Act 1 Scenes 4-7

In scene four on page 44, Malcolm speaks of the traitor Macdonwald, "nothing in his life became him like the leaving of it. He died as one that had been studied in his death, to throw away the dearest thing he owed as 'twere a careless trifle." My this Malcolm means that Macdonwald's life meant nothing and the only importance that came out of his existence was his death. He knew that he would die and how he would die. This quote serves to mirror the image of disease and death. On page 46, Duncan says to Banquo, "Welcome hither: I have begun to plant thee, and will labour to make thee full of growing..." Banquo replies, "There if I grow, the harvest is your own." Duncan means that he is expressing goodwill towards Banquo and hopes that Banquo will benefit from it. Banquo's response means that Banquo hopes that any benefit of their relationship will be that of the King. There are many additional examples of disease and distruction. In scene 6, Macbeth says, “…which being taught return to plague th’inventor; this even handed justice comments th’ingredience of our poisoned chalice…” He speaks that fair justice will result in Macbeth dieing because of the foul deeds eh has wrought.