Close Reading Assignment 3

Shakespeare has deliberately used personification in Macbeth’s soliloquy in act 1 scene 7, to further portray the effect that the witches fortune has had on him, and how it presents itself through his actions. During this entire soliloquy, Macbeth is contemplating his desires to become King, due to the morality concerns of the actions necessary to get there. During Macbeth’s soliloquy he proclaims that, “This even-handed justice Commends th’ ingredience of our poisoned chalice to our own lips” (1.7.9-11).  Shakespeare personifies his reference to justice, by suggesting that ‘justice’ will deliver their fate. He implies that Justice is alive and will recognize any immoral behavior and sinners will be punished accordingly.  Justice is defined as morally correct behaviour or treatment, which is the focus of the entire passage, yet the personification makes it more dramatic. Throughout this soliloquy it is evident that Macbeth is questioning the plan to murder Duncan.  Macbeth’s ambition is becoming more evident and in this passage he is trying to justify the murder saying that Duncan will enjoy heaven and that he will be welcomed.  In the line “that his virtues will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued” [1.7.19]. Shakespeare uses the simile ‘like angels’ to show just how virtuous Duncan is, almost trying to convince himself that the King should be murdered so that Heaven will benefit.   He uses another simile in the line “like a newborn babe striding the blast” to compare the King to a child without any sins, depicting Duncan as innocent [1.7.21-22].  Macbeth’s dilemma becomes very obvious in this passage because he talks about the Kings innocence and goodness and yet still cannot seem to tame his ambition to be King himself, regardless of the morality issues.