Macbeth

Summary:
The play begins with the brief appearance of a trio of witches and then moves to a military
camp, where the Scottish King Duncan hears the news that his generals, Macbeth and
Banquo, have defeated two separate invading armies—one from Ireland, led by the rebel
Macdonwald, and one from Norway. Following their pitched battle with these enemy forces,
Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches as they cross a moor. The witches prophesy
that Macbeth will be made thane (a rank of Scottish nobility) of Cawdor and eventually King
of Scotland. They also prophesy that Macbeth’s companion, Banquo, will beget a line of
Scottish kings, although Banquo will never be king himself.

The witches vanish, and Macbeth and Banquo treat their prophecies skeptically until some of
King Duncan’s men come to thank the two generals for their victories in battle and to tell
Macbeth that he has indeed been named thane of Cawdor. The previous thane betrayed
Scotland by fighting for the Norwegians and Duncan has condemned him to death. Macbeth
is intrigued by the possibility that the remainder of the witches’ prophecy—that he will be
crowned king—might be true, but he is uncertain what to expect. He visits with King Duncan,
and they plan to dine together at Inverness, Macbeth’s castle, that night. Macbeth writes
ahead to his wife, Lady Macbeth, telling her all that has happened.

Lady Macbeth suffers none of her husband’s uncertainty. She desires the kingship for him
and wants him to murder Duncan in order to obtain it. When Macbeth arrives at Inverness,
she overrides all of her husband’s objections and persuades him to kill the king that very
night. He and Lady Macbeth plan to get Duncan’s two chamberlains drunk so they will black
out; the next morning they will blame the murder on the chamberlains, who will be
defenseless, as they will remember nothing. While Duncan is asleep, Macbeth stabs him,
despite his doubts and a number of supernatural portents, including a vision of a bloody
dagger. When Duncan’s death is discovered the next morning, Macbeth kills the
chamberlains—ostensibly out of rage at their crime—and easily assumes the kingship.
Duncan’s sons Malcolm and Donalbain flee to England and Ireland, respectively, fearing that
whoever killed Duncan desires their demise as well.

Fearful of the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s heirs will seize the throne, Macbeth hires a
group of murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. They ambush Banquo on his way to
a royal feast, but they fail to kill Fleance, who escapes into the night. Macbeth becomes
furious: as long as Fleance is alive, he fears that his power remains insecure. At the feast
that night, Banquo’s ghost visits Macbeth. When he sees the ghost, Macbeth raves fearfully,
startling his guests, who include most of the great Scottish nobility. Lady Macbeth tries to
neutralize the damage, but Macbeth’s kingship incites increasing resistance from his nobles
and subjects.
Frightened, Macbeth goes to visit the witches in their cavern. There, they show him a
sequence of demons and spirits who present him with further prophecies: he must beware of
Macduff, a Scottish nobleman who opposed Macbeth’s accession to the throne; he is
incapable of being harmed by any man born of woman; and he will be safe until Birnam
Wood comes to Dunsinane Castle. Macbeth is relieved and feels secure, because he knows
that all men are born of women and that forests cannot move. When he learns that Macduff
has fled to England to join Malcolm, Macbeth orders that Macduff’s castle be seized and,
most cruelly, that Lady Macduff and her children be murdered.

When news of his family’s execution reaches Macduff in England, he is stricken with grief
and vows revenge. Prince Malcolm, Duncan’s son, has succeeded in raising an army in
England, and Macduff joins him as he rides to Scotland to challenge Macbeth’s forces. The
invasion has the support of the Scottish nobles, who are appalled and frightened by
Macbeth’s tyrannical and murderous behavior. Lady Macbeth, meanwhile, becomes plagued
with fits of sleepwalking in which she bemoans what she believes to be bloodstains on her
hands. Before Macbeth’s opponents arrive, Macbeth receives news that she has killed
herself, causing him to sink into a deep and pessimistic despair. Nevertheless, he awaits the
English and fortifies Dunsinane, to which he seems to have withdrawn in order to defend
himself, certain that the witches’ prophecies guarantee his invincibility. He is struck numb
with fear, however, when he learns that the English army is advancing on Dunsinane
shielded with boughs cut from Birnam Wood. Birnam Wood is indeed coming to Dunsinane,
fulfilling half of the witches’ prophecy.

In the battle, Macbeth hews violently, but the English forces gradually overwhelm his army
and castle. On the battlefield, Macbeth encounters the vengeful Macduff, who declares that
he was not “of woman born” but was instead “untimely ripped” from his mother’s womb (what
we now call birth by cesarean section). Though he realizes that he is doomed, Macbeth
continues to fight until Macduff kills and beheads him. Malcolm, now the King of Scotland,
declares his benevolent intentions for the country and invites all to see him crowned at
Scone.

