Macbeth Flashcards
“So foul and fair a day I have not seen”
Act 1 scene 3
Explanation and comment
These are the very first words that Macbeth speaks. Shakespeare reflects what the witches say in Act 1 scene 1 and in doing this links Macbeth to the witches before he has met them. A useful quotation to use when discussing the theme of the supernatural.
“Stay you imperfect speakers”
Act 1 Scene 3
Explanation and comment
When Macbeth first meets the witches he notices that they speak in riddles and what they say is ambiguous. This is a useful quotation if making a comment on language.
“Leave all the rest to me”
Act 1 scene 5
Explanation and comment
These words are spoken by Lady Macbeth when she is speaking to Macbeth plotting to murder Duncan. Here Shakespeare is making it very clear she is in abseloute control of the situation and also in control of her husband. This quotation is useful in responding to a question about Lady Macbeth and how she changes throughout the play
“Look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it”
Act 1 scene 5
Explanation and comment
Lady Macbeth is telling Macbeth that he must welcome Duncan as his guest and pretend that he is a good host. However, he is ofcourse neither of these things. This quotation is useful if responding to a question about appearence and reality.
“We will proceed no futher in this business”
Act 1 Scene 7
Explanation and comment
At this point Macbeth has decided to not go ahead with the murder of Duncan (regicide). This is because he has decided that he has no reason to do so and that Duncan has honoured him and many other people think well of him however, Lady Macbeth very quickly emasculites and tells him that he is not a man if he doesn’t stick to their plan. This quotation could be used in character questions about Macbeth or Lady Macbeth
“But screw your courage to the sticking-place and will not fail”
Act 1 Scene 7
Explanation and comment
Despite Macbeths concerns about failing and their plan going wrong, Lady Macbeth convinces him that if he courages they won’t fail. Here Shakespeare presents her as a determined and ruthless woman. This is useful in a Character question on Lady Macbeth
“False face must hide what the false heart doth know”
Act 1 scene 7
Explanation and comment
Another useful quotation if answering about appearence and reality
“Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst”
Act 2 Scene 2
Explanation and comment
As soon as Macbeth has murdered Duncan, he shows some regret and wishes he could wake Duncan from sleep. Useful quotation for a character question on Macbeth
“The night has been unruly”
Act 2 scene 3
Explanation and comment
Here Lennox is commenting on the storm which raged during the night where Duncan was murdered. He says that “chimmneys were blown down”, There were “strange screams in the air” and suggestions of an earthquake. Shakespeare is drawing to our attention the chaos and disorder which occurs throughout the natural world when a crime, such as regicide, is commited. This links to the idea of The Divine rite Of Kings and the medival hierachy of order. A usesful quotation to use in response to chaos and disorder.
