Macbeth Monologue Analysis

Ross: I am sitting before this elderly man. I have found his company to be quite calming in the organization of my mental conflict. My negative thoughts are not to be only mine. “ But,” the old man went on, “last night’s horrors make everything that came before seem like a joke.” I understand his opinion. I, myself, am quite baffled at what to make of the unusual situation. He and I share the same gut feeling of Macbeth's responsibility. Men are showing strange intentions that are reflected by that of everything around them. Such that of Duncan's horses. Yet, this would mean that we are not the only two who share this feeling. Why has no one thought to take action against this tyranny? Perhaps it is time for someone to stand and work

in effort for an end to this. Someone like myself. I must warn others about what has transpired with the Macbeths.
Banquo: There is something off this evening. A strange tingling is lurking in the depths of my stomach as if something is going to happen. The dining hall is filled with joy and excitement, yet I cannot shake this feeling. Macbeth knows that I have raised a suspicious eyebrow at his recent rising in society. I shall play this situation as if I were oblivious. He asks, “Are you goig riding this afternoon?” This is my opportunity to keep my head low. “Yes, my lord,” I reply. Perhaps if I reply in simple statements, it will relieve my suspicious in his eye. His tone reveals he is hiding something behind his teeth. It is best I go and clear my nose of this foul stench.
Lady Macbeth: I hope my weak minded spouse realizes that Banquo is planning something with himself.

“What's going on, my lord?” Macbeth turns to slowly to me while revealing his paranoia. Suspicion is sure to rise from his facial expression. Yet, he wont allow me intention his mind. How can be be so dimwitted to bear this alone and have his image tainted with lack of mental control? Surely it must be something in dealing with Banquo. Good. “Put on a happy and agreeable face for your guests tonight,” I say. I pray that this will have been a large enough hint to his thick skull. It is best to maintain my softer look for the evening, in addition to his better mood slowly coming

about.
Banquo: I worry for Fleance. I am positive he realizes that something is afoot. Even as we dismount and take the last few steps to the castle, I wonder if I should have simply never rode back. Surely that would give that my suspicious are greater than a few tugging thoughts. No, it is best we come back and keep our heads low. No... There is something is the shadows before us... “Oh this treachery,” I yell. “Run Fleance!” How dare they strike at me. The consequences of their plots will soon come. I just shall not be a part of the crowd that smiles at the death of Macbeth. Fleance will avenge my death and create a group to end this nonsense. I am sure of it. I pray to the heavens that my wish be granted. (Dies.)
Macbeth: Oh, what a satisfying thought this is.

Banquo has fallen and poses no threat to my authority. Yet, Fleance has managed to live. Will he avenge his father? I must make note of this. He shall not be allowed to live within my ruling. My thoughts are working towards more stress than I faced with the prior situation. I have finally obtained the power of royalty, yet I am still at risk of treacherous rats undermining my new title. “My royal lord, you’re not entertaining the guests,” Lady tells me. She is right. I must avoid the creation of any further negative thoughts from my peers. No... This is not possible... This must be some foul form of trick. Banquo sits in my seat of the dining table. “You can't say I did it,” I yell at the figure. Why does Ross say that I am unwell? Can he not see the person that sits within sight of us all? The person who has just been murdered at my command? They must see it. They must. They are working against me; all of them! My spouse believes I am crazy. Times are delicate, yes. However, they must know the sight of which crossed my gaze this evening. Perhaps she is with them. Does this madness foretell the end of my

reign?