Act 1 Scene 7

• What happens in Act 1 Scene 7 in Macbeth?

  Macbeth contemplates killing Duncan. Macbeth knows that his actions will have consequences. LM tries to manipulate him into going through with the murder of Duncan.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly'?

  1. Uses the word 'it' because M(Macbeth) doesn't want to say kill.
  2. Wants to kill Duncan quickly because M doesn't want Duncan in pain.
  3. M may not kill D (Duncan).
• What does it mean when M says, 'that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague th' inventor'?

  M is becoming paranoid and is afraid of the consequences.
• What does it mean when M says, 'He's here in double trust'?

  1. M shouldn't kill D.
  2. D is a good king and doesn't deserve to be killed.
  3. It goes against God.
• What does it mean when M says, 'I have no spur To prick the sies of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself'?

  M isn't ready to kill D and he has no reason to kill D. Ms' ambition will lead to bad things.
• What does it mean when M says, 'We will proceed no further in this business'?

  Macbeth decides not to go through with the murder of King Duncan.
• What does it mean when LM says, 'Was the hope drunk wherein you dressed yourself'?

  M was brave and confident but now he isn't so LM can't believe how quickly his personality has changed.
• What does it mean when LM says, 'plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this'?

  It means Lady Macbeth would have killed her own child to keep a promise, just as Macbeth promised to kill Duncan.

  1. LM is trying to manipulate M.
  2. 'boneless gums' shows the destruction of innocents.
  3. 'dashed the brains out' shows LM is extremely violent.
• What does it mean when M says, 'Bring forth men-children only'?

  1. LM is a terrible woman.
  2. LM is only fit to raise men.
  3. Not enough space for women like LM.
• What does it mean when M says, 'False face must hide what the false heart doth know'?

  1. links to the quote 'innocent flower but be the serpent under it'
  2. M has to start lying to everyone and he can't trust anyone.