Macbeth Flashcards
Act 1 Scene 2 - Macbet is described as ‘‘b—-‘’ and ‘‘n—–’’
’‘brave’’ and ‘‘noble’‘
Our first impression of Macbeth. ‘‘noble’‘ means distinguished by rank or title - belongs to the aristocracy. Alternatively, it means exalted mental or moral character. Someone who is admired, or respected.
Act 1 Scene 2 - Macbeth’s violence is praised
Sergeant describes how Macbeth ‘‘c—–’’ a path through the soldiers.
’‘carved’’
Sergeant uses brutal, shocking imagery to describe how Macbeth carved through these soldiers and found the rebel leader, Macdonwald.
The response to this is not on of horror - it is praised.
(AO3) We are given the impression that this a very masculine world - it’s honour-bound. In order to be considered a good and worthy man, you have to prove yourself in battle.
Act 1 Scene 2
'’W—- h- ha– l— Ma—- h— w—’’
’‘What he hath lost, Macbeth hath won’‘
Macbeth is set up here as a loyal soldier.
Shakespeare is creating an interesting paradox here. Whilst we are supposed to see the contrast between a disloyal, treasonous Thane and a loyal brave one (Macbeth), by the end of the lay the roles are very much reversed. This is an example of foreshadowing in Macbeth.
Act 1 Scene 3 ‘’s- f— a– f— a — I h— n– se–’’
’‘so foul and fair a day I have not seen’‘
Macbeth here echos the words of the witches, suggesting they will have a great influence on him. Ambition is a good thing, ‘‘fair’‘ however his vaulting ambition is malevolent and thus ‘‘foul’’
Act 1 Scene 3 ‘‘M- th—-, who– m—- y– – b—- fa——–’’
'’sm—–‘d – s—–’’
’‘My thought , whose murder yet is but fantastical,’‘
There’s a very quick to jump the the idea of murdering Duncan - as if this mruderous ambition has always been inside of him, just awoken by the witches.
’‘smother’d in surmise’‘
This is a metaphor- surmise means to infer without evidence. ‘‘smother’d’’ suggests the thought is overwhelming to Macbeth, showing the heavy influence the Supernatural can have. ‘‘surmise’‘ references his imagination, that has been amplified by the witches’’ prophecy.
Act 1 Scene 3
'’L– n– li— s– my black and d—- de—-‘’
’‘let light not see my black and deep desires’‘
Adjective ‘‘deep’’ references the subconcious. Juxtaposition of ‘‘light’’ and ‘‘black’’ represents Macbeth’s inner turmoil with good and evil. “Black’’ links to Gothic literature and also suggests he know’s what he’s doing is wrong - yet he goes through with it anyways.
Act 1 Scene 3
'’who– hor— image do– un— my h—’’
'’ag—- t– u— of n—–’’
’‘who horrid image doth unfix my hair…’‘
Shows Macbeth’s morality whilst highlighting the physical effects it will have on Macbeth.
'’against the use of nature’‘
links back to the Great Chain of Being. Foreshadows the chaos that is caused once this is broken.
Act 1 Scene 7
'’W- w— pr—– n- f—– in t— b——’’
’‘We will proceed no further in this business’‘
Macbeth’s language is now mirroring LM’s - uses ‘‘business’to refer to the murder, this euphenism is the same as LM. ‘‘business’’ shows the lack of empathy both LM and Macbeth show for the murder they are going to commit.
'’f—- f— m— h— w— the f—- heart —- —–’’
’‘false face must hide what the false heart doth know’‘
Juxtaposition of ‘‘hide’’ and ‘‘know’‘ highlights the theme of Appearence vs Reality. Adjective ‘‘false’’ suggests he shouldn’t be in line for the crown
Act 2 Scene 2
'’I- t— a d—- w—- I s— be—- me?’‘
’‘C— l— m- c—- t—-‘‘
’‘Is this a dagger which I see before me?’‘
'’Come let me clutch thee’‘
Caesura adds to his hestitation - implying he is still not overly confident about the regicide. Imperative ‘‘come’’ directs blame to the dagger whilst also linking back to LM’’s when she called on spirits, “Come, spirits…’‘
