ghost head. The message he sends is to beware Macduff, so he does not deceive against him.

The second apparition proceeds proclaiming, “Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” (Shakespeare 4.1, 79-81). The second apparition implies that Macbeth cannot be harmed by someone born out of a woman’s womb. In a significant arrogant response to the three witches and the three apparitions, Macbeth is not concerned at all the threat of Macduff. However, Macbeth is indeed in great danger of Macduff and this simply irony if humorous how Macbeth is pompous. The second witch’s lines symbolizes Macduff untimely ripped from his mother’s womb, therefore he would not be fatal with his birth mother. As Macduff was not born directly from his mother’s womb, he obtains a great threat to Macbeth. However, Macbeth fails to acknowledge the presence of Macduff is this society. Macbeth replies to the second apparition, “Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of thee?” (Shakespeare 4.1, 82). Macbeth responses in a very sarcastic and cunning manner, as he continues to view himself as the most pertinent figure in his hierarchical structured society.      

Lastly, the third apparition appears to Macbeth in scene one. The third apparition tells Macbeth, “Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are. Macbeth shall never vanquished be until great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him” (Shakespeare 4.1, 90-94). This apparition explains to Macbeth that he should not worry about the people he proposes who will be against him. The apparitions also entails that Macbeth shall not be vanquished, or harmed, unless Birnam Wood is able to move. However, Birnam Wood is not able to move literally, but is able figuratively. This parallels the context in which Macbeth views the prophecies. Macbeth views the texts of the witches and apparitions very literally, and obtains no concern to their relevance and their effect to him. In contrast, the witches and apparitions are taunting Macbeth with their figurative speech, which Macbeth is unable to comprehend and decipher the meanings and intentions of these characters. 

2. How does Macbeth react to Macduff's departure? (use concrete details)

         Macbeth reacts to Macduff’s departure in a very inquisitive manner. Macbeth inquires Lennox, Saw you the Weird Sisters?” (Shakespeare 4.2, 137). Lennox replies to Macbeth that he has not seen the three witches. These lines in the scene indicate deceptiveness and a fine line between what is real and not in this society. One can infer if these prophecies and appearances of the witches are a figment portrayed through the mind of only Macbeth.

         Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England. Macbeth is outraged, that Macduff has fleed. Mabeth quotes in return, “The castle upon Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’edge o’th’ swor his wife, his babes, and all the unfortunate souls that trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool; this deed I’ll do before this purpose cool” (Shakespeare 4.2, 150-154). Macbeth will take the matters into his own hands, and force Macduff out of his way. Macbeth quotes that he will calmly murder his wife and children, as an act to break down any threats of his to empower Macbeth.

3. What action is taken by Macduff and Malcolm in Act IV? (use concrete details)

         Malcom greets Macduff in Act Four to test the allegiance of Macduff. Malcom tells Macduff, “This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, was once thought honest. You have loved him well; he hath not touched you yet. I am young; but something you may deserve of him through me, and wisdom to offer a weak, poor, innocent lamb t’appease an angry god” (Shakespeare 4.3, 12-17). Malcom tries to degrade the appearance of Macbeth, because he is slightly unsure of Macduff’s allegiance. Malcom also quotes derogatory statements against himself to also test Macduff.

A few lines later Macduff replies, “Not in the legions of horrid hell can come a devil more damned in evils to top Macbeth” (Shakespeare 4.3, 56-57). From this quote of Macduff, Malcom realizes that Macduff agree on the evils of Macbeth. Malcom’s tests served great purpose, as he is relieved to find another noble man who agrees to be against Macbeth. At this point, Malcom and Macduff determine to go against Macbeth in an alliance. Macduff questions, “Fit to govern? No, not to live. O nation miserable, with an untitled tyrant bloody-sceptered,…” (Shakespeare 4.3, 103-105). Macduff and Malcom both agree that Macbeth should not be the King of Scotland.

Malcom responds, “The devil to his fellow, and delight no less in truth than life. My first false speaking was this upon myself. What I am truly is thine and my poor country’s to command-whither indeed, before thy here-approach, Old Siward with ten thousand warlike men, already at a point, was setting forth” (Shakespeare 4.3,130-136). Malcom implies that King Edward will aid them both in creating the demise and opposition of Macbeth. Macduff agrees to Malcom’s soliloquy emotions towards the connection, as he adds such welcoming and unwelcome deeds are hard to compose and relinquish.       

