(From A Student's History of English Literature, by William Edward Simonds, Professor of English Literature in Knox College.) Like Hamlet, this is a romantic tragedy, in which_the_dramatist introduces a supernatural element in the part played by the Weird Sisters, as well as in the apparition of Banquo's ghost. Notice the wonderful poetry of this play point out passages which the fancy of the poet has made rich with imagery. Note the sweep and rush of the movement, the inexorable rapidity of the action. How does the opening scene prepare for the story of evil that follows? Study the action of the drama in this diagram: It will be seen that the crisis of the play is in the murder of Banquo why should this incident, rather than the murder of King Duncan, form the dramatic crisis? What similarity in the two murders first rouses general suspicion against Macbeth? What is the full significance of Fleance's escape? Now point out how Macbeth's successive acts of tyranny conduce to his own downfall. Especially study the Macduff motive: how has Macbeth prepared an avenger of his own wicked deeds? Make a similar examination of his intercourse with the Weird Sisters. Show how ironically their predictions serve to betray their victim. In analyzing the character of Macbeth, two problems are to be considered: (1) his relation to the Weird Sisters; (2) his relation to Lady Macbeth. Upon the solution of these two problems rests the question of Macbeth's moral responsibility for his crimes. First, is it the salutation of these strange creatures on the blasted heath that suggests the murder of King Duncan? Study the immediate effect of their prediction on Macbeth. Why, do you think, does he say, "Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more," and again, "Would they had staid"? What significance do you find in the conversations with 66 Lady Macbeth, scenes vi. and vii.? It is well to inquire how far into the future these mysterious beings really see, and to what extent they are actually able to predict. The invocation of Lady Macbeth to the "murthering ministers" who in their 'sightless substances wait on nature's mischief is apparently addressed to them. They are by no means witches in the vulgar application of that word; rather does the number and the character of these apparitions connect them in some sort with the Fates. The older meaning of the word wyrd was fate. They may indicate the subtle intent of Macbeth's half-conscious purpose; their power seems to be only over those who are evilly inclined; they seem to understand the thought of their victim, to harp his own imaginings, and to lure him on in the direction of his desires, encouraging him to attempt the course he is inclined to follow. Compare Genesis iv. 7: "If thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door." Secondly, as to the other problem; it should be noted that Lady Macbeth is not so much a foil to her husband as a complement; she is not used for the purpose of contrast so much as to supply his defect. It is possible to interpret her character as that of a woman selfishly ambitious to be queen, inciting her husband to a crime, and goading him on to the murder; in which case we must consider her the incarnation of all cruelty and wickedness, a fiend in woman's form. We may, on the other hand, interpret her action as based on her love for Macbeth, and find a motive for her obvious wickedness in the desire that he may possess the utmost fruit of his ambition. Which interpretation seems more just? The former was long held to be correct; the latter has more advocates now. In studying her character, note the signs of weakness which develop immediately after the murder of the king. Why does not Macbeth disclose to his wife his plans for the murder of Banquo? What indications of tender feeling do you find shown by Lady Macbeth in her effort to protect her husband on the appearance of Banquo's ghost? Study both these characters with reference to their expression before the murder of Duncan and afterward. What remarkable exchange of character do you discover in this double development? Particularly note the desperate force displayed by Macbeth as his doom approaches. The character of Banquo is in admirable contrast to that of the Thane. Point out some of the differences between these two men. Do not fail to note the intense pathos of the passage wherein Macduff learns of his bereavement (IV. iii. 200-240). Read the account of the real Macbeth as given by Holinshed, and included in many of the introductions to the play. In what way has Shakespeare enlarged his theme to the point of universality in its application? 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