english

Question 1

‘Let light not see my deep desires’

Answer 1

Act 1 scence 4.
Shakespeare uses the imagery of light vs dark. Light representing innocence and dark representing evil spirits. In this quote Macbeth calls upon evil spirits to mask his ‘deep desires’
Macbeth is aware of his immorality so asks to be hidden from the light, God. Turn away from God to the evil spirits. In the jacobean era believers believed that God can see everything and everyone.
Another quote that links to this is ‘stars hide your fires’. Macbeth is asking to operate in the darkness. he does this to avoid to witness his own corruption

Question 2

‘But wherefore could I not pronounce ‘amen’

‘I had most need of blessing’

Answer 2

Act 2 scene 2
Traumatised by the experience.
Macbeth denys God
Struggling to say the word ‘amen m’ which is ironic because it means ‘to be trusted’ and macbeth betrayed king Duncan like the last thane of cawdor

Macbeth feels guilty from his imorality. Trying to reclaim back his innocnece and relationship with God. asking to be cleaned.

Question 3

‘Will all great neptunes ocean wash this blood/clean my hand’

Answer 3

Act 2 scene 2
Shakespeare uses motif of blood throughtout the play to show guilt.
Macbeth know’s that he’s guilty. Because of this his relationship with God and been ruputured so he turns away from God to a non chrisitian God ‘Neptune’ He knows his innocence is lost.
Shakespeare uses a juxtaposition of blood with water
Seen in ‘Neptune’s ocean’ to contrast the idea of guilt and purity

Question 4

have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, only vaulting ambition”

Answer 4

Macbeth is saying that it is his own ambition that is his only motivation to murder King Duncan