Macbeth Act 1, Scene 4 – Forres

In this scene we gain an insight into Macbeth’s duplicity – and the methods Shakespeare is using to reveal this to us in the audience.

Using the following aside by Macbeth, write a short summary of what he is saying to the audience, identify the linguistic or dramatic devices Shakespeare is using (there is definite evidence of metre, figurative language and dramatic irony) and, if you want to extend yourself, re-write the speech in contemporary English, re-creating the depth of the original in language we might use today.

MACBETH

[Aside] 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:
The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be,
Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.

Posted by Christopher Waugh

“Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinions of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth.” (Katherine Mansfield)

  1. My goodness Chris… what a wonderful exercise

    Reply

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