Lady Macduff Flashcards
“When our actions do not, our fears do make us traitors”
suggests that even if actions aren’t inherently treacherous, the fear that leads to them can be seen as a betrayal, highlighting the destructive nature of fear and its impact on loyalty.
highlights the theme of fear in Macbeth, which is a major driving force behind the characters’ actions and decisions.
Lady Macduff is commenting on the actions of Macbeth, suggesting that his actions are driven by fear and paranoia rather than rationality.
The use of the word “
fear” suggests that Lady Macduff views Macbeth’s behavior as irrational and unpredictable.
Lady Macduff’s comment also suggests that fear can cause people to act in ways that are not in their best interest, leading them to betray themselves and others.
The line speaks to the idea that fear can be a powerful motivator, driving individuals to make decisions and take actions they may not have otherwise.
Lady Macduff is indirectly critiquing Macbeth’s leadership, suggesting that he is not fit to rule if his decisions are being driven by fear rather than reason.
“When our actions do not” implies that Lady Macduff believes Macduff should have stayed to protect them, rather than abandoning them in a time of crisis.
“Our fears do make us traitors” suggests that Lady Macduff sees fear as a kind of betrayal. She may believe that Macduff’s fear for his own safety led him to abandon his responsibilities to his family.
Wisdom? To leave his wife, to leave his babes, His mansion and his titles in a place From whence himself does fly?
“Wisdom?” suggests that Lady Macduff sees Macduff’s decision to leave his family as foolish rather than wise.
“To leave his wife, to leave his babes” emphasizes the cruelty and abandonment that Lady Macduff feels from Macduff’s departure.
“His mansion and his titles” highlights the social status and wealth that Macduff is leaving behind, suggesting that he is sacrificing a great deal in his flight.
“In a place from whence himself does fly” implies that Macduff is running away from his problems rather than facing them directly.
The use of the word “fly” suggests a sense of cowardice or weakness on Macduff’s part.
The quote highlights the idea that true wisdom lies in fulfilling one’s responsibilities and duties, even in the face of adversity. Lady Macduff’s words also serve to critique the patriarchal society in which women were often left behind to fend for themselves while their husbands pursued their own interests.
All is the fear, and nothing is the love, As little is the wisdom, where the flight So runs against all reason
Lady Macduff is expressing her belief that fear is the dominant emotion in the world, and that love is lacking.
The mention of “all is the fear” suggests that Lady Macduff believes that people are motivated primarily by fear, rather than love.
Lady Macduff also suggests that wisdom is lacking in those who act out of fear, since such actions go against reason.
The quote highlights the idea that reason and wisdom are necessary for making sound decisions, rather than being driven solely by emotions like fear.
Lady Macduff’s words also serve as a critique of the violent and chaotic world of “Macbeth”, where fear and violence reign.
The quote suggests that love is essential forcreating a more peaceful and harmonious society.
Lady Macduff’s words also imply a criticism of the characters who act irrationally or impulsively, rather than using reason to guide their actions.
“What, with worms and flies?
Lady Macduff is discussing with her son about the absence of her husband and the potential danger they may be in. The line can be seen as a response to her son’s statement that he has heard that some men are liars and swearers.
Irony: Lady Macduff’s response is ironic as she dismisses her son’s concerns about men being liars and swearers by suggesting that they would be too insignificant to pose a threat to them.
Symbolism: Lady Macduff’s reference to worms and flies can be seen as a symbol of decay and insignificance. Worms and flies are creatures that are associated with death and decay, and by using them as a metaphor, Lady Macduff is suggesting that the men her son is worried about are insignificant and powerless.
Foreshadowing: Lady Macduff’s use of the imagery of worms and flies can be seen as foreshadowing the impending death of her and her son. The image of worms and flies is associated with decay and death, and this can be seen as a hint at the tragic fate that awaits Lady Macduff and her son.
“Was my father a traitor, mother? Ay, that he was.”
The quote reveals the impact of Macbeth’s tyranny on innocent families, as Lady Macduff’s son questions the loyalty of his father and learns that he was indeed a traitor.
It highlights the theme of betrayal in the play, as Lady Macduff acknowledges her husband’s disloyalty to the crown and the consequences it has for their family.
The quote also reflects the idea that children are affected by the choices and actions of their parents, as Lady Macduff’s son is left to face the consequences of his father’s actions.
It shows the impact of fear and suspicion on the relationships between family members, as Lady Macduff and her son are forced to question their own loyalties and trust in each other.
The quote highlights the theme of justice and injustice in the play, as Lady Macduff’s husband is executed for his alleged treason, and her son becomes a victim of Macbeth’s regime.
It also reflects the idea that the political and social order of the time is unstable and corrupt
