Lennox In Macbeth | Character Analysis

Lennox in Macbeth plays a significant role as a nobleman loyal to King Duncan and later to Malcolm, Duncan’s son.

Throughout the play, Lennox provides critical observations and commentary on the unfolding events, often subtly expressing skepticism about Macbeth’s rise to power.

He becomes increasingly aware of Macbeth’s tyrannical behavior and is among those who suspect foul play in the murders of Duncan and Banquo.

Lennox ultimately aligns himself with Malcolm and takes part in the rebellion against Macbeth’s oppressive rule, symbolizing the shift in allegiance toward restoring rightful leadership and justice in Scotland.

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Lennox Role In The Play

Lennox in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is a character whose role extends beyond a mere supporting nobleman.

He serves as a subtle yet perceptive voice throughout the play. Initially, he appears to support Macbeth, attending banquets and participating in events in the kingdom. However, his comments and observations suggest a deeper understanding of the political climate.

Moreover, as the story progresses and Macbeth’s tyranny becomes apparent, Lennox’s loyalty shifts towards suspicion. He cautiously questions the circumstances surrounding King Duncan’s murder and Banquo’s death, hinting at his doubts about Macbeth’s involvement.

Lennox’s conversations with others, including other nobles, subtly express his growing discontent with Macbeth’s rule.

His role becomes pivotal during the overthrow of Macbeth’s reign. Lennox aligns himself with Malcolm, Duncan’s son, and contributes to the rebellion against Macbeth’s oppressive regime.

In doing so, he represents the moral and ethical shift among the nobility, supporting the legitimate claim to the throne and the restoration of justice and rightful leadership in Scotland.

In addition, Lennox’s character serves as a reflection of the growing dissent and eventual rebellion against a ruler whose reign is marred by tyranny and corruption, highlighting the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for justice throughout the play.

Characteristics Of Lennox

Characteristics	Description
Role	Scottish nobleman and Thane
Loyalty	Initially loyal to Macbeth, later becomes suspicious and critical
Political Insight	Demonstrates keen political awareness, often commenting on the state of Scotland under Macbeth
Support	Aligns with Malcolm and the English forces against Macbeth

Text Related To Lennox

Malcolm. The worthy thane of Ross.
Lennox. What a haste looks through his eyes! So should he look
That seems to speak things strange.
In Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” Malcolm is portrayed as the honorable Thane of Ross, showing his noble character and significance.

Lennox’s observation of Malcolm reflects a sense of urgency and curiosity in his demeanor. He notices a peculiar intensity in Malcolm’s eyes, suggesting that Malcolm may have something important or unusual to communicate.

This moment hints at Malcolm’s intriguing nature and the potential for unexpected revelations or events in the story.

Macduff. Is thy master stirring?
[Enter MACBETH] Our knocking has awaked him; here he comes.
Lennox. Good morrow, noble sir.

In this scene from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Macduff inquires about Macbeth’s whereabouts, asking if he is awake. As Macbeth enters, Lennox greets him respectfully with a “Good morrow.”

The exchange hints at the suspenseful atmosphere, with the characters’ interactions suggesting an awakening or disturbance caused by their arrival.

It sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the play, hinting at upcoming events and tensions between the characters.

Macbeth. He does: he did appoint so.
Lennox. The night has been unruly: where we lay,
Our chimneys were blown down; and, as they say,
Lamentings heard i’ the air; strange screams of death,
And prophesying with accents terrible
Of dire combustion and confused events
New hatch’d to the woeful time: the obscure bird
Clamour’d the livelong night: some say, the earth
Was feverous and did shake.
In this excerpt from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Lennox vividly describes a chaotic and unsettling night, reflecting supernatural disturbances in nature.

He recounts how the weather was wild, with strong winds that destroyed chimneys and eerie sounds heard in the air. There were cries of grief and death, along with ominous prophecies foretelling catastrophic and confusing events.

The atmosphere was eerie, filled with terrifying signs such as strange bird cries and rumors of a feverish, trembling earth. Lennox’s narration sets an ominous tone, foreshadowing ominous occurrences and highlighting the play’s themes of turmoil and impending tragedy.

Malcolm. O, by whom?

