Question

Analyze how is Macbeth's conflict intensified by the events in scene 4? What lines from his aside in scene 4 (lines 48-53) develop the audience's understanding of this conflict?

Answer 1

Macbeth's aside in Scene 4 (lines 48-53) intensifies his inner conflict and helps the audience understand his psychological turmoil and reliance on fate, marking a turning point in his character as he abandons his moral compass.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Macbeth, Scene 4, the conflict within Macbeth is intensified by the events surrounding the discovery of King Duncan's murder. When Macbeth speaks aside in lines 48-53, saying, "Come what come may, Time and the hour runs through the roughest day," he reveals his inner conflict between his ambition and his understanding of the natural order.

This aside develops the audience's understanding of Macbeth's conflict by indicating that although he is anxious about the consequences of his actions, he is resigned to letting future events unfold as they may. This moment also marks a critical turning point in Macbeth's character, as he begins to rely on fate and time to deal with his troubles, instead of his own moral compass.

The subsequent lines showcase Macbeth's struggle to maintain composure and provide excuses for his actions, demonstrating the psychological turmoil he faces and the consequences of his ambition.

Answer 2

Macbeth's conflict is intensified when Duncan names Malcolm as the "Prince of Cumberland", which means he is next in line for the throne.

When Macbeth says "that is a step / on which I must fall down or else o'erleap / for in my way it lies" he is saying that now Malcolm is in his way on his path for the throne and he now has to figure out a way to either jump over Malcolm or it will cause him to fall.