Lady Macbeth quotes Flashcards
yet do i fear thy nature-act 1 scene 5
Lady Macbeth “fear[s]” Macbeth kind nature, more over fear is typically related to the supernatural, but here Lady Macbeth portrays this as morality is a frightening and threatening thing, implying that she fears Macbeth’s kindness.
the noun “nature” alludes to Macbeth’s mortal soul showing that he is inherently kind, she is showing Macbeth’s true identity and these are the parts of his soul he cannot change because he is inherently kind and compassionate shown by the noun “nature”
“it is too full oth milk of human kindness”-Act 1 scene 5
“human kindness” Lady Macbeth implies that Macbeth is universally recognised as kind his personality is inherently kind. moreover Shakespeare implies that “kindness” is exclusive to the “human” race, Lady Macbeth is shown to wanting to be rid of it and trying to take Macbeth with her. the phrase “too full” suggests that his “nature” is an obstacle to her plans, this may be a sign of corruption.
“hi thee hither , that i may pour my spirits in thine ear”-act 1 scene 5
Lady Macbeth summons Macbeth with “hi thee hither”, this is the same way the witches summon their familiars in the opening scene this means she views him as a means to an end, or a tool to help her get her way.
the imagery “pour my spirits in thine ear” this evokes demonic possession from Lady Macbeth, this suggests Lady Macbeth’s possessive nature and how she wants to over power Macbeth with her own villainy.
this quote has sexual con nations towards it “pour my spirits in thine ear” this could be Shakespeare implying the power dynamics of the two Macbeth’s as this is a more masculine action as Lady Macbeth is the one wanting to be in the man’s role, moreover this shows her consistently stripping Macbeth of his masculinity and keeping in the theme of gender she is showing that she is wanting to subvert the gender roles so she gets what she wants
“come you spirits that tend on mortal thought unsex me here fill me from crown to the toe top full of the direst cruelty make my blood thick …..and take my milk for gall you murdering ministers- Act 1 scene 5
this is a pivotal moment in her character development zs it shows her sanity slipping as she fully devotes her self to her conspiracy, she offers her mind and her body to these evil “spirits” she views herself as a harbinger for Duncan’s death, fro all extents and purposes she uses a witches spell.
she asks to be removed of her femininity “unsex me here” , her belief that women are not as powerful as men is portrayed here because she believes men to be “full of the direst cruelty” this fits into the Jacobean era as they lived in a patriarchal society where men were seen as the dominant gender, Lady Macbeth is trying to mutate her state of mind as a more cruel human.
“blood” and “gall” could bean allusion to Jesus’ crucifixion as the Jacobean were predominantly Christians. when Jesus side was pierced “blood” came rushing out. before he died the roman soldier offered Jesus wine laced with “gall” or poison this alludes to Lady Macbeth siding with the Romans, moreover a sign of her signing her soul away to the devil as an act of satanism