Lennox. Those of his chamber, as it seem’d, had done ‘t:
Their hands and faces were an badged with blood;
So were their daggers, which unwiped we found
Upon their pillows:
They stared, and were distracted; no man’s life
Was to be trusted with them.
In this excerpt from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Malcolm asks who committed the murder of King Duncan. Lennox reveals that it appeared to be the king’s own chamber attendants.

He describes how these attendants were found covered in blood, their hands and faces stained, and their daggers untouched, left on their pillows.

Lennox emphasizes their distraught and frenzied state, highlighting the shocking betrayal and the inability to trust anyone’s life around them at that moment.

This scene marks a pivotal moment in the play, unraveling the treachery surrounding Duncan’s death and the subsequent chaos it brings.

Macbeth. Sweet remembrancer!
Now, good digestion wait on appetite,
And health on both!

Lennox. May’t please your highness sit.
[The GHOST OF BANQUO enters, and sits in]
MACBETH’s place]
In this passage from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” after a toast is made, Macbeth acknowledges the joy of the moment.

He wishes for good digestion to accompany their appetite and health to follow. However, the atmosphere turns tense as the ghost of Banquo, whom Macbeth had killed, unexpectedly appears and takes Macbeth’s place at the table.

Lennox, addressing Macbeth, politely invites him to sit, unaware of the ghost’s eerie presence.

This haunting moment signifies Macbeth’s guilt and the unraveling of his mental state, showcasing the consequences of his actions and the haunting specter of his past misdeeds.

Lady Macbeth. I pray you, speak not; he grows worse and worse;
Question enrages him. At once, good night:
Stand not upon the order of your going,
But go at once.
Lennox. Good night; and better health
Attend his majesty!

In this excerpt from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Lady Macbeth urges those present not to provoke Macbeth further as his condition deteriorates. She advises everyone to leave immediately without delay, emphasizing the urgency of their departure. Lennox bids goodnight, wishing for the king’s improved health.

This moment reveals the escalating distress of Macbeth, triggered by questions or disturbances, while Lady Macbeth attempts to manage the situation by swiftly ending the gathering and ensuring everyone leaves promptly.

(stage directions). [Enter LENNOX and another Lord]
Lennox. My former speeches have but hit your thoughts,
Which can interpret further: only, I say,
Things have been strangely borne. The
gracious Duncan
Was pitied of Macbeth: marry, he was dead:
And the right-valiant Banquo walk’d too late;
Whom, you may say, if’t please you, Fleance kill’d,
For Fleance fled: men must not walk too late.
Who cannot want the thought how monstrous
It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain
To kill their gracious father? damned fact!
How it did grieve Macbeth! did he not straight
In pious rage the two delinquents tear,
That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep?
Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely too;
For ‘twould have anger’d any heart alive
To hear the men deny’t. So that, I say,
He has borne all things well: and I do think
That had he Duncan’s sons under his key—
As, an’t please heaven, he shall not—they
should find
What ’twere to kill a father; so should Fleance.
But, peace! for from broad words and ’cause he fail’d
His presence at the tyrant’s feast, I hear
Macduff lives in disgrace: sir, can you tell
Where he bestows himself?

In this scene from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Lennox converses with another lord, reflecting on recent events. Lennox remarks on Macbeth’s response to King Duncan’s murder, praising Macbeth’s apparent sorrow and rage at the crime.

He questions the suspicious absence of Macbeth’s rivals, Malcolm and Donalbain, after their father’s death and highlights Macbeth’s anger towards the alleged culprits, whom he claims Macbeth swiftly punished in a fit of supposed justice.

Moreover, Lennox mentions Macduff’s absence from Macbeth’s gathering, hinting at Macduff’s disapproval of the new king. The dialogue suggests underlying tensions and suspicions within the kingdom following Duncan’s murder, illustrating Lennox’s cautiousness and uncertainty about Macbeth’s actions and those who oppose him.

Lord. The son of Duncan,
From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth
Lives in the English court, and is received
Of the most pious Edward with such grace
That the malevolence of fortune nothing
Takes from his high respect: thither Macduff
Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid
To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward:
That, by the help of these—with Him above
To ratify the work—we may again
Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights,
Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives,
Do faithful homage and receive free honours:
All which we pine for now: and this report
Hath so exasperate the king that he
Prepares for some attempt of war.
Lennox. Sent he to Macduff?

