Act 5 Scene 7

Act 5 Scene 7

1. Macbeth compares himself to a baited bear

   • Macbeth kills Young Siward
     • Macduff wants to fight Macbeth
     • Boasts that no man born of woman can kill him

2. Bear baiting

   • CONTEXT: Bear baiting was a form of entertainment at the time- immoral?
   • Macbeth's reference to being trapped like a baited bear would have created a very powerful image for Shakespearean audiences
   • 'Tied me up to a stake; I cannot fly, but bear-like I must fight'
     • He is chained/tied up- fear/guilt?

3. Macbeth as a tyrant

   • repeated reference
     • 'abhorred tyrant'
   • his name strikes fear into the hearts of many
     • 'A hotter name than any is in hell'
     • 'My name's Macbeth'

4. Still relies on the prophecy- hope/desperation

   • 'Thou wast born of women'
     • But swords I smile at...brandished by man that's of woman born'
       • Link to 'daggers in mens smiles'
         • betrayal, immorality
   • significance of it to him

5. Macduff

   • Repetition of 'tyrant'
     • viewed the same by all
   • repetition of pronoun 'thou'
     • talking down to Macbeth- lack of respect/care
   • Motivation to put things right- restoration of justice- avenge the death of his family
     • Pursues/eagerly searches for Macbeth
       • 'Let me find him'

6. Castle is quickly surrendered

   • 'The castle's gently rendered'
     • Lack of resistance- Macbeth's lack of support