Macbeth Act 1 Quotations Flashcards
Analyse the quotation - “So ____ and ____ a day”
Foul, fair
This is a reference to the witches’ chiasmus at the beginning of Act 1 scene 1, highlighting the supernatural tone set by the witches and the influence they have on him in a way. It also foreshadows Macbeth’s dark deeds links to changing of the natural order of the world by killing the King.
This also implies his fate was sealed from the very start of the story, and the hope of letting fate do its course was simply a fallacy. This could be an overall metaphor for the fact that, despite the perceived control we have pver our day-today lives, God reigns supreme.
Analyse the quotation - “Why do you _____ me in __________ robes?”
Dress, borrowed
This is a metaphor for Macbeth thinking he is impersonating the Thane Of Cawdor, as he believes (or hopes) that the Thane Of Cawdor lives, even though he would like to have his power and status.
This presents Macbeth’s conflict between greed and a lack of self-worth and feelings of doubt. Moreover, this could be foreshadowing Macbeth’s lack of legitimacy when taking the crown of Scotland, demonstrating how he was always doubting his ability.
Analyse the quotation - “Thanks for the _____’
Pains
This is said during a soliloquy, where Macbeth’s deep desires are revealed. Here, we learn that Macbeth is thankful that the Thane Of Cawdor and Glamis suffered, so that he may thrive and gain their power.
This portrays how Macbeth almost puts on a front in public, to display his regret for their suffering, but inside he truly nourishes in the thought of being able to take their power, revealing his duplicitous nature.
Analyse the quotation - “Do you not hope your _______ will be _____ ?”
Children, kings
Rhetorical question- This is said directly after his soliloquy, to Banquo, and contrasts heavily his views. Here, he is trying to present himself as selfless, and not having a lust for power. Instead, he will give it to whomever deemed worthy. This may be viewed as him trying to win favour with Banquo, or trying to manipulate him to portray Banquo as having a lust for power instead.
This is another example of Macbeth’s duplicity, but could also be interpreted as Macbeth’s self doubt, and wanting to be rid of responsibility, or the thought of killing Duncan.
Analyse the quotation - “Why do I _____?”
Yield
He says this during a soliloquy, where his inner thoughts may be explored. Yield in this context, refers to him giving in to his thoughts about killing King Duncan, and the horrifying images in his head. Him questioning himself like this further depicts his guilt, and his inner conflict fighting within him.
Analyse the quotation - “Knock at my ____”
Ribs
This example of a euphemistic metaphor is spoken to his friends, when he is doubting himself about the horrific image in his head, which he will not reveal to them. From a certain perspective, it could be said that Macbeth is simply hallucinating, and the knocking at his ribs represents him shaking in fear, due to the images in his head.
Or, it could be implied that the images in his head are born out of his fear, and the knocking at his ribs is coming from his own regret and apparent lack of self control.
The imagery of knocking reoccurs throughout the play, regarding Duncan, foreshadowing his death and connection with Macbeth.
Analyse the quotation - “Our ______ are to your ______.”
Duties, throne
This is said directly to Duncan, after he contemplated killing him and the results of it. This is ostentatious from Macbeth, and is an example of dramatic irony, as the audience are aware of Macbeth’s true intentions and his deceit here.
This could also be interpreted as an example of Macbeth’s inner desire, as he is loyal to his throne, which could be seen as being loyal to his power,
which he craves deep down.
Analyse the quotation - “Hide your _____, let not light see my _____ and deep desires”
Fires, black
This is said in a soliloquy, and this rhyming couplet implies death as fire, and black desires can be inferred as evil and malicious. This is foreshadowing for the dark deeds he will do in the future.
He also doesn’t want light to see it, implying he is scared of not going to heaven and is naïve enough to believe he can’t evade heavens power and knowledge.
Analyse the quotation - “That is a step, on which I must ____ down or else _______”
Fall, o’erleap
This metaphor represents his inner conflict between seizing power and becoming King by killing Duncan (via gaining power) or allowing fate to do its course and not interfering.
This is also a metaphor for Malcolm either being an obstacle he avoids, or one he overcomes/kills. This further demonstrates Macbeth’s ambition which is his hamartia.
Analyse the quotation - “_________ up the consequence”
Trammel
This said euphemistically, in front of others, but implies that if he can kill Duncan swiftly, it could not bear any consequences. He is tentative here, however, showing he is torn between the advantages and disadvantages of killing Duncan. This is an instance of Macbeth being mercurial.
Analyse the quotation - “To _______ th’inventor”
Plague
This is said during the same speech and implies that, even if done with success, the haunting image of the murder will always psychologically attack the murderer, showing Macbeth’s self doubt and contrasting his more optimistic view on the consequences from before. This is another example of Macbeth’s mercurial nature.
Analyse the quotation - “Will _____ like angels”
Plead
This is said by Macbeth when describing Duncan’s nature and his reasoning for remorse or fear. This is a metaphor for Duncan’s powers being like an angel’s, and angels are given their powers by God. This suggests Macbeth is given his powers by God as well, further implying that Macbeth is fearful of God, or believes the consequences of killing Duncan may include feeling the wrath of God.
Analyse the quotation - “No spur to _____ the sides of my _____”
Prick, intent
This is said in the same speech, after he contemplated killing King Duncan. This metaphor implies he doesn’t want to carry out the deed of killing him, contrasting his confidence of earlier. “No spur” means no desire or motivation to do it. He does not want to think about it since he knows it will trouble him further.
Analyse the quotation - “Vaulting _________ which o’erleaps _______”
Ambition, itself
This is an example of zoomorphism, and represents him being a horse that leaps of the obstacle of the guilt of killing Duncan, and is not afraid to take risks. This also links to a previous quote and shows a contrast with it, seeming to have made up his mind, yet changing again later.
