Macbeth Flashcards
“Is this a dagger which I see before me?”
Interpretation: Macbeth is hallucinating, showing the deterioration of his state of mind and the influences the witches and Lady Macbeth have had on him.
Analysis: The question “Is this” is representative of Macbeth’s state of mind - he is full of uncertainty and doubt. The fact that it is a “dagger” before him suggests his mind has become corrupted by violence - the handle of the dagger is pointing towards his hand, almost inviting him to use it. In a patriarchal society, male leaders are not meant to have doubt - they are meant to be powerful, certain and strong. Macbeth has become a weaker warrior since the warfare on the battlefields in Act One.
“But wherefore could not I pronounce Amen?”
Interpretation: Doubt, confusion and guilt have now overcome Macbeth. The fact that he cannot say “Amen” shows the audience that Macbeth’s actions have separated him from religion, something that could strike fear into a Shakespearean audience with a strong Christian belief.
Analysis: representative of Macbeth’s state of mind - he is full of uncertainty and doubt. His hesitancy contrasts greatly with the active behaviour of Lady Macbeth. The repetition of “Amen” brings religion to the audience’s attention - the fact it “stuck in [his] throat” implies Macbeth has acted so evilly that religion has turned against him - evil cannot co-exist with religion.
“There the grown serpent lies: the worm, that’s fled”
Interpretation: Macbeth realises, in failing to kill Fleance, he has allowed evil and poisonous thoughts to grow against his reign as king. Macbeth also understands that within human nature is the threat of evil corrupting someone’s soul.
Analysis: Macbeth initially describes Fleance as a “worm”, suggesting something that is small and helpless. However, he suggests it will grow into a “serpent”, linking back to the original sin of Adam and Eve, and will “breed” poison, emphasising to the audience that anger and violence in the play will grow and develop even further. “Will” confirms that these events are inevitable - evil is unstoppable, and “will” lead to poisonous consequences.
“The mind I sway by, and the heart I bear,/Shall never sag with doubt, nor shake with fear.”
Interpretation: Macbeth has come full circle, and has returned to his former warrior self - he is displaying typical characteristics of a powerful leader once more. Although he is now full of evil intentions, his spirit is as strong as ever.
Analysis: In previous acts, Macbeth was riddled with “doubt” and “fear”- now the word “never” is positioned before it, showing he has finally regained control over his own behaviour. He is again in full control, as shown by the reference to both “mind”, suggesting his thoughts, and “heart”, emphasising his emotions. “Sag” and “shake” both suggest weak body movements, something Macbeth explicitly rejects.
“Life’s but a walking shadow.”
Interpretation: Macbeth has had an epiphany (a moment of realisation) and that life has no real substance to it- it is simply a “shadow.” suggests
Analysis: The use of the metaphor depicting life as a “shadow” suggests life is empty and has no meaning - it also has associations with following (our shadow follows us around) as if we are simply following someone else’s plan. The use of “walking” implies life is a journey, but not a dynamic, energetic one - walking is not the powerful, physical action seen in earlier acts, nor the dynamic action expected of a King. The sentence structure focuses on the word “but”, meaning only or just. Macbeth is arguing that life is worthless- it is only a shadow
