Question

Act 5 Scene 3 1) Who says? "I'll fight until they hack the flesh off my bones. Give me my armor" (What is awkward - the timing - about the person saying this?) 2) Who says "For that kind of relief, the patient must heal herself" (What does the person saying this mean?) Act 5 Scene 4 1) Who says "...... so let's start this war" 2) Who says "..... I hope the time is near when people will be safe in their own bedrooms" (What does the person saying this mean? Why aren't people safe now? What people?) 3) Who says "What forest is this ahead of us? (What is the name of the forest, and why is it mentioned at this point in the play?) Act 5 Scene 5 1) Who says "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow? (Explain in at least ONE GOOD paragraph the significance of this monologue)

Answer 1

In Act 5 Scene 3, Macbeth expresses his determination to fight despite the timing being awkward due to his wife's death. Malcolm explains in Act 5 Scene 3 that true relief comes from the individual taking action. In Act 5 Scene 4, Young Siward shows determination to start the war, and Macduff hopes for a time when people will be safe in their own homes. In Act 5 Scene 4, Macbeth asks about Birnam Wood, which fulfills a prophecy. In Act 5 Scene 5, Macbeth's monologue reflects his despair and nihilism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Act 5 Scene 3:

1. Macbeth says 'I'll fight until they hack the flesh off my bones. Give me my armor.' The awkward timing in his statement is that it comes after he has learned of his wife's death and is on the brink of defeat. It shows his determination and desperation to fight despite the bleak circumstances.
2. Malcolm says 'For that kind of relief, the patient must heal herself.' He means that only the person who is suffering can find true relief and healing by taking action and resolving their own problems.

Act 5 Scene 4:

1. Young Siward says '... so let's start this war.' This statement is made during the Battle of Dunsinane when the forces opposing Macbeth are preparing to fight. It reflects their determination to engage in combat and bring an end to Macbeth's rule.
2. Macduff says '... I hope the time is near when people will be safe in their own bedrooms.' He means that the current situation, where people are not safe in their own homes due to Macbeth's tyranny, needs to change. He longs for a time when people can live without fear and danger.
3. Macbeth says 'What forest is this ahead of us?' The forest mentioned is Birnam Wood. It is mentioned at this point in the play because it fulfills the prophecy that Macbeth received, which stated that he would not be defeated until Birnam Wood moved to Dunsinane. The soldiers approaching with branches from the forest symbolize the movement of the forest and the fulfillment of the prophecy.

Act 5 Scene 5:

Macbeth says 'Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow...' This monologue is significant because it reflects Macbeth's despair and nihilism. He realizes the futility of life and the inevitability of death. The repetition of 'tomorrow' emphasizes the monotonous and meaningless nature of existence.