Macbeth · Chapter
Scene III explained
Macbeth, now at Dunsinane, dismisses reports of defections and expresses confidence in the witches' prophecy that no man born of woman can harm him.
What happens
Macbeth, now at Dunsinane, dismisses reports of defections and expresses confidence in the witches' prophecy that no man born of woman can harm him. He learns of the approaching English army, orders his armor, and inquires about Lady Macbeth's health. The doctor reveals she is troubled by 'thick-coming fancies,' and Macbeth laments his lack of honor and love in old age, replaced by curses and mouth-honor.
Themes in this chapter
Guilt and Conscience
Macbeth's reference to Lady Macbeth's 'thick-coming fancies' and his own 'rooted sorrow' highlight the psychological torment of guilt.
Fate vs. Free Will
Macbeth's reliance on the witches' prophecy ('Fear not, Macbeth; no man that's born of woman / Shall e'er have power upon thee') shows his belief in fate, yet his actions reflect a desperate exercise of free will.
Characters to notice
- Macbeth
Defiant and weary, Macbeth clings to the witches' prophecy but reveals inner despair over his hollow life.
- Doctor
Reports Lady Macbeth's mental affliction and admits he cannot cure her; privately wishes to leave Dunsinane.
- Seyton
Attends Macbeth, confirming reports and assisting with armor.
- Lady Macbeth
Mentioned as suffering from 'thick-coming fancies' that disturb her rest.
Key passages
“Bring me no more reports; let them fly all: Till Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane, I cannot taint with fear.”
I don't want to hear any more news; let the thanes flee. Until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane, I will not be infected with fear.
Macbeth expresses his confidence in the witches' prophecy that he is safe until an impossible event occurs.
“Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased, Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow, Raze out the written troubles of the brain And with some sweet oblivious antidote Cleanse the stuff'd bosom of that perilous stuff Which weighs upon the heart?”
Can't you treat a sick mind, remove a deep-seated sorrow from memory, erase the troubles written in the brain, and with some pleasant forgetfulness cleanse the burdened heart of that dangerous weight?
Macbeth asks the doctor if he can cure Lady Macbeth's mental anguish, revealing his own understanding of guilt's psychological toll.
“I have lived long enough: my way of life Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf; And that which should accompany old age, As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, I must not look to have; but, in their stead, Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not.”
I have lived long enough: my life has withered like a yellow leaf. Instead of the honor, love, loyalty, and friends that should come with old age, I have only quiet curses, insincere praise, and empty words that my heart wants to reject but dares not.
Macbeth laments the emptiness of his kingship, recognizing that he has lost all meaningful companionship and is left with hollow respect.