Love, 

Allison 

Macbeth Continued!!!

1. As Act III begins, Banquo is reflecting on what has happened to Macbeth. What 3 events does he state and what does he hope for himself ? (Use concrete details)

         As Act III unfolds, Banquo is introduced in the scene with a very crucial soliloquy. Banqo begins, “Thou hast it now-King, Cawdor, Glamis, all as the weird women promised and I fear thou played’st most foully fort. 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-” (Shakespeare 3.1,1-6). Here, Banquo accepts that Macbeth has been crowned as king. However, Banquo is not convinced of Macbeth being a congenial and heroic king as everyone perceives him to be. Banquo instincts that Macbeth has done something immoral, such as murdering Duncan.

In the latter half of his soliloquy, Banquo explicates something else. He says, “May they not be my oracles as well and set me up in hope? But hush, no more” (Shakespeare 3.1, 9-10). Banquo questions if anything will turn out well for himself from the witch’s prophecy. He certainly hopes that something enlightening will occur to him, since the witch’s prophecies have fulfilled Macbeth’s ambition. Despite Banquo’s hopes, he is very doubtful that the prophecy will come true for him as well.

Banquo knows that the first part of the witch’s prophecy has come true. Therefore, Banquo still hopes that his kids are eligible to be king. In addition to Macbeth’s stance, Banquo realizes that Macbeth has played foul to receive the crown. He does not want a man of such immoral virtues to obtain complete power and the crown, while he as a man of loyalty receives nothing of such a hopeful prophecy.         

2. What reason does Macbeth give the murderers for wanting Banquo killed? What reason does he give for not doing it himself? (Use concrete details)

         Macbeth gives the murderers a solemn reason for wanting Banquo murdered. Macbeth encompasses a strong sense of ambition, where he will not allow for anyone to come into his way of his desires. Macbeth explicates, “And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not, for certain friends that are both his and mine, whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall who I myself struck down. And thence it is that I to your assistance do make love, masking the business from the common eye for sundry weighty reasons” (Shakespeare 3.1, 121-127).  

         Macbeth does not want to have the blood of Banquo on his hand. Literally, he does not want to do the deed, and figuratively it would ruin all of his power. He does not want to be the one responsible for Banquo’s death, as the common people would go against him if they knew he had murdered Banquo. This would result in a great loss of power and respect as king, and Macbeth would transgress in character and morality.

         However, if the commoners do know that Banquo is at the fault of Macbeth, people may begin to speculate what had happened to Duncan. People would inquire and lead that Macbeth was in control of Duncan’s fate and his untimely death. Consequently, these actions would ruin and destroy Macbeth. The king in this society represents an integral and benevolent man, who loves his people and his country. Macbeth would be opposed if people knew of his schemes for power, as he does not fully reflect the attributes of a proper king in this society.

                          

3. Why do you think Macbeth does not tell Lady Macbeth about his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance? (Use concrete details)

         Macbeth does not tell Lady Macbeth about his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance because of their relationship. Macbeth quotes, “And with him-to leave no rubs nor botches in the work-Fleance his son, that keeps him company, whose absence is no less material to me than is his father’s, must embrace the fate of that dark hour” (Shakespeare 3.1, 134-139). Macbeth must kill Banquo, so he is not a threat to him. He is also disgusted that Banquo is able to produce heirs for the throne, while he cannot. If Macbeth murders Banquo, he will not have any more heirs to contend the crown.

However, Banquo does have one heir already: his son Fleance. Macbeth contemplates that if he murders Fleance, that there will be no heir for the crown, and Macbeth would receive it by default. Macbeth doesn’t tell Lady Macbeth his plans, because they are his own matters and fate that he is contemplating with. He has been strongly encouraged by Lady Macbeth to do whatever he needs to attain the power and the crown. He knows that she depends on him and his successes. Since he has been persuaded, and through his own free will, Macbeth knows what deeds he has to do, and prefers to not let anyone else be involved, including his wife, in his personal matters.  

