Look at how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth speak and behave here. How do you think an audience might respond to this part of the play? 15 marks

Answer 1

The interaction between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in this part of the play showcases their growing ambition and the depths to which they are willing to go to achieve their goals. The audience's response to this part of the play would largely depend on how it is presented and their own interpretation of the characters. However, there are several key factors that could elicit a range of responses from the audience.

Firstly, the audience may respond with a sense of fascination or intrigue towards the couple's ruthlessness and manipulation. Macbeth's soliloquy on the consequences of killing Duncan portrays his internal struggle, which humanizes him and makes the audience sympathize with his dilemma. Lady Macbeth's persuasive discourse to spur Macbeth into action displays her strong will and determination, which might impress the audience with her strategic thinking. These aspects might lead the audience to feel both engrossed by the characters and disturbed by their morally ambiguous actions.

Secondly, an audience might respond with a sense of dread or unease as they witness the extent of Macbeth's psychological deterioration. At this point in the play, Macbeth relies heavily on his wife's guidance and is driven by his own ambition and guilt. The audience might feel a mixture of pity and repulsion as they witness his descent into madness and the toll it takes on his mental state. The contrast between Macbeth's vulnerable moments and Lady Macbeth's unwavering determination might create a sense of tension, making the audience apprehensive about the consequences of their actions.

Furthermore, the audience's response might be influenced by their own moral compass and beliefs. Some members of the audience may be repulsed by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's willingness to commit murder to achieve their ambitions, leading to a sense of moral outrage. Others may find themselves intrigued by the couple's ambition and admire their cunning strategy, resulting in a complex mix of emotions. Shakespeare's nuanced portrayal of the characters allows for a range of interpretations and responses from the audience, depending on their own values and perspectives.

In conclusion, this part of the play presents a compelling portrayal of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's ambition, manipulation, and descent into darkness. An audience might respond with fascination, dread, or a combination of both, as they witness the characters' actions and psychological turmoil. The audience's response will also be shaped by their personal values, leading to a diverse range of reactions to this pivotal part of the play.