In Shakespeare's Macbeth, two main
events lead to others in the play suspecting Macbeth of
treachery.
First, Macbeth kills the two grooms that could
have been witnesses of Duncan's murder. In Act 2.3 Lennox states that the grooms seem
to have done the murder, since their daggers and hands and faces were covered in blood.
The thanes present would of course want to interrogate them, but Macbeth makes that
impossible, announcing:
readability="9">
Oh, yet I do repent me of my
fury,
That I did kill them. (Act
2.3.103-104)
Though no one
else says anything at the time, Macduff realizes the problem with Macbeth's killing of
the grooms:
readability="5">
Wherefore did you so? (Act
2.3.104)
Macbeth tries to
explain his actions and play it off, so to speak, but Macduff is not convinced. When
the time comes for Macbeth's coronation as king, instead of going to witness and
celebrate with Macbeth, Macduff instead goes home "to Fife (Act 2.4.37), further
revealing his suspicions. And, of course, Macduff turns out to be directly involved in
Macbeth's downfall.
Second, the killing of Banquo and the
attempted killing of Fleance then lead to widespread suspicions. In Act 3.6 Lennox and
an unidentified Lord speak sarcastically and ironically about the coincidences of
Duncan's and Banquo's deaths, as well as the deaths of the two grooms. By this point,
too many murders have occurred for others to not suspect Macbeth of
treachery.
Adding to the murders, is the fact that,
apparently, Macbeth has become a tyrant. Lennox refer's to the "tyrant's feast," and
the Lord refers to Macbeth as "this tyrant." The two hope Macbeth will be overthrown,
so that
...we
may againGive to our tables meat, sleep to our
nights,Free from our feasts and banquets bloody
knives,... (Act
3.6.33-35)
Thus, Macbeth's
tyranny has made others in the play discontented, and the string of murders has made
them suspicious.
Ironically, even Lady Macbeth almost
immediately adds to the suspicion after Macbeth kills the grooms. Macbeth veers from
her plan when he kills the grooms and Banquo, as stated. He'd have been much better off
following her directions. But even she reveals evidence of their guilt, even though
Banquo seems to be the only one who catches it. When she is told of Duncan's death, she
responds:
readability="6">
What, in our house? (Act
2.3.84)
And Banquo
understands the inappropriateness of her response and rebukes
her:
Too cruel
anywhere. (Act
2.3.84)
Banquo understands
that there is something warped about a woman whose first thought after hearing of a
king's assassination is that it reflects badly on her hospitality. Banquo never acts on
his suspicions, but they are certainly present in his mind.
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