Act 1 Flashcards
“Fair is foul and foul is fair”
Act 1 Scene 1
Used by the witches to show that not everything is as it seems and appearances can be deceptive. This is important in regards to the relationship between Macbeth and Duncan.
“Brave Macbeth - we’ll be deserves that name - confronted him with brandished steel”
Ross - Act 1 Scene 2
Portrays Macbeth as a very strong and loyal soldier. This shows Macbeth to be so loyal to Duncan, making his downfall more obvious.
“Stars hide your fires; let not light see my dark and deep desires”
Macbeth - Act 1 Scene 4
Clearly identifies the contrast between light and dark, which represent good and evil. This was said after Malcolm was declared heir to throne, making Macbeth both angry and jealous. However he hopes nobody finds out about his awful desires.
“Come you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts. Unsex me here and fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full of direst cruelty”
Lady Macbeth - Act 1 Scene 5
Lady Macbeth is asking the spirits to strip her of all her feminine weakness. Instead, she asks to be filled with masculinity as she fears her husband is not strong enough to kill Duncan on his visit. (Un is used a lot in Macbeth and represents how the protagonists are trying to undo what they have done)
“When thou durst do it, then you were a man”
Lady Macbeth - Act 1 Scene 7
She uses this quote to insult Macbeth, by telling him he is no longer a man as he doubts that he should kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth believes that a man should be able to kill the king and usurp the throne without questioning it. This shows how lady Macbeth is able to manipulate Macbeth.
“I have no spur, to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other”
Macbeth - Act 1 Scene 7
This quote is an extended metaphor for how Macbeth’s ambition is like a wild horse. Vaulting ambition refers to Macbeth’s ambition, and how it is out of control as he becomes consumed by his greed for power. It shows that Macbeth feels his ambition is going to end up leaving him in an unknown and uncontrollable situation.
