Act 1- Act 2 Flashcards
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”
Act 1, Scene 1
Witches set a dark tone.
Themes: Good vs. Evil, Deception
Paradox: Things aren’t as they seem.
Context: Shows fear of witchcraft.
“If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me.”
Act 1, Scene 3
Macbeth hopes fate will make him king.
Themes: Fate, Ambition
Personification: Fate is active.
Context: Reflects belief in destiny.
“Look like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under’t.”
Act 1, Scene 5
Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to hide intentions.
Themes: Deception
Metaphor: Snake = hidden evil.
Context: Links to biblical temptation.
“Vaulting ambition…”
Act 1, Scene 7
Macbeth admits ambition drives him.
Themes: Ambition
Metaphor: Unchecked ambition = danger.
Context: Warning against excessive ambition.
“Who dares do more is none.”
Act 1, Scene 7
Macbeth claims true manhood has limits.
Themes: Masculinity
Contrast: Honorable manhood vs. ambition.
Context: Challenges ideas of masculinity.
“Is this a dagger which I see before me?”
Act 2, Scene 1
Macbeth sees a vision before killing Duncan.
Themes: Guilt, Supernatural
Imagery: Dagger = guilt.
Context: Fear of supernatural punishment.
“Macbeth does murder sleep.”
Act 2, Scene 2
Macbeth feels he’s lost peace.
Themes: Guilt
Personification: Sleep = innocence.
Context: Sleep seen as pure, restorative.
“Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood?”
Act 2, Scene 2
Macbeth feels guilt is permanent.
Themes: Guilt
Hyperbole: Blood = unending guilt.
Context: Sin seen as an indelible mark.
“A little water clears us of this deed.”
Act 2, Scene 2
Lady Macbeth thinks they can avoid guilt.
Themes: Denial
Understatement: Minimizes guilt.
Context: Ironic, as guilt overwhelms her later.
“There’s daggers in men’s smiles.”
Act 2, Scene 3
Donalbain senses hidden danger.
Themes: Betrayal, Deception
Metaphor: Smiles hide threats.
Context: Reflects courtly deceit in Shakespeare’s time.
