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In Macbeth抯 soliloquy in Act I, scene 7, Macbeth hesitates because of both pragmatic and moral causes; although, his moral scruples seem to overpower the pragmatic arguments. Macbeth is torn between these two issues, and his unique way of deciphering his problems is exhibited in this scene.
Macbeth feels that if he were to assassinate the king, Duncan, that he better do it soon. The first line of Act I, scene 7 begins with, 揑f it were done when 憈is done, then 憈were well; It were done quickly.?So, basically, Macbeth feels that if the crime was committed when it needed to be, and if it were done quickly, then he would be safe. This argument is a moral concern toward Macbeth, this is the first thought that comes to his mind, because it is exhibited in the fist line of his soliloquy.
Macbeth is hesitant to murder Duncan, because he feels that he would be eternally punished in hell for committing such a heinous crime. Macbeth expresses these feelings in lines 7-10, 揃ut here upon this bank and shoal of time; We抎 jump the life to come.?The 搇ife to come? is the afterlife, which would be an eternity of suffering for Macbeth, because of his assassination of Duncan. Thus, making this argument a moral concern, and one of Macbeth抯 overpowering arguments in his soliloquy.
Macbeth feels that if he were to succeed the throne from Duncan, the common people would feel a sense of mistrust toward Macbeth. Macbeth expresses these thoughts in lines 7-10, 揕ines 7-10: 揥e still have judgment here, that we but teach bloody instructions, which, being taught, return to plague th?inventor.?So, this quote basically means that Macbeth feels that the 揵loody instructions?are the plans to kill Duncan, and that if he were to go through with those plans, the 揵loody instructions?would eventually lead back to Macbeth (搑eturn to plague th?inventor). In addition, the common people would...