4. When Banquo's ghost enters the banquet, what is Macbeth's reaction? (Use concrete details)

         As Banquo’s ghost enters the banquet, Macbeth has an appalled reaction to when he first sees the ghost. In other words, he does not know what to think exactly. Macbeth proclaims, “Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold; thou haste no speculation in those eyes which thou dost glare with!” (Shakespeare 3.4, 94-97). The ghost of Banquo is haunting Macbeth, which he is still shocked to be in the presence of. Macbeth views Banquo’s ghost as after he had murdered him. This is a taunting and mental effect for Macbeth, as it is a reminder of his heinous deeds. Macbeth sees the ghost, as the blood spewed everywhere and wretched body from when he had stabbed him.

         Macbeth says shortly later, “It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood. Stones have been known to move and trees to speak;…” (Shakespeare 3.4, 123-124). Macbeth is concocting a series of events and excuses from the result of seeing Banquo’s ghost. He is guilty with the blood on his hands, figuratively, which he is responsible for murdering Banquo. Macbeth envisions with what he has done, and the blood relating to Banquo.

However, Lady Macbeth enters and criticizes to Macbeth to act like a man. She wants him to act like a man and be responsible for what he has done. Lady Macbeth is attempting her best to keep her husband’s mind straight and clear. She does not want to lose everything they have both schemed for, by his own internal demise of being mad.

5. What does Lady Macbeth say to the guests is the reason for his behavior? What can you say about their relationship at this point in the play? (Use concrete details)

           Lady Macbeth says numerous reasons for her husband’s recent behavior. She replies, “What, quite unmanned in folly?” (Shakespeare 3.4, 74) to all of her husband’s strange thoughts and accusations. At this time, Macbeth is still hallucinating about the ghost of Banquo and the witch’s prophecy. Macbeth is at a point in his life, where he cannot keep his head straight and is slowing coming to his own mental demise.

         Lady Macbeth covers for her husband, saying that he has always acted in this manner and it is quite normal for him to do so. She does not want to reveal any suspicions or what he is thinking, because people may begin to realize the truth of their deeds.

         However, there is a change of characterization in their relationship. Their bond created a sense of strength and power. Now since Macbeth is starting to doubt himself, Lady Macbeth must console for her husband. Macbeth says to her, “Thou marvel’st at my words, but hold thee still. Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill. So, prithee, go with me” (Shakespeare 3.2, 57-59). Beforehand, Lady Macbeth was the one who obtained all the dominance and scheming of the relationship Since Macbeth has murdered Duncan, he will receive the crown, which was the goal of Lady Macbeth. However, Macbeth lusts for more, while Lady Macbeth becomes the voice of reason by saying that they have what they wanted. Lady Macbeth also says that they have to put their actions behind themselves, or paranoia and corruption will drive both of them mad. She quotes that nature’s patter will take care of them. This scene contains an inverse of their relationship, where Macbeth becomes the aggressor. Macbeth’s mind is poisoned with the thoughts of the prophecy and the crown. The power between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth relies on their unity, but because of the transformation of their relationship, they are beginning to divert from each other and unwind all of their love and greatness from which they have built together.  

Allison :) 

More Macbeth!!!!

With what words does Banquo reaffirm his loyalty to King Duncan?

         Within Act Two, Banquo affirms a stance to reinitiate his loyalty to King Duncan. Banquo remarks, “So I lose none in seeking to augment it, but still keep my bosom franchised and allegiance clear, I shall be counseled” (II.i.) These lines posses Banquo’s allegiance to Duncan. Banquo wants to be direct in whom he has pledged for. Thus, it assures Macbeth as Duncan is talking to him, that when Macbeth becomes King, Banquo will continue to pledge his allegiance to Duncan.

2. What lie does Macbeth tell Banquo and why?        

         Macbeth lies to Banquo within Act two, Scene one. Banquo comes across Macbeth late at night, after he wakes up from a few nights of reoccurring nightmares. He is afraid to continue to nightmare through the nights, and he is appalled to see that Macbeth is still awake. Banquo says, “All’s well. I dreamt last night of the three Weird Sisters. To you they have showed some truth” (II.i.). Banquo’s statement foreshadows the actions of the three witches, while he visualizes them in his nightmares and are a part of this act.

