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"foes that strike beside us"
Language
Act 5,
Scene 7
Lines 29b-30a

An explanation of the ambiguity in the phrase "foes that strike beside us" in Act 5, Scene 7 of myShakespeare's Macbeth. 

Malcolm

                                We have met with foes
That strike beside us.

Siward

[Malcolm and Siward exit. More trumpets. Macbeth enters.]

Macbeth

[Enter Macduff]

Macduff

Macbeth

Macduff

[They fight]

Macbeth

Macduff

Macbeth

Macduff

Macbeth

[Macbeth and Macduff exit, fighting. Trumpets sound the signal for retreat. Malcolm, Siward, Ross, and other thanes enter to the sound of a military band, surrounded by their banners]

Malcolm

Siward

Malcolm

Ross

Siward

Ross

Siward

Ross

Siward

Malcolm

Siward

[Re-enter Macduff with Macbeth's head]

Macduff

All

[Trumpets sound]

Malcolm

[Trumpets. All exit.]

This sentence could have two meanings:

  • Our opponents don’t have their hearts in it, and did not try and kill us.
  • Some of Macbeth’s forces have come over to our side.