Theme:
●​ Themes in Macbeth: The video discusses three main themes in Macbeth: the
supernatural, fate vs. free will, and appearance vs. reality.
●​ Supernatural Significance: The play incorporates supernatural elements like witches,
reflecting the popular culture and beliefs of the time.
●​ Doubt and Ambition: Characters like Banquo and Macbeth show skepticism towards the
supernatural but are driven by ambition to interact with it.
●​ Fate vs. Free Will: The play explores whether characters' actions are predetermined by
fate or if they have the free will to shape their destinies.
●​ Deception and Guilt: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hide their true intentions behind a
facade, leading to mental distress and hallucinations.
●​ Consequences of Actions: The blurred lines between appearance and reality ultimately
lead to the downfall of the characters.
Character Analysis:
Macbeth:
1.​ Initial Heroic Image: Macbeth starts as a brave war hero highly regarded by King
Duncan and others.
2.​ Ambition and Guilt: His fatal flaw is overwhelming ambition, which leads to inner
conflict and guilt.
3.​ Influence of Supernatural: Macbeth's actions are influenced by the prophecies of
witches, leading him down a dark path.
4.​ Paranoia and Desperation: As he becomes king, Macbeth's paranoia grows, leading
to more ruthless actions to secure his position.
5.​ Tragic Downfall: Despite his initial bravery, Macbeth's ambition and moral conflicts
ultimately lead to his tragic downfall.

Lady Macbeth:

1.​ Ambitious: Lady Macbeth is driven by a strong desire for power and status, pushing
her husband to take drastic actions to fulfill their ambitions.
2.​ Manipulative: She uses her persuasive skills to convince Macbeth to commit murder
and seize the throne, showing her ability to influence others.
3.​ Ruthless: Lady Macbeth is willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve her goals,
showing a lack of compassion or remorse for the consequences of her actions.
4.​ Guilty: Despite her tough exterior, Lady Macbeth is haunted by guilt and remorse for
her role in the murders, leading to her mental breakdown.
5.​ Complex: Her character is multi-dimensional, revealing vulnerability and inner turmoil
beneath her facade of strength and ambition.
6.​ Tragic: Lady Macbeth's ambition ultimately leads to her downfall, serving as a
cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and moral compromise.
Macduff:

1.​ Loyal: Macduff is fiercely loyal to his country and the rightful king, Duncan.
2.​ Courageous: He shows great courage in confronting Macbeth and seeking justice for
his family.
3.​ Determined: Macduff is determined to overthrow Macbeth and restore order to
Scotland.
4.​ Family Man: His love for his family is a driving force behind his actions against
Macbeth.
5.​ Honest: Macduff is straightforward and honest in his dealings with others.
Banquo:

1.​ Honorable: Banquo is a noble and honorable character who resists the temptations
of the witches.
2.​ Cautious: He is cautious and skeptical of the witches' prophecies, unlike Macbeth.
3.​ Brave: Banquo displays bravery in battle and in facing the challenges presented by
Macbeth.
4.​ Wisdom: He shows wisdom in his interactions with Macbeth, recognizing the danger
in his ambition.
5.​ Trustworthy: Banquo is a trustworthy friend to Macbeth, but ultimately becomes a
threat to his rule.

What are the key events that lead to Macbeth becoming king?

The key events that lead to Macbeth becoming king are as follows:

1.​ Macbeth and his friend Banquo encounter witches who prophesy that Macbeth will
become the Thane of Cawdor and later the king of Scotland.
2.​ Macbeth is promoted to the Thane of Cawdor, which makes him believe in the
witches' prophecy.
3.​ Lady Macbeth, Macbeth's wife, convinces him to murder King Duncan to fulfill the
prophecy.
4.​ Macbeth kills King Duncan and becomes the king of Scotland.
5.​ Macbeth's reign is plagued by guilt, paranoia, and further acts of violence to secure
his position as king.

What is Macbeth's fatal flaw that ultimately leads to his downfall?

Macbeth's fatal flaw, which ultimately leads to his downfall, is his overwhelming ambition and
desire for power. This ambition, coupled with a guilty conscience and susceptibility to
supernatural influences, drives him to commit heinous acts in pursuit of his goals.

Excelsior
Summary:
The poem "Excelsior" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is about a young man who is
determined to reach the summit of a mountain, despite the challenges and obstacles he
faces along the way. He carries a banner with the word "Excelsior" (meaning "ever upward")
as a symbol of his determination and perseverance. Despite warnings from others to turn
back, he continues on his journey, driven by his ambition and desire to achieve greatness.
Ultimately, the poem conveys the message of striving for excellence and never giving up on
one's dreams.
Theme:
Some possible themes of "Excelsior" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that can be easily
understood by a class 9 student are:

1. Never give up: The poem encourages us to keep trying and never give up, even when
faced with challenges.

2. Aim high: The word "Excelsior" means "ever upward" and reminds us to set high goals
and strive for greatness.

3. Follow your dreams: The young man in the poem is determined to achieve something
great, teaching us to pursue our dreams and aspirations.

4. Be independent: The young man in the poem is on a solitary journey, showing us the
importance of being independent and following our own path.

5. Make the most of life: The poem reminds us that life is short, urging us to make the most
of our time and work towards achieving our goals.

