Dear Lady Macbeth,
I am pleased to inform you I, Macbeth, have led the Scots to victory, again, against the Norwegians. I killed Macdonald, with my own hands. I could not resist. I am on my way home to you, my dearest.
Before I end, there is something I am concerned about. You must not speak the next words you will read to anyone. A supernatural soliciting occurred on the heath. Three creatures, three witches approached me and Banquo and spoke. “Hail, thane of Glamis. Hail, thane of Cawdor. Hail, that shalt be king hereafter.” Do they speak the truth? Will I be king? I hath been appointed thane of Cawdor, by the king. They said I will be king, however Banquo’s offspring shall be heir to the throne. How can this be? Is my mind a trickster?
My companion, I rush home. I need guidance, I am a blind child in a dark forest.
By your devotee Macbeth,
April 21, 2014 at 10:11 am
Hello Brook,
Your letter shows a good understanding of Macbeth’s character and the events of the preceding scenes.
In Shakespeare’s original text, Macbeth does not refer to the witches as witches at this point in the play. Why do you think this is?
Thanks,
Mr North
April 23, 2014 at 7:56 am
Thank you again for letting us analyse this in class, you did a really good job of being our author for exploring authorial intentions!
As discussed in class, I think your use of questions aptly shows Macbeth’s confusion.
I particularly enjoy the last line ‘I am a blind child in a dark forest’ – it’s just excellent language. It is interesting that you consider Macbeth ‘weak’, ‘honest’ (or something else?) enough to say this to his wife.
Further target to mention: make sure to pay attention to all language choices so that the tone is consistent, for example: ‘he had it coming’ is perhaps too modern for this letter although the meaning is apt.
May 14, 2014 at 9:59 pm
Macbeth did not refer to the witches as witches because he could still be in shock or such disbelief that he is trying to eradicate the thought of having a supernatural occurrence.
I will have to read this part again which might give me another.
May 14, 2014 at 10:01 pm
Just a little add-on, my name is spelled Bruke not Brook. (It might be spell check).
Thank you for your cooperation.