William Shakespeare's Macbeth: Act 3 Scene 4

William Shakespeare's Macbeth: Act 3 Scene 4

The very start of the scene begins with order, commencing with a

banquet. The director might choose to set the stage as a grand hall

with a large banquet table accompanied with a majestic feast. The room

would appear grand and formal. Overall the scene is set with a sense

of perfection. Macbeth enters and addresses his guests,

"You know your own degrees, sit down. At first

And last the hearty welcome."

Macbeth acts extremely noble and would be regally dressed. He has

become accustomed to fitting into his role as King. The atmosphere is

light hearted the lighting would be gentle.

As the first murderer appears at the door, tension and suspense begins

to rise as Macbeth says, "There is blood on your face," At this point

the audience is aware that a murder has been committed. The atmosphere

suddenly darkens, the director could show this by dimming the lighting

and changing the music to reflect the tension. Macbeth and the

murderer are talking secretly while his guests are still enjoying the

feast; the director could show this by having them talking in the

shadows creating a sense of unease. Macbeth appears firm and untouched

by this news as he says calmly "'Tis better thee without than he

within." The mood of horror continues as Macbeth discusses Banquo's

murder. The tension decreases by the way Macbeth dismisses the murder

and seems unaffected by the murder. Although as the murderer leaves

the tension does not fade as Macbeth announces "Get thee gone,

tomorrow We'll hear ourselves again," planning a second meeting with

the murderer.

Lady Macbeth insults Macbeth's ability as a...

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"This is the air drawn dagger which you said

Led you to Duncan. O these flaws and starts,

Impostors to true fear."

She believes his outbursts of feelings are unreal hallucinations, just

like the dagger that led him to Duncan. Lady Macbeth speaks in harsh

tones to Macbeth. Lady Macbeth has a lack of imagination contrasting

to Macbeth's vivid imagination, and cannot understand his delirium.

The other lords politely ignore Macbeth's illness, "Gentlemen rise,

his Highness is not well", but Lady Macbeth is keen to dismiss the

Lords. She is afraid that Macbeth will disclose too much information,

exposing herself as well.

"At once, goodnight.

Stand not upon the order of your going.

But go at once."

Lady Macbeth does not realise what has come to haunt Macbeth will soon

return to haunt her.