Stanza Analysis
Stanza 1:
The shades of night were falling fast,
As through an Alpine village passed
A youth, who bore, 'mid snow and ice,
A banner with the strange device,
Excelsior!

Analysis: In this stanza, we see a young man traveling through an Alpine village carrying a banner
with the word "Excelsior" on it. The setting is in the evening as darkness is falling. This sets the
scene for the journey the young man is about to undertake.

Stanza 2:
His brow was sad; his eye beneath,
Flashed like a falchion from its sheath,
And like a silver clarion rung
The accents of that unknown tongue,
Excelsior!

Analysis: In this stanza, we learn that the young man appears determined and focused, with a
sad expression on his face but a determined look in his eye. His speech is described as being
powerful and unknown, adding to the mystery and intrigue of his character.
Stanza 3:
In happy homes he saw the light
Of household fires gleam warm and bright;
Above, the spectral glaciers shone,
And from his lips escaped a groan,
Excelsior!

Analysis: In this stanza, the young man passes by happy homes with warm fires, but he is not
distracted by their comfort. He is focused on the distant, cold glaciers and lets out a sigh or
groan, suggesting that he is aware of the challenges ahead but remains determined to continue
his journey.

Stanza 4:
"Try not the Pass!" the old man said;
"Dark lowers the tempest overhead,
The roaring torrent is deep and wide!"
And loud that clarion voice replied,
Excelsior!

Analysis: In this stanza, an old man warns the young traveler about the dangers of the mountain
pass, advising him not to attempt it. However, the young man is resolute and responds with
determination, shouting "Excelsior!" in defiance of the warnings.

Stanza 5:
"Oh stay," the maiden said, "and rest
Thy weary head upon this breast!"
A tear stood in his bright blue eye,
But still he answered, with a sigh,
Excelsior!

Analysis: In this stanza, a maiden tries to persuade the young man to stay and rest, showing
concern for his well-being. The young man is moved by her kindness, as indicated by the tear in
his eye, but he remains committed to his journey with a sense of resignation, uttering "Excelsior!"
once again.

Stanza 6:
"Beware the pine-tree's withered branch!
Beware the awful avalanche!"
This was the peasant's last Good-night,
A voice replied, far up the height,
Excelsior!

Analysis: In this final stanza, a peasant warns the young man of the dangers ahead, including
falling branches and avalanches. Despite these warnings, the young man's determination
remains unshaken as a voice from above echoes the word "Excelsior!" reaffirming his
commitment to continue his upward journey.

Stanza 7:
"At break of day, as heavenward
The pious monks of Saint Bernard
Uttered the oft-repeated prayer,
A voice cried through the startled air,
Excelsior!"

Analysis:In this stanza, at the dawn of the day, the monks of Saint Bernard are praying as they
usually do. Suddenly, a voice cries out loudly, saying "Excelsior!" This interrupts the monks and
surprises them.

Stanza 8:
"A traveller, by the faithful hound,
Half-buried in the snow was found,
Still grasping in his hand of ice
That banner with the. strange device,
Excelsior!"

Analysis:Here, a traveler is discovered by a loyal dog, partly covered by snow. The traveler is
frozen, holding tightly to a banner with the word "Excelsior" on it. This indicates that the traveler
was on a journey, possibly representing his determination or aspiration.

Stanza 8:
"There in the twilight, cold and gray,
Lifeless, but beautiful, he lay,
And from the sky, serene and far,
A voice fell, like a falling star
Excelsior!"

Analysis:In the twilight, which is dim and cold, the traveler lies lifeless but still has a sense of
beauty about him. From the distant and peaceful sky, a voice is heard, falling like a shooting star,
repeating the word "Excelsior." This suggests a sense of transcendence or elevation beyond
earthly existence.

Figurative Language
1. **Simile:**
- "Flashed like a falchion from its sheath" - comparing the brightness or intensity of the young
man's eye to a sword being drawn from its sheath.
- "And like a silver clarion rung" - likening the sound of the young man's voice to the clear,
ringing tone of a silver trumpet.

2. **Metaphor:**
- "The shades of night were falling fast" - metaphorically describing the approach of darkness
using the word "shades."
- "Above, the spectral glaciers shone" - comparing the glaciers to ghosts or specters, using the
word "spectral."
3. **Personification:**
- "His brow was sad; his eye beneath" - attributing human emotions (sadness) to inanimate
objects (the young man's brow).
- "And from his lips escaped a groan" - giving the lips the ability to "escape" a sound (a groan) as
if they have a will of their own.

4. **Symbolism:**
- The word "Excelsior" itself serves as a symbol of aspiration, determination, and the pursuit of
something higher or greater.
- The contrast between the warm, bright household fires and the cold, imposing glaciers
symbolizes the allure of comfort and familiarity versus the challenge of striving for something
more difficult and distant.

5. **Alliteration:**
- "Flashed like a falchion from its sheath" - repetition of the "f" sound.
- "And like a silver clarion rung" - repetition of the "l" sound.
- These instances of alliteration help to create rhythm and emphasize the vivid imagery.