answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

When a character in a play says something to another character, that second character has to react to what is being said. Shakespeare chose to have Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene not to be a soliloquy so the Doctor and Waiting-woman can react to what she says and does and explain and comment on it. Many of the things which Macbeth is dealing with in his soliloquys are matters which would cause an extreme reaction in any other character apart from his wife. Take his speech "Prince of Cumberland! That is a step which I must o'erleap, for in my way it lies". How would Duncan, Malcolm, or even Banquo react to that speech? I bet they wouldn't accept any dinner invitations from Macbeth anytime soon.

The other reason that Macbeth has a lot of soliloquys is that he is frequently struggling with issues that concern himself alone. He has to have the argument starting "If 'twere done when 'tis done, then it were well it were done quickly." with himself. If Lady Macbeth were there, she would quash his doubts immediately (as she does later in the scene). If anyone else were there, they would push him too far in the other direction. We need to know where he stands first. In "Is this a dagger which I see before me" he is trying to determine if he is seeing a supernatural object or an illusion. Nobody else can help him here.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why might shakespeare have chosen to have Macbeth reveal his feelings in a soliloquy rather than in a speech to another character?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Does the yellow leaf soliloquy in Macbeth 1) Introduce a character?

No, the yellow leaf soliloquy in Macbeth does not introduce a character. Instead, it reflects on the themes of aging, mortality, and the cycle of life.


Was Macbeth a fictional character made up by Shakespeare?

Macbeth was not a fictional character made up by Shakespeare. He was based on a historical character, although he is not in any way like the real historical Macbeth. Shakespeare took most of the story of Macbeth from the history book Holinshed's Chronicles which contains most of the events shown in the play. Shakespeare did develop the character of Macbeth found in Holinshed, but he did not invent him.


In Act 1 Scene 7 Macbeth is alone speaking his thoughts out loud this is called a .?

In Act 1 Scene 7 of Macbeth, when Macbeth is alone and speaking his thoughts out loud, this is called a soliloquy. It is a dramatic device used to reveal a character's innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience.


What literary term is demonstrated in MacBeth where Banquo is alone and speaking to himself?

The literary term demonstrated in this scene from Macbeth is called a soliloquy. It is when a character speaks their thoughts aloud to themselves, revealing their innermost feelings and intentions to the audience.


Which of Shakespeare's plays has a character named Macbeth?

The play of the same name - Macbeth.


What does the tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow soliloquy reveal about Macbeth?

The "tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow" soliloquy reveals Macbeth's despair and nihilism as he reflects on the fleeting nature of life and his own sense of emptiness. It shows his realization that life is meaningless and that he has been consumed by his ambition, leading to a sense of hopelessness and resignation.


What character type is found in both Welles's as Macbeth and Shakespeare's Macbeth?

The character type found in both Welles's and Shakespeare's Macbeth is a tragic hero. Macbeth's downfall is caused by his actions, such as his ambitious desires and the choices he makes that lead to his ultimate downfall.


What word most clearly identifies Macbeth's feelings in his famous soliloquy after learning of him wife's death?

Guilt. Macbeth's soliloquy after learning of his wife's death reflects his overwhelming guilt and remorse for the actions that led to her demise. He is haunted by his deeds and deeply regrets the path he has chosen.


What character type is found in both Welles's Macbeth and Shakespeare's Macbeth?

They are both tragic heroes.


In Shakespeare's tragedies often the main character is given a chance to say something significant before he dies. What speech might function as Macbeth's farewell even though it doesn't occur in act?

Macbeth's final soliloquy in Act V, Scene 5 ("Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow") can be considered as his farewell speech as it reflects on the meaningless nature of life and his impending death. This soliloquy encapsulates Macbeth's despair and nihilism as he realizes the futility of his actions and the inevitability of his downfall.


Why was Shakespeare's play called Macbeth?

That's the name of the main character.


Is Grouch and Lady Macbeth the same person?

No, Grouch and Lady Macbeth are not the same person. Grouch is a character from Sesame Street, while Lady Macbeth is a character from William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." They are from different works of literature and have different personalities and backgrounds.