Macbeth's Descent: Analyzing a Soliloquy in Act V, Scene VII

This assignment presents a creative soliloquy for Macbeth, set in Act V Scene VII after the slaying of Young Siward. The soliloquy delves into Macbeth's psychological state, revealing his internal conflicts, ambition, and descent into madness. It explores his feelings of isolation following Lady Macbeth's suicide and his defiance against Macduff and the English forces. The soliloquy also incorporates hallucinations of Banquo's ghost and Macduff's family, highlighting Macbeth's guilt and paranoia. Despite his deteriorating mental state, Macbeth clings to the witches' prophecies and his belief in his invincibility, ultimately fueling his determination to confront Macduff. This assignment offers a unique interpretation of Macbeth's character at a crucial point in the play, capturing his complex emotions and motivations.

Running head: SOLILOQUY OF MACBETH ACT V SCENE VII
Soliloquy of Macbeth Act V Scene VII
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1Running head: SOLILOQUY OF MACBETH ACT V SCENE VII
Macbeth
Act V Scene VII
Macbeth (after slaying Siward)

2Running head: SOLILOQUY OF MACBETH ACT V SCENE VII
I have killed Young Siward, but I still am in danger of my life. They have already arrived in
the castle and are probably looking for me everywhere (hears the footsteps and the voices of
Macduff and others). But I will not give up… I will not give up without a fight. I will wait for
them here (picks up his sword) and finish them one by one (hears the English soldier’s
footsteps close by) On second thoughts…perhaps it will be better if I retreat to a secure
position. I am injured and perhaps it would not be very wise of me to take on all of them at
one. And (grins evilly) I can finish them in the dark mazes of the castle itself. (Laughs
maniacally, and pats himself on his chest) Oh. Macbeth… Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth !!! you
are such a witty and devious king yourself…. No wonder the three witches proclaimed you as
the ruler of Scotland itself, (then grows angry) … no, what am I saying!! I do not need those
creatures of the night, not their false prophecies… I refuse to believe I became King for them
(punches the wall) I became king on my own terms…. I…. I (punches the wall again) ... I…
became…. king…due to my own ambitions. Old Duncan would have died surely in a year or
two… I just made it quicker for him. And who else would have filled the role of king better
than me …... The Thane of Cawdor himself!!!! Others are not even qualified to be crowned
as the King. Banquo…. Macduff… others…. Not a single one of them deserves to be the
king. It is only I, Macbeth who is fit to be king (suddenly sees Banquo’s ghost staring at him
coldly), No….no…. no…. not you again!!!! Don’t you torment me with your hideous
appearance. You will not torment me again (strikes at the spector with his sword, but nothing
happens…. instead finds the ghosts of Macduff’s wife and children staring at him)
No….no….no…... not you also!!! Why do you keep tormenting me even after I killed you?
You should not have protested against me Banquo… you were one of my good friends…it
was really difficult for me to kill you… but I had to do it… least you would have exposed me
(turns to the ghosts of Macduff’s wife and children) and you… I did not want to kill you. It
was your husband I wanted. He should not have escaped to England. I am sorry……. except I

3Running head: SOLILOQUY OF MACBETH ACT V SCENE VII
am not sorry at all!!!! (starts laughing & points an accusing finger at the ghosts) What did
you think? I would leave you to your doings and face the death penalty myself? No!!! That
was not to happen. (Shouts) I am King Macbeth and I am the one and only true king of
Scotland and there is nothing you or the English forces or Macduff can do about it. The only
true ally I had (grows sober) was my wife. My beautiful devious wife. She was through thick
and thin with all my plans…. My beautiful wife!! She committed suicide leaving me all alone
in the world itself. (Grows angry again) This is all because of that traitor Macduff… planning
to overthrow me eh!! Well… this is not happening!!! (points menacingly to the ghost of Lady
Macduff) I will kill your husband and send him to you. I have nothing to fear… don’t you
know that I cannot be killed by a man born out of his mother’s womb. I will remain the King
forever (picks up his sword) I am confident I can take down the entire army of Macduff by
myself. No one can stop me from remaining the King of Scotland (makes his way to the
direction where Macduff’s voice could be heard) I am coming for you Macduff… the one and
only thorn in my path. Foe so long, you have troubled me with your antics… well, the time
had come for you to meet your end Macduff. I am coming for you. Only one of us is walking
to walk out of this battlefield alive. And I plan it to be me.. which means that you… are going
to die!! I am going to reunite you with your wife and children. Get ready because your life is
about to be over my friend!! (Exits).