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The Mood Of Macbeth's Soliloquy

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Macbeth’s Soliloquy: I.7.1-28 — This soliloquy is declared by Macbeth, who is a general that will soon become king. This statement has a mood of hesitation, as Macbeth is unsure if killing the king is the best choice, as he has just now thoroughly considered all of the consequences. This mood of hesitance can be interpreted when Macbeth states, “If th’ assassination / Could trammel up the consequences and catch / With his surcease success, that but this blow / Might be the be-all and the end-all here,” (2 — 5). Shakespeare's choice of language, in the form of a metaphor, drives this mood. By comparing the covering of a murder to the “scooping” of evidence with a giant net, Shakespeare reveals Macbeth’s genuine concerns regarding the release …show more content…

This speech has a mood of evil and confusion, as Macbeth is preparing himself to kill Duncan. This sinister mood can be interpreted when Macbeth states, “I see thee still, / And, on thy blade and dudgeon, gouts of blood, / Which was not so before,” (58 — 59). Shakespeare’s use of specific details appeals to the understanding that Macbeth is hallucinating. Macbeth’s sense of confusion can be inferred due to fact that he is seeing blood upon a knife that was not there before. This consensus can be further concluded due to Shakespeare’s decision to add further details regarding the knife. Late in the speech, Shakespeare indicates that the knife eventually disappears from Macbeth’s vision. These vivid details suggest that Macbeth is hallucinating due to immense fear he has regarding his future steps of murder. This mood of confusion suddenly switches as Macbeth decides that he is going to follow through with his plans of murdering Duncan. This can be concluded when Macbeth states, “I go, and it is done. The bell invites me. / Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell / That summons thee to heaven or to hell,” (71 — 74). Due to Shakespeare's use of vivid imagery, it can be understood how passionately Macbeth is about killing Duncan, due to his quick change in heart and frightening speech. This scene applies to the immediate context of the play, as it confirms that Macbeth is going to kill Duncan. On the other

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