In return, Macbeth replies, “I think not of them. Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve, we would spend it in some words upon that business, if you would want grant the time” (Shakespeare 2.1, 22-25). The lie that Macbeth tells is that he has not thought any about the witches, which he actually has been mindful of them and their actions. He tells Banquo that they will talk about the concerns of the three witches at a later time, which this diverts attention away from Macbeth. Consequently, Macbeth was to repeal the witches’ prophecy away from himself.           

3. How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth differ in their reactions to the murder?

        

         Macbeth and Lady Macbeth differ in their reactions to Duncan’s murder. Macbeth is more stressed as he becomes remorseful to what he has done. Macbeth proclaims, “Still it cried ‘Sleep no more!’ to all the house; ‘Glammis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more’” (II.ii.) He encompasses much paranoia as he will be King and his guilt severes him from God. With all of these new responsibilities, he fears that he will not be able to sleep, and that his rise to power will actually be the decline of him too.

However, Lady Macbeth contributes a contrast to Macbeth’s reaction. Lady Macbeth states, “These deeds must not be though after these ways; so, it will make us mad” (II.ii) The power of Lady Macbeth is very great, as she persuades Macbeth to release his own paranoia and remorse from the murder. She also means that if he does continue to become emotionally attached to the murder, she foreshadows the result in loss of power when Mabeth becomes King.  

4. Who are Macbeth's other victims? Why does he commit more murders?

         Macbeth’s other victims are the guards at the castle. He commits more murders because he is fearful that someone will link him to Duncan’s murder. He wants to erase all the evidence, and is willing to eliminate the guards so he can keep his rise to power. Lady Macbeth adds, “Do mock their charge with snores. I have drugged their possets, that death and nature do contend about them whether they live or die” (II.ii). In all, Lady Macbeth is indifferent to the fate of the guards, however, she does not want their presence to effect the reign of her husband and her upcoming power.

5. Considering journal entry number 3, what are some recurring motifs in Act 2? (sleep, night, blood, and hands)

Considering journal entry number three, a recurring motif in Act Two is the art of sleep. Banquo quotes at the beginning of the act, “A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, and yet I would not sleep” (Shakespeare 2.1, 6-7). These lines spoken through Banquo foreshadow the events leading Macbeth to be crowned as king. Banquo contains nightmares of what fate and events that lay ahead. What draws back Banquo even more is that he is unable to sleep from the paranoia of having repetition of more unfortunate nightmares. Later in the act, Macbeth entails, “Still it cried, ‘Sleep no more!’ to all the house; ‘Glamis hath murdered sleep and therefore Cawdor shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more’ ” (Shakespeare 2.2, 46-48). Macbeth encompasses a great sense of paranoia from his act of murdering Duncan. He also entails paranoia thinking about when he will be king. His persistent paranoia derives him not be able to sleep through the night, which sleep is daily replenishing process. Macbeth not being able to sleep, will lead to him not being able to replenish and put his conscious aside from what he has done. He fears the murder of Duncan he committed, will later be the demise of him too.

The symbolism of the movement of hands also denotes a crucial motif throughout the scene and act. Macbeth says, “Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee” (Shakespeare 2.1, 34-36). Macbeth hallucinates the dagger, which he contemplates about murdering Duncan. The dagger is a symbol of power. This scene foreshadows that the power will always elude him. Likewise, when he reaches to grab the dagger, it eludes him as well.

Blood also foreplays the scene where Macbeth is depicted crucially to it as well.  Macbeth states in his soliloquy, “And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, which was not so before. There’s no such thing it is the bloody business which informs thus to mine eyes” (Shakespeare 2.2, 47-50). The blood on the dagger is a manifestation of his uneasiness of murdering Duncan. He is quite uneasy to do so, even though he truly knows that he must get Duncan out of his way for the crown. The blood is in the direction of Duncan. This implies that Macbeth’s own fate has be put in place. The irony entails that whatever deeds he commits to Duncan, Macbeth will follow Duncan’s fate in the matter of time.

