Macbeth: Act 1 Scene 6 - Summary

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Macbeth Act 1 Scene 6 - Notes

Macbeth Act 1 Scene 6 - Quotes & Explanations:

Lady Macbeth
All our service,
In every point twice done and then done double,
Were poor and single business to contend
Against those honors deep and broad wherewith
Your Majesty loads our house.

1.6.18-22

Why it’s important

Here, Lady Macbeth is lying through her teeth while still managing to profoundly impress Duncan. She’s basically saying that in preparation for Duncan, her and her servants prepared every aspect of this dinner four times over - but that was nothing in comparison to the deep honors which Duncan brings them by visiting. Her quote can be seen as having a double meaning, since we know that she’s planning something evil - if it’s as much as murder (which we’ll find out it is), then indeed, she’s getting the biggest honors due to Duncan’s arrival.

Symbolism, themes, and motifs related to this quote

  • Deception

What do Duncan and Banquo say about Macbeth's castle?

It's beautiful and the air is nice
It's got great scenery and the wind is nice
The air is delicate, nimble, and sweetly recommends itself unto "our" gentle senses
The castle is nice but a little cold
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What does Duncan ask Lady Macbeth for?

Her hand, so she may lead him into the castle
For Macbeth, because he doesn't really have any business with her
For more seats at the table, since he's brought a lot more Thanes to party than he thought he would
For Macbeth to come out so that they may walk in to the castle together
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Who arrives at Inverness with Duncan?

Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, Angus, Macbeth
Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, Angus
Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, The Captain, Lennox, Macduff, Ross,
Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, Angus
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