“To Meet with Macbeth,” given by tutor Louis ... - St. John's College

Act I. Fifth Meeting.
More The Man.
The “most kind hostess” conducts “this night’s great business” well (II.i.16). She treats Duncan
to an evening of “unusual pleasure” that will send him to bed “soundly invite[d],” “shut up/In
measureless content” (I.vii.63; II.i.13, 17). Macbeth, however, having business still to conduct with
himself, leaves the music, dancing, and feasting to debate the assassination. He makes powerful
arguments and sees haunting images against the deed, while only weak conditionals speak in its favor.
“Vaulting ambition,” the only “spur” left after introspection “to prick the sides of [his] intent” is not
enough (I.vii.25- 27). At this point, having fallen off from his high purpose to the unnamed other side of
the hereafter:
Enter LadyMacbeth
Macbeth.
How now! What news?
Lady Macbeth.
He has almost supped. Why have you left the chamber?
Macbeth.
Hath he asked for me?
Lady Macbeth.
Know you not he has?
(I.vii.28-30)
Macbeth pretends that Duncan’s favors to the Lady and her attentions to him will make his absence
from the table appear unremarkable. She implies harshly what he must know--that Duncan’s visit is for
the sake of keeping Macbeth at the table, eating and drinking, talking, receiving gifts, and then going to
bed pleased and honored, like most serviceable gentlemen. So Macbeth simply tells her what she must
suspect from his character:
Macbeth.
We will proceed no further in this business:
(I.vii.31)
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