Night is the last symbol that empowers Act Two and the play entirely. In Scene Four Ross enters with speaking to an Old Man. The Old man begins the scene, “Hours dreadful and things strange, but this sore night hath trifled former knowings” (Shakespeare 2.4, 3-4). The Old Man remarks the strange setting of the last night. A heavy stormed occurred, which does symbolize the tragedy of Macebeth murdering Duncan. However, the other characters, like Ross and the Old Man, do not know what had really occurred in the previous nighttime. The Old man reflects on the strange setting, which does affect the text’s tone and plot. The connotation of night is used to describe foreshadowing events for the play’s characters.     

 Allison 

Macbeth!

“The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down or else o'erleap, for in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires” encompasses Macbeth as the speaker in Act one, Scene four. Macbeth’s statement is a contrast to himself, as well as the conversation he obtains with Duncan. Realistically, Duncan’s eldest son Malcom is the next one to be King, even though he is recently appealed to the Prince of Cumberland. However, Macbeth is promoted to Cawdor, which he feels internally inferior to be below Malcom in the hierarchical structure of this society.

Duncan comments on the greatness of his son and his upcoming achievements. Therefore, Macbeth jealousy flaunts as he wants the power for himself, but he sees Duncan and Malcom as an obstacle. 

           

“Yet do I fear they nature; it is too full o'th' milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great, art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend to it” contains Lady Macbeth reading a letter to herself from Macbeth. One can articulate from Lady Macbeth’s tone that she perceives her husband to be too kind to do anything immoral. She responds in this way, because her character is quite ruthless and would do anything to achieve authority and power. However, she reads, “Hie thee hither,

That I may pour my spirits in thine ear and chastise with the valour of my tongue all that impedes thee from the golden round”.

 In her character, she must persuade him that he should desire to want power as King. Her manipulations will result with her having her own power, even as the woman she does not desire to be. These lines within the context of the letter also portray that there is equality and greatness together within the means of their relationship. Both figures are extremely close, and he trusts her, which their love encompasses for one great being.   

Allison 

Oh Macbeth!!!!

1. What are the witches planning at the beginning of the act?

                 

         Shakespeare opens his play with strong momentum and force. In the beginning of the act, the witches set the mood and the tone for the opening of the text. Realistically, the witches are engaging in witchcraft and the witches are planning an act of going to see Macbeth in the play. These witches are the power and heart of the story, which constitutes a focus and concentration on the characterization of the witches.

They enable a tone to set the mood, which implies for one to make an inference on some unfortunate action may occur. At the end of scene one in the first seen, the witches come together to form a final placement in tone. These words are chanted uniformly as, “ Fair is foul, and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air” Moreover this couplet spoken by the witches as a foreshadowing moment, where their appearance in scene three fulfills their demeanor. The witches speak of actions proceeding the course of this tragedy, as actions do not appear what they have been thought of. 

2. What happened to the original Thane of Cawdor and why did he lose his title?

                 

         The status to the original Thane of Cawdor is perhaps a tragic personal demise. Through his actions, he lost his title of nobility and power of Thane. His deceiving actions and cunning character empowered through himself to commit treason.

A character speaks of the Thane of Cawdor as, “From Fife, great King, where the Norweyan banners flout the sky and fan our people cold. Norway himself, with terrible numbers, assisted by the most disloyal traitor, the Thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict,….”(Shakespeare 1.2, 50-55). The original Thane of Cawdor is a traitor towards the King. Thus, he loses his title for his lack of allegiance and nobility, as he is executed for his treason.

For this reason, Macbeth is recognized as a brave hero, and his ambition leads him to take over the new title as Thane of Cawdor.      

3. How do the witches greet Macbeth after the battle? Why?

        

The witches greet Macbeth after the battle. They approach him in such a manner that they are hailing him for his achievements. However, Macbeth and his superiority perceive the witches in a literal connotation. The witches proclaim, “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee Thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (Shakespeare 1.3, 49-51).

         The witch’s lines do foreshadow the events for Macbeth, because the prophecy will be fulfilled and he will be King. However, the lines of the witches are more of a figurative nature. The witches create these undefined lines where Macbeth is not able to figure out the purposes of the witches. Here from the start, the witches taunt Macbeth with their prophecies to intercede his mentality.     

