Beginning of Essay
The Scottish nation was in turmoil, the mystery surrounding the passing of the great King Duncan and the arrival of his most trusted ally, Macbeth, as the new ruler, something that the English citizens of this period are quite familiar with and nothing could repr ....

Middle of Essay
.... who were familiar with the traditional banquet scene. The places have been previously set with particular reference to rank, thus adding to the formality of the evening. The usual degree of ceremonial pomp occurs as is especially evident in the opening lines of the scene. This scene is abruptly interrupted by one of Macbeth's own assassins, Macbeth must think quickly and provide an excuse, that he may attend to this new arrival. He at once invites his esteemed colleagues to be seated and remain patient then ‘We'll drink a measure.' This choice of words are used to ease the tension that the normally informal Macbeth is obviously feeling at the momen ....