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Read Macbeth Online

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Notes 127 

Scene VI. This scene presents strong contrasts. These 
are clearly set forth in Duncan's gentle character, no less 
than in the quiet so vividly pictured by the nesting birds; 
while opposed to this is Lady Macbeth, whose heart is filled 
with plots for the death of her unsuspecting guest : Duncan's 
speeches are frank and open; Lady Macbeth's are disguised 
and fulsome. 

VI. 11-14. The love of our friends is sometimes trouble- 
some to us; nevertheless, we are thankful for such trouble 
since it is proof of their love for us : i. e., Herein I teach 
you how you shall ask God to reward us for the pains and 
trouble which our visit causes you, since our love for you 
prompted the visit. 

19. Late dignities. What dignities are referred to? 

20. Hermits. Servants, i. e., will pray for you. 

25. Guest. Why is this singular, not plural in form? 

Scene VII. 

1. The repetition of "done" emphasizes the idea that 
there are consequences to follow the murder. 

20. Taking off. lis this a figure of speech? See Act I, 
sc. v, line 68. 

31. Macbeth's murder purpose is weak, and Shakespeare 
allows us to see that Macbeth alone would not commit 

murder. 

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34. Would. Here used for should. 

45. The allusion is to the cat that wished to eat fish, but 
would not wet its feet to get it. 

48. Break this enterprise; i. e., suggest the notion of mur- 
dering the king. 

59. We fail. Editors vary in their marking of this. Some 
adopt the exclamation point as — we fail ! Some adopt the in- 
terrogation point, as — we fail? and some the period, as — 
we fail. The last is preferred. 

64. Wassail. Cup : night drink, literally, salutation, be 
thou well. 

67. Limbec. A sieve or still. 

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