Guilt Quotes Flashcards
Macbeth 3:4 - understands what he’s done is immoral but thinks he’s committed too much evil to repent and his downward spiral continues. Seems cold and unsympathetic.
“I am in blood stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’ver” (metaphor - blood of his victims)
Stage direction 3:4 - Banquo’s ghost is a reminder of the deeds Macbeth has done and shows he can’t escape his guilty conscience. Sign of mental deterioration.
“[Enter the Ghost of Banquo]”
Macbeth 2:2 - after killing Duncan use of euphemistic language shows he feels guilty for what he has done, cannot bring himself to say ‘murder’ or ‘death’
“To know my deed ‘twere best not know myself”
“Sorry sight”
Lady Macbeth 5:1 - LM is psychologically tortured by guilt and can never be at peace again.
“light by her continually”
“washing her hands”
“out, damned spot!” (contrasts w/ “a little water clears us of this deed”)
Lady Macbeth 5:1 - Shakespeare implies that unspeakable crimes cannot be hidden and will eventually emerge and suggests there is no escape from punishment.
“what’s done cannot be undone”
also whist sleepwalking LM reveals details of crimes she and M have perpetrated
Macbeth 2:3 - Macbeth feels great guilt about murdering Duncan and realises he is never going to be rid of the guilt. Blood = symbol of guilt
“Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood from my hand?”
Macbeth 3:4 - Shows Macbeth feels trapped by his guilt.
“I am cabined, cribbed, confined bound in to saucy doubts and fear”
Macbeth 3:2 - Macbeth uses a metaphor to explain that his guilty conscience is attacking and stinging him.
‘O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!’
Macbeth 2:2 - M is remorseful and wishes he had not killed Duncan
“Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst!”
