Macbeth Flashcards
Analyse the quote “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood from my hand” (act 2 scene 2)
Macbeth is not only referring to the literal blood on his hands from Duncan’s murder but also to the moral stain that he believes will forever mark him. The blood symbolizes the irreversible nature of his crime and the pollution of his soul. This ties into a larger theme in the play: the irredeemability of sin and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Macbeth has committed a regicidal act, and in his mind, there is no possible way to undo the moral transgression. The reference to “great Neptune’s ocean” introduces the mythological imagery of the Roman god of the sea, suggesting the vastness of the ocean in an attempt to convey the depth of Macbeth’s guilt. Neptune’s ocean, as a vast and infinite entity, symbolizes a cleansing force that should wash away his sins but even this cannot erase the stain of the crime.
Analyse quote “stars hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires” (act 1 scene 5)
The phrase “black and deep desires” further illustrates the depth and corruption of Macbeth’s ambition. The word “black” is significant, as it invokes the color most commonly associated with evil, sin, and death. The adjective “deep” implies that these desires are not only powerful but also hidden beneath the surface of Macbeth’s outward persona. He is not yet fully aware of the extent to which his ambition will drive him to darkness, but in this moment, he is beginning to recognize the profound corruption that is taking root within him. This moment marks the starts of his moral deterioration, Macbeth’s appeal to darkness is not only about hiding his actions but also suppressing the light of his conscience which will be impossible to fully extinguish.
“ O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife” (act 3 scene 2)
Firstly, the metaphor of the scorpion is a vivid and chilling image that conveys the intensity and toxicity of Macbeth’s thoughts. Scorpions are predatory, dangerous creatures, often associated with violence, pain, and death. By describing his mind in this way, Macbeth reveals that his conscience is plagued with destructive thoughts and a growing sense of menace. His mind, once rational and guided by honor, has become corrupted by the violence and guilt of the murder he has already committed, as well as the fear of losing his power. The use of the word “full” suggests that these poisonous thoughts are overwhelming and all-consuming, leaving him unable to find peace or clarity. This image of mental chaos foreshadows the continuing deterioration of his sanity as he struggles with the psychological toll of his actions.
Analyse quote “life [….] is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing” (act 5 scene 5)
In this image, life is depicted as a story that lacks coherent meaning, direction, or rationality. An idiot suggests that the course of human existence is governed by irrational forces, where events unfold in a random and meaningless manner. The tale metaphor suggests that life itself is like a story that has no authoritative voice—no guiding hand of reason or sense. This aligns with the play’s recurring theme of fate versus free will, where Macbeth and other characters struggle with the idea that their actions may be preordained by external forces, such as the witches’ prophecies, rather than a product of their own decisions. Macbeth’s existential reflection, underscoring his belief that everything humans do—no matter how loud, intense, or passionate—is ultimately devoid of meaning. This phrase can be read as a direct rebuke to the idea of life’s purpose or higher significance. For Macbeth, the striving for power, the murder of Duncan, and even his role as king are ultimately futile. His belief that all actions “signify nothing” suggests a descent into nihilism, where he has abandoned the possibility of redemption, meaning, or spiritual truth. Macbeth speaks this line shortly after hearing the news of Lady Macbeth’s death. Her passing serves as a catalyst for his despair and philosophical musing, pushing him to reflect on his life and the destructive consequences of his unchecked ambition.
