Macbeth Explication: "If it were done when 'tis done"

The final scene of the first act opens up with a powerful soliloquy presented by Macbeth, “If it were done when ‘tis done…” (I.7.1-28). Shakespeare uses various literary techniques to express the ideas rushing through Macbeth’s mind prior to the murder of Duncan in his home. In previous scenes, Macbeth has been told prophecies of his future predicting him as king of Scotland, Duncan’s current position. Macbeth, with the aid of his wife, sees this task accomplishable only by the murder of the current king. This soliloquy presents itself at a crucial point of decision, only hours before the opportune minute of attackThe soliloquy opens with Macbeth’s ideas on how he would hope the murder to be. “If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well / It were done quickly” (I.7.1-2). These two lines show how indecisive Macbeth is about committing the crime. He is saying that if the murder be done, it should be done fast.

Duncan Patterson & Chorus

The English actor Charles Kean as William Shakespe...

The sleepwalking Lady Macbeth

The “if” shows that Macbeth is unsure that he wants to follow through with the initial plan. Shakespeare also shows that Macbeth wishes to get it over and done with, showing haste and not thinking it out properly.

“If the assassination / Could trammel up the consequence, and catch / With his surcease success; that but this blow / Might be the be-all and the end-all here, / But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, / We'd jump the life to come.” (I.7.2-7). Here, Shakespeare uses a metaphor to compare the murder as something that could be caught and once caught; it would not yield any consequences. He then goes on to say that in the real-world, this cannot be true. Shakespeare craft fully shows that Macbeth knows that their will be consequences to the...