In this excerpt from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” a lord reveals that Duncan’s son, rightful heir to the throne, resides in the English court under King Edward’s protection.

Macduff has gone there to seek aid from King Edward, hoping to rally support from Northumberland and Siward against Macbeth’s tyranny. The lord expresses the longing for peace, free from the terror of Macbeth’s violent rule, yearning for a time when they can enjoy meals without fear and receive honors without trepidation.

This news has enraged Macbeth, prompting him to prepare for potential warfare against those opposing his reign. Lennox inquires if Macbeth has sent any messages to Macduff, indicating an escalating tension and the brewing conflict between the forces loyal to Macbeth and those rallying against him.

Lord. He did: and with an absolute ‘Sir, not I,’
The cloudy messenger turns me his back,
And hums, as who should say ‘You’ll rue the time
That clogs me with this answer.’
Lennox. And that well might
Advise him to a caution, to hold what distance
His wisdom can provide. Some holy angel
Fly to the court of England and unfold
His message ere he come, that a swift blessing
May soon return to this our suffering country
Under a hand accursed!

In this part of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” a lord recounts a cryptic encounter with a messenger who, when asked about Macduff, dismissively responds with “Sir, not I,” suggesting impending trouble or regret for asking.

Lennox acknowledges the messenger’s warning and advises caution, implying that Macduff should maintain a safe distance using his wisdom.

He urges for an angelic envoy to swiftly reach the English court to clarify Macduff’s intentions before his return, hoping to bring a blessing back to their tormented country, currently suffering under the rule of the cursed Macbeth. These lines foreshadow tension and the need for careful strategic planning in the unfolding events of the play.

Macbeth. Infected be the air whereon they ride;
And damn’d all those that trust them! I did hear
The galloping of horse: who was’t came by?
Lennox. ‘Tis two or three, my lord, that bring you word
Macduff is fled to England.

In this segment from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Macbeth curses the air where his enemies, presumably messengers or allies of Macduff, travel. He damns those who put their trust in them.

When Macbeth hears the sound of approaching horses, he questions Lennox about their identity. Lennox informs Macbeth that two or three individuals bring the news that Macduff has fled to England, which further agitates Macbeth.

This tense exchange reveals Macbeth’s growing paranoia and his determination to eliminate any threats to his reign, reflecting the escalating tension and the lengths to which Macbeth will go to maintain his power.

Caithness. Who knows if Donalbain be with his brother?
Lennox. For certain, sir, he is not: I have a file
Of all the gentry: there is Siward’s son,
And many unrough youths that even now
Protest their first of manhood.

In this excerpt from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Caithness questions if Donalbain, Duncan’s son, is with his brother, Malcolm. Lennox responds, asserting that Donalbain is not present.

He explains that he keeps a list of all the noblemen, and among them is Siward’s son, along with several young men who are just beginning their journey into manhood. Lennox’s confirmation implies Donalbain’s absence and showcases the presence of other influential figures, highlighting the gathering of young men preparing to take on roles of importance in the kingdom amidst the upheaval caused by Duncan’s murder.

Caithness. Well, march we on,
To give obedience where ’tis truly owed:
Meet we the medicine of the sickly weal,
And with him pour we in our country’s purge
Each drop of us.
Lennox. Or so much as it needs,
To dew the sovereign flower and drown the weeds.
Make we our march towards Birnam.

In this segment from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Caithness emphasizes the importance of marching forward to fulfill their rightful duties. He compares their actions to administering medicine to cure the ailing state of their country.

Caithness encourages joining forces to heal and rejuvenate their nation by dedicating themselves completely to the cause. Lennox agrees, suggesting they provide exactly what’s necessary to restore balance and overthrow the oppressive forces, symbolizing their resolve to support the true ruler, Malcolm, and rid the land of Macbeth’s tyranny.

What kind of character is Lennox in Macbeth?This dialogue signifies their commitment to bringing about positive change by uniting against the corrupted leadership.

Conclusion

Lennox in “Macbeth” starts as a loyal nobleman but grows suspicious of Macbeth’s tyranny. His shift in allegiance reflects the growing resistance against Macbeth’s rule in Scotland.