Write a note on the soliloquies in "Macbeth".

Write a note on the soliloquies in “Macbeth”.

Ans.

1. Introduction

A soliloquy is a very popular dramatic device in the tragedies Shakespeare. In a Shakespearean tragedy, it is used frequently with great dramatic effect. A soliloquy is a kind of dialogue with the self. Etymologically, it means a speaking while one is quite alone. In literary art, a soliloquy is a solitary oral expression of one single speaker. Other character present on the stage are not supposed to hear. However, The audience can well understand its significance. In drama, a soliloquy is used to reveal the innermost thoughts of the speaker. It also conveys to the audience such information as can not be obtained either from the action or the dialogue. Thus through his soliloquies, the speaker expresses his inner most feelings. He also reveals his spiritual or moral conflicts and emotional struggle. Thus the hidden secrets of his heart are disclosed. The inner or spiritual tragedy produces the real tragic effect which is expressed only by a soliloquy. Thus soliloquies are very significant in Shakespearean tragedies.

2. The purpose of Soliloquies

The protagonist reveals his character and destiny through self revelation. Generally, the soliloquies serve two purposes. They reveal the motives and purposes of the speaker, and they help to define the action of the play. Macbeth’s soliloquies reveal his motives and purposes. His soliloquies also disclose his greatness. Macbeth’s soliloquies reveal the reality of his character. The most inner truths of his character are also revealed.

3. Soliloquies in Macbeth

Macbeth’s soliloquies are significant from the point of view of plot as well as character. They reveal Macbeth’s real intention and Character. They also create a sense of suspense and mystery. By removing the obscurity of the play, the soliloquies comment upon the incident of the drama. Like the longer soliloquies; the short asides are also very significant. They make the plot more effective and successful. Macbeth’s soliloquies are also superb examples of artistic diction. It is strange but quite admirable. It diverts our attention from the moral evil and villainy of the man. The artistic skill, wit and frankness of Macbeth’s soliloquies thrill us with immense wonder. By striking our sense of admiration and pity, these soliloquies also signify the tragic destiny of the hero.

4. Soliloquies Reveal Macbeth’s Nature and Inner Personality

Macbeth’s soliloquies reveal his true Nature and inner personality. Shakespeare conceive human nature as a fine blending of good and evil. The tragedy arises when the good and evil are in direct conflict with each other. Macbeth’s soliloquies reveal this fact. He is a man of vaulting ambition that destroys all his moral sense in the achievement of its end. However, the moral sense is not altogether dead in Macbeth. He is gifted with a high power of imagination which is cause of his hesitation before committing Duncan’s murder. This imagination also brings a sense of terror and remorse. Macbeth becomes an object of pity. His great imagination clearly shown his sense of fear due to the consequences of Duncan’s murder. This imagination also brings a sense to terror and remorse. Macbeth becomes an object of pity. His great imagination clearly shows his sense of fear due to consequences of Duncan’s murder.

“That but this blow

Might be the be all and end of all here,

But here, upon this bank and shoal of time

We’ld jump the life to come.”

5. Soliloquies and imaginations

The soliloquies and asides of Macbeth are the product of his imagination. Bradley had rightly remarked that if Macbeth had obeyed his imagination, he would have been safe. In his very first soliloquy, we witness the great power of Macbeth’s imagination. Macbeth had never exposes his royal ambition, the third prophecy of the witches expresses his guilt. Macbeth feels exposed and terribly frightened by the horrible imaginings.

“Why do I yield to that suggestion

Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair.”

Macbeth’s second soliloquy occurs when he meets King Duncan. His guilty ambition and horrible thoughts frighten him again.

“Stars, hide your fires

Let not light see my blank and deep desires.”

In his third and most significant soliloquy, we observe a direct conflict between his guilt and conscience, loyalty and ingratitude, and present fears and future consequences. Macbeth clearly feels that murder never remains secret. He deeply analyses his own arguments and finally no justification in the murder of Duncan, “only vaulting ambition, which overleaps itself.”

In another soliloquy preceding the famous bouquet scene, Macbeth expresses his repentance. His last soliloquy comes before his final destruction. Macbeth is now completely disillusioned. All his hopes have been shattered.

Lady Macbeth also speaks a few soliloquies. Some of her soliloquies reveal her cruelty and mercilessness. In a soliloquy. Banquo expresses the secret of Duncan’s murder.”

6. Conclusion

Thus soliloquies reveal the innermost working of the minds of the leading characters. They constitute a kind of spiritual autobiography. A soliloquy is really a psycho-analysis of a character and reveals the inner personality of the character.