MACBETH AND GUILTTTT Flashcards
Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood
Clean from my hand? ANALYSIS
- The use of religious imagery “Neptune” as a reference to the Roman god of the sea adds to the grandeur and power of the image. Macbeth’s sense of guilt and shame is so overwhelming that he feels that even the vast and powerful ocean cannot wash it away.
- second part of the quote “clean from my hand” emphasizes the physicality of Macbeth’s guilt. His guilt is not just a feeling but a stain that is physically present on his hand, This line echoes an earlier scene in Act 2, where Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth “A little water clears us of this deed” This contrast between Lady Macbeth’s belief that washing their hands will cleanse them of their guilt and Macbeth’s belief that even the ocean cannot wash away his guilt highlights the different ways in which the two characters cope with their guilt.
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” a little water clears us of this deed”
- The use of the word “us” in the line shows the shared responsibility that Lady Macbeth and Macbeth have in the crime they have committed. It also reveals their complicity and the extent to which they are both responsible for the murder.
- metaphor, water is used as a symbol of purification and cleansing, suggesting that Lady Macbeth believes that the guilt of the murder can be washed away like dirt from the hands. however, the metaphor is subverted by the irony, as the guilt of the murder cannot be erased so easily
“if it were done when tis done then twere well it were done quickly…” analysis
The use of the phrase “when ‘tis done” shows Macbeth’s certainty that the murder will happen, even though he is still struggling with the decision. The line also suggests a sense of fatalism, as if the act of murder is inevitable and cannot be avoided. This foreshadows the tragic consequences that will come from Macbeth’s actions, as he becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia.
- The line reveals Macbeth’s internal conflict between his ambition and his moral compass, as he considers the possibility of murdering King Duncan to fulfill the witches’ prophecy that he will become king
- The phrase “If it were done” suggests that Macbeth is still uncertain about whether he should commit the murder or not. The use of the conditional tense shows that the decision is not yet final and that Macbeth is still weighing the pros and cons of the situation. However, the phrase “when ‘tis done” implies that Macbeth is already committed to the idea of murder, and that it is only a matter of time before he goes through with it.
“the deep damnations of his taking off” analysis
- The use of the word “damnation” suggests that Macbeth believes that the murder of King Duncan is a sin that will result in eternal punishment. This reveals Macbeth’s sense of morality and suggests that he is struggling with the decision to commit the murder.
what do the plosive sounds in “deep damnations” demonstrate
- the plosive sounds in the line help to create a sense of tension and drama in the scene. The repetition of the “d” and “t” sounds creates a staccato rhythm that adds to the urgency and intensity of Macbeth’s words. This helps to heighten the emotional impact of the scene and creates a sense of foreboding for what is to come
- the use of plosive sounds in the line serves to reinforce the theme of guilt and moral responsibility in the play. The harshness of the “d” and “t” sounds suggests a sense of condemnation and judgment, highlighting the weight of Macbeth’s actions and the consequences that will follow.
” i could not say amen” analysis
- “amen” is a term used to indicate agreement or affirmation, and in a religious context, it is often used at the end of prayers or other religious rituals. By saying that he could not say amen, Macbeth is essentially saying that he cannot agree with or affirm the actions he has just taken.
- suggests that Macbeth is still grappling with the morality of his actions, and is not yet fully committed to his new role as a murderer and usurper. Despite his ambition and desire for power, Macbeth is still human and still capable of feeling guilt and doubt
- the line also foreshadows Macbeth’s growing sense of guilt and his eventual downfall. Despite his ambition and desire for power, Macbeth is still capable of feeling guilt and doubt, and his inability to say amen suggests that he is questioning his actions and his faith
“i could not say amen” context”
. As a former soldier, Macbeth would have been a man of faith and would have likely said “amen” at the end of his prayers or other religious rituals
” i am afraid to think of what I have done”
- “to think” implies that Macbeth is not just feeling fear, but is actively reflecting on his actions and the consequences of what he has done. This suggests that Macbeth is aware of the gravity of his crime and is already grappling with the psychological effects of it
- “what I have done” is particularly powerful because it is both direct and ambiguous. Macbeth does not specify what “it” is, but the audience knows that he is referring to the murder of King Duncan. The word “done” is a past participle of the verb “do”, which emphasizes the finality of Macbeth’s actions. This line suggests that Macbeth is aware of the irreversibility of his crime and that it will have long-lasting consequences
“bloody instructions” analysis
“Bloody” - The word “bloody” refers to the violent and bloody nature of the instructions that Macbeth has received. It suggests a sense of brutality and bloodshed that is central to the play.
“Instructions” - The word “instructions” refers to the orders or guidance that Macbeth has received, likely from his wife, Lady Macbeth. The fact that they are described as “bloody” implies that they are related to violent or murderous actions.
Together, the phrase “bloody instructions” reflects the dark and destructive nature of Macbeth’s actions, which are driven by his ambition and the encouragement of his wife. The phrase is significant because it highlights the influence of Lady Macbeth over her husband and the role that she plays in driving him to commit murder. It also foreshadows the bloodshed and violence that will occur throughout the play as Macbeth becomes increasingly ruthless in his pursuit of power.
” i am in blood, stepped in so far, that I should wade no more analysis
“I am in blood” - This phrase suggests that Macbeth has become deeply entrenched in his violent actions and that his hands are metaphorically covered in blood. It reflects the fact that he has committed multiple murders and has become consumed by his desire for power. The phrase also implies a sense of guilt and moral decay, as Macbeth becomes more and more detached from his former self.
“Stepp’d in so far” - This phrase suggests that Macbeth has gone too far to turn back from his violent actions. It implies that he is trapped in a cycle of violence and that he cannot extricate himself from the situation he has created. The phrase also implies a sense of inevitability, as Macbeth becomes increasingly desperate and ruthless in his pursuit of power.
“That, should I wade no more” - This phrase suggests that Macbeth has a choice to continue down the path of violence and destruction or to try to turn back. It implies that he is aware of the consequences of his actions and that he is grappling with his own sense of morality. The phrase also implies a sense of uncertainty, as Macbeth struggles to decide what to do next and whether he can escape the web of violence that he has created.
