Macbeth's Promotion

(The curtain rises to show King Duncan sitting on a chair, alone on stage. A few other chairs and a table are on stage to make it look like a meeting room. Three guards escort Macbeth into the scene.)

Duncan: Good morning brave Macbeth. (standing up and shaking Macbeth’s hand)

(Macbeth bows and they stand facing each other)

Macbeth: You wanted to speak with me Your Majesty?

Duncan: Ah, yes. (nodding) I was hoping to congratulate you on your achievements in the recent battle. You fought skillfully and showed wonderful leadership and improvisation when the general’s plan failed. You truly are a natural leader.

Macbeth: Oh, how you flatter me My Liege. It was easy really: I just had to determine the enemy’s weaknesses through reconnaissance, devise a plan on the spot to expose those weaknesses, and lead a brigade to strike at just the right moment. (says in a confident tone, despite trying to sound humble)

Duncan: You would not be here if it was easy. Receiving my recognition is an honour, that I would not be granting you if you had not earned it. (speaking firmly)

(Macbeth smiles, self-satisfied and proud.)

Macbeth: I suppose you are right, sir. I did save countless lives. (he says this in an overconfident voice)

Duncan: Yes, yes. Anyways, better get back to business. Because of this immense success, on your part; (pauses dramatically) I am offering you the position of general.

Macbeth: This is such an honour, My Lord. (excited, almost shouting) I accept of course. I will be the best general you have ever had.

Duncan: Wonderful. I trust that you will not let me down. (speaking with finality)

Macbeth: I will not, sir. I will show you that you have made the right decision.

(Aside)

My name will go down in history.

(Duncan waves the guards over, and they escort Macbeth to the other side of the stage, towards Lady Macbeth, so it looks like they are leaving the room. The lights focus on them)

(The guards exit the stage)

Lady Macbeth: Finally, you’re here.

(The two of them start to walk out of the castle and towards their home. The background changes to an image of an empty street. The actors walk on the spot and throughout their walk the backdrop changes slowly to give the illusion that they are actually moving. The sun appears to be setting)

How did it go?

Macbeth: Splendidly! I have been made general. My brilliance and hard work is finally being appreciated. (sounding very excited)

Lady Macbeth: Is this really appreciation? (shaking her head condescendingly) What power do you truly wield? You are still a mere servant to him. All of the work you will be doing as a general will be for his gain. (speaking angrily) You are like a horse pulling his carriage: it is your strength being used but he is the one profiting.

Macbeth: But he is the King! Working for him is a great honour. (sounding confused)

Lady Macbeth: Oh you idiot! (she slaps Macbeth in the back of the head) You should want people to be working for you. Do you not want real power? What kind of man is content working for others. And what of me? (putting a hand to her chest) Do you think that I am content being married to a nobody?

Macbeth: No! Of course not. (rushing to reassure her)

Lady Macbeth: Exactly! General will not be the last step for you. There is still more power and influence to be gained. It is bad enough that you could not give me any children, preferably sons, to bring me glory. You must be the one to bring glory to our name. (voice rising)

(Macbeth looks shocked but he is nodding along in agreement)

Macbeth: I think you are right. We deserve more than this. I saved so many of the King’s subjects. I deserve even more recognition! (shouting)

Lady Macbeth: Look at yourself. Without me you would’ve been happy being common and powerless. You need your wife to make you into a man. (saying judgementally) How lucky you are that I am not soft like the rest. I shudder to think where you would be if I wasn’t here to push you

(Lady Macbeth walks ahead and off stage)

Macbeth: Maybe she is right. I have done so much for the King. I think that warrants more than a promotion. But should I not respect my King’s decision? (speaking with his voice full of doubt) And it’s not like I can really do anything about it. It’s not like I can make myself king or thane, or anything like that. I would have to wait and hope that a better title is given to me, or else take it by force. (shaking his head violently) What am I thinking! I cannot do that. I should not even let that thought enter my mind. I do deserve more power but that does not mean I can go against my superiors, or god forbid, the King.

(Walks off stage)