Scene Summary
This scene begins with the thane Lennox meeting another unnamed lord. He speaks to the lord about the mysterious events currently occurring in Scotland, including the deaths of Duncan and Banquo. He suggests that Fleance may have killed his father, much like Malcolm and Donalbain were suspected to have killed Duncan. In a sarcastic tone, he praises Macbeth for killing Duncan’s two servants while drunk and asleep, stating it was “nobly done? Ay and wisely too.” He declares that Malcolm and Donalbain are better off not being captured by Macbeth before inquiring about Macduff, who he claims is living in disgrace. The lord responds that he is with Malcolm, who has found himself in the English court, and is expected by King Edward. He reveals that Macduff has joined with Malcolm to aid him in forming an alliance with Siward, the Lord of Northumberland. Macduff, he explains, wishes to bring peace and prosperity back to Scotland, free from Macbeth’s tyranny. Hearing the news that Macduff has betrayed him, Macbeth is preparing for war. The lord continues, stating that Macbeth sent a messenger to retrieve Macduff back to Scotland but was refused. Lennox seems pleased with the news, saying it would be good for a messenger to tell Macduff to return swiftly to free Scotland from oppression.
Scene Analysis
This scene at first appears confusing, as the words spoken and tone seem to shift from supporting Macbeth to actively plotting against him. However, this makes a lot more sense when we realise this scene is highly sarcastic! Lennox is one of the more prominent thanes, as throughout the play, he and Ross seem to have the most dialogue and influence over events. This is important to note, as by using a character as established as Lennox to be the first direct voice against Macbeth, Shakespeare gives weight to the rebellion. When analysing Lennox’s lines about “noble Macbeth” slaying Duncan’s two servants before they could commit their crime and men being careful about walking out too late, it becomes clear he is mocking Macbeth and beginning to see his true nature as king. The previous scene with Hecate demonstrated the spiritual foreshadowing of Macbeth’s downfall, but this scene is the opposite, showing the political fallout of Macbeth’s tyranny. The mention of Macduff fleeing to England and Malcolm’s alliance with Siward all foreshadow the war to come, and truly highlight the terrible position Macbeth has put himself in. Shakespeare is seemingly trying to punish Macbeth’s hubris as much as possible, as both his spiritual and political worlds begin to collapse in on him. With the knowledge that Macbeth is going to visit the witches again and Macduff’s defiance learned from Lennox, Shakespeare establishes and foreshadows the play’s dramatic and tragic climax, with Macbeth’s second set of prophecies, the annihilation of Macduff’s family, and the war for the Scottish throne to come!
