Back to the Play
The Royal "We"
Language
Act 3,
Scene 1
Lines 41-46a

A discussion of Macbeth's use of the royal "we" in Act 3, Scene 1 of myShakespeare's Macbeth. 

Macbeth

Till seven at night. To make society
The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself
Till supper-time alone. While then, God be with you.
[Exit all but Macbeth, and an attendant]
Sirrah, a word with you. Attend those men our pleasure?

Attendant

They are, my lord, without the palace gate.

Macbeth

Bring them before us.
[Exit Attendant. Macbeth thinks out loud]
[Re-enter Attendant, with two Murderers]
[Exit Attendant]

First Murderer

Macbeth

First Murderer

Macbeth

First Murderer

Macbeth

Second Murderer

First Murderer

Macbeth

Both Murderers

Macbeth

Second Murderer

First Murderer

Macbeth

Both Murderers

Macbeth

[Exit Murderers]
[Exit]

Now that Macbeth’s king, he has begun using the royal “we” when addressing his court. That’s a bit ironic since he certainly didn’t become king by being anointed by God.