Macbeth
William Shakespeare
Contributed by Sharon Fleming
Act 3 Scene 6
Summary

When Lennox meets with the rebel leader, he expresses doubt in Macbeth’s story. He indicates that by hurriedly killing the King Duncan’s guard, Macbeth has become worse than people accused of killing their kin. In short, Lennox suspects Macbeth may have killed King Duncan and concealed his actions by framing the servants. During his conversation with the rebel leader, Lennox learns Macduff has escaped to England to join forces with Malcolm. In England, Malcolm seeks the help of King Edward the Confessor. Lennox and the rebel leader pray to God for vengeance against whomever might have killed the king. Besides, they also pray for the fall of Macbeth and a quick return stability in Scotland.

Analysis

This scene is difficult to understand. Speech within it is characterized by numerous pauses, suggesting pain. Up until this point, Lennox has been loyal to Macbeth, but he has finally come to question Macbeth’s honesty and integrity. He says that “men must not walk too late.” He also calls Macbeth's celebrations the “tyrant's feast."

The rebel leader’s chief function in the play is to confirm Macduff’s departure to England and the plans to end Macbeth’s reign. The rebel leader also introduces other people who are participating in the rebellion against Macbeth, including Northumberland and Siward. When he says, “We may again / Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights,” Lennox means that Scotland will soon reclaim its glory (32-34).

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