This scene contains the murder of lady Macduff and her children.
1. Why do you think Shakespeare includes a scene showing the relationship between Lady Macduff and her son?
2. This the first murder to be committed on stage. What effect does this have on the audience?
3. Why do you think Shakespeare finds it necessary to create this effect at this particular point in the play?
Question 1 - I think that Shakespeare does this to unfold the consequences of Macbeth's dictative reign as king, especially where we witness the gradual unrest and discontent coming both from his lords and the people themselves. In the process, some royal men are forced to flee such as Donalbain and Malcolm. On the other hand, Macduff's family is murdered where Shakespeare takes the opportunity to show how much devastation and result Macbeth's unjustified rule has on the other characters.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2 - The effect of murder on stage definately creates a frigtening and horrific climax of bloodshed in the play Macbeth. The fact that there is even 'live murder' on set makes it more lively to the audience in so doing, it captures their attention even more but at the same time is meant to evoke fear in them.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3 - As mentioned before, Shakespeare ceases this moment to capture the audience with Macbeth's striking deeds. It also helps him depict a foreshadow of that dark effect that is yet to come as the play continues.
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