Macbeth 4.2 Performance: Lady Macduff, Lines 72b-78

The speaker reflects on their actions, noting that in the world, doing harm is often praised while doing good can be seen as foolish. They question why they feel the need to defend themselves by claiming they have done no harm.

What does the speaker imply about the nature of doing harm in the earthly world?

How does the speaker view the act of doing good in relation to societal perceptions?

Discuss the contrast between doing harm and doing good as presented in the text.

What is the significance of the phrase 'womanly defence' in the context of the text?

Why might the speaker feel the need to assert that they have done no harm?