Key Quotations For The Theme Of Guilt And Conscience Flashcards
Analyse the quote “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”
-Lady Macbeth, (Act 5, Scene 1)
In this iconic scene, Lady Macbeth is consumed by the bloodstains she believes are on her hands. The “damned spot” symbolizes her overwhelming guilt, and her frantic attempts to wash it away show that she cannot rid herself of her conscience. Her repetition of “out” emphasizes her desperation and helplessness. The bloodstains, which represent both her and Macbeth’s guilt, are never truly washed away, symbolizing the psychological toll of their actions. Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness is the result of her inability to escape the moral consequences of her participation in Duncan’s murder.
Analyse the quote “I am afraid to think what I have done; look on’t again I dare not.”
-Lady Macbeth (Act 2, Scene 2)
Lady Macbeth’s fear and guilt are evident here as she refuses to confront the enormity of her actions. Unlike Macbeth, who is initially able to justify his crime, Lady Macbeth immediately experiences horror and anxiety after Duncan’s murder. The phrase “look on’t again I dare not” reveals her growing inability to cope with the consequences of her ambition. Her conscience is already tormenting her, suggesting that she is more vulnerable to guilt than she initially lets on. Her fear to even think about her actions foreshadows the unraveling of her mental state as guilt consumes her throughout the play.
Analyse the quote “Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.”
-Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5)
Macbeth’s despair and guilt culminate in this nihilistic reflection on life. He compares life to a “brief candle” that flickers out too quickly, symbolizing the fleeting and fragile nature of existence. The metaphor of life as a “walking shadow” and a “poor player” reinforces the idea that human life is insignificant and ultimately meaningless. Macbeth’s guilt over his actions has led him to this dark view, where everything, including his own life, is transient and inconsequential. The weight of his conscience has driven him to this point of hopelessness, where he sees no redemption for his actions.
Analyse the quote “All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.”
-Lady Macbeth, (Act 5, Scene 1)
Lady Macbeth’s overwhelming guilt is symbolized by her belief that nothing can cleanse her of the blood on her hands. The line “all the perfumes of Arabia” evokes the idea that even the most powerful and fragrant scents cannot mask the enormity of her crime. Her frantic attempts to wash her hands are symbolic of her deep regret, but the “little hand” is a reminder that the stain of guilt is too great to be washed away. This moment represents her psychological breakdown, as she is unable to reconcile her ambition with the consequences of her actions.
Analyse the quote “It will have blood, they say: blood will have blood.”
-Macbeth, (Act 3, Scene 4)
Macbeth acknowledges that the cycle of violence he has initiated cannot be stopped. The repetition of “blood” underscores the theme of vengeance and retribution. Macbeth’s realization that “blood will have blood” suggests that his guilt has set off a chain reaction, where every act of murder invites further bloodshed, trapping him in an endless loop of violence and remorse. His conscience weighs heavily on him, and he understands that he cannot escape the consequences of his actions. This line reflects the deepening spiral of guilt that leads to Macbeth’s eventual downfall, as each murder increases his paranoia and psychological torment.
Analyse the quote “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas in incarnadine, making the green one red.”
-Macbeth, (Act 2, Scene 2)
Macbeth is consumed by guilt after murdering Duncan. His comparison of the blood on his hands to the vast oceans of Neptune highlights the impossibility of washing away his crime. The phrase “multitudinous seas in incarnadine” implies that no amount of water could cleanse him; instead, his guilt will forever stain him, turning even the sea red. This imagery symbolizes the permanence of his conscience and foreshadows his mental disintegration. Macbeth realizes that his act of murder has left an indelible mark on his soul, one that even the universe cannot undo.
Analyse the quote “O, full of scorpions is in my mind”
Shows that Macbeths mental state is, in a way, painful/dark/dangerous/scary, highlighting his paranoia and anxiety about the prophecy.
Analyse the quote “thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold”
Contrasts blood and cold to create the image of a very non human banquo. Blood is meant to be warm, implying banquo is meant to be alive, but isn’t.
Alliteration of ‘b’ sounds (plosives) created effect of Macbeths harsh words.
Again blood is symbolic of Macbeths guilt which is driving him insane.
Analyse the quote “thou canst not say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me”
He’s shaking his head at Macbeth to make him feel bad.
Macbeth is paranoid about people finding out about the murders he’s committed.
The imperative never suggests Macbeth is feeling insecure and trying to reassure himself.
Gory suggests banquo’s hair is messy or bloodied, implying that Macbeth feels guilty for the brutality of his murder.