4. What is the significance of Lady Macbeth's "unsex me" scene?

        

         The significance of Lady Macbeth’s “unsex me” scene is quite contrary to her character. Lady Macbeth proclaims, “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thought, unsex me here and fill me from the crown to the to top-full of direst cruelty!” (Shakespeare 1.5, 40-43). Lady Macbeth is uncomfortable with her femininity. Her line, “The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan under my battlements” (Shakespeare 1.5, 39-40). She desires to obtain masculine traits. Even though she is not a male being, the only way she is allotted power is through a man, which is her husband.

This motive contracts greatness for her character and persistency to allow her husband obtain higher power. She explains, “And take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers wherever in your sightless substances you wait on natures mischief!” (Shakespeare 1.5, 48-50). If he contains these powers, she will encompass these similar ambitions and equal power as her husband. Thus, she is indifferent emotionally when she inquires for her husband to murder Duncan, so the witches’ prophecy will come true. In regard, it appears to one that Lady Macbeth’s ambition appears more superior to her maternal nature. 

Allison  

Native Son

1. What are some of the reasons that Bigger begins to trust Jan and Boris Max?

         When Jan encounters Bigger in his cell, he is not angry. He does not shout, throw articles, or even attempt to reach Bigger. Jan presents himself as mere individual with good underlying character, as if one were put in his position, one would act not in Jan’s serene manner. Jan confronts Bigger, “ ‘I’m not trying to make up to you, Bigger. I didn’t come here to feel sorry for you. I don’t suppose you’re so much worse off than the rest of us who get tangled up in this world” (Wright 288). Bigger starts to confide within Jan, who does attempt to open himself and understand Bigger’s circumstances and oppression.

         Bigger also begins to confide with his lawyer. He searches in him, since he is completely doubtful for success as the outcome of the trial. However, Bigger wants to resolve some internal issues with himself as the result of his aggressions and oppression. Max parallels the circumstance of Bigger. Max has been oppressed throughout the course of his life, because of faith in Judaism. Therefore, Max understands Bigger’s contemplation in the circumstance and his search for personal vindication.   

2. Why does Bigger attack Reverend Hammond and discard the cross Hammond has given to him?

         Bigger reflects on Mary’s murder and feels quite ashamed of the actions he had proposed. Bigger certainly contrasts the belief of his mother and of Reverend Hammond. He does not want to face his demise and he does not want to enter the gates of Heaven, like what some highly devoted Christians pertain their fate to. Bigger then slams the door in Reverend Hammond’s face in such a rude manner and discards the cross-given to him. This symbolizes how Bigger has seen crosses burn, which depicts the white’s hatred and oppression for him and his race. Every time Bigger views the cross, he perceives it to be of quite disgust full with hatred, and great oppression.

3. What two incidents in the novel indicate that the author believes that the psychiatric profession has contributed to racism?

Two incidents in the novel indicate that author believes that a psychiatric profession has contributed to this society’s racism. The media constitutes an affect where psychologists imply that no African American men can resist white women. However, this perpetuates a stereotype that all African American are animalistic in the way they are perceived to have relations with these white women. The media imposes a mind set on the society, as a form of escape to persecute the African American minority. Bigger reads the news headlines of himself, “Though the Negro killer’s body does not seem compactly built, he gives the impression of possessing abnormal physical strength. He is about five feet, nine inches tall and his skin is exceedingly black. His lower jaw protrudes obnoxiously, reminding one of a jungle beast” (Wright 279). It is implied that Bigger is a figure that foreshadows the African American community. The media protrudes Bigger as a scapegoat and animalistic to his society. 

         Bigger is placed into a cell for his rant and deeds as a black man. Now confined, theses psychiatric professions will contribute to racism, as he is black man confined behind the bars of such a cruel and hostile society. Bigger shouts, “You’re afraid of me! That’s why you put me in here!” (Wright 344). Through all of his heinous deeds, the whites do fear Bigger and what he could be capable of as an animalistic black man. Therefore, Bigger symbolizes all the African American community, which the whites provoke such racism and oppression for their ignorant fears of this ethnic race. 

Allison