The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 10.1527  Monday, 30 August 1999.

From:           Rachelle Slater <
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Date:           Sunday, 29 Aug 1999 21:42:35 EDT
Subject:        The Scottish Tragedy

I have two new questions regarding the play Macbeth that I am hoping
someone can help me with:

#1 - In Act I;vii, Lady Macbeth states, "I have given suck",  referring
to the fact that she has given birth and has breast fed, but in Act
IV;iii, Macduff states after the slaughter of his family, "He has no
children" and he is referring to Macbeth.  Did Macbeth have any children
or has Shakespeare made an error here?

#2 - In Act I;iv, Duncan names Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland; this
would allow him to be next in line for the Scottish throne.  When
Malcolm escapes to England in Act II;iv, "I'll to England", Macbeth then
becomes the next in line for the throne.  Did the Thane of Cawdor have
this power or is Macbeth really a cousin of Duncan as Duncan states in
Act I;ii "O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman!"?

Thank-you in advance