macbeth key quotes Flashcards
“For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name” act one scene two
the writer successfully uses the word choice of brave to convey the idea of having courage and stength. This suggests macbeth is a powerful, gifted fighter and made honourable contributions towards scotlands victory
wc of deserved compellingly foreshadows macbeths soon to come downfall. it illustrates how at the beggining macbeth is respected and worhyy of high status whereas in the end he is despised by many and deemed undeserving of his titles
“stars hide your fires let not light see your dark and deep desires”
powerful metaphor suggests if a star were to hide its fire it would lose its true purpose just like macbeth who is sturggling to hide his ambitious motives. this highlights his desire to never let his wicked throughts see the light of day
symbolism of “stars” and “black”. “stars” symbolise fate and wishful thinking wheras “black” conveys dark and sinister aspirations. suggests that although macbeth wishes to act on his amabition he holds back as he is aware of their darkness.
“i have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition which o’rleaps itslef and falls on th’other”
act one scene seven
metaphor shows that just as a spur pricks a horse into movement, so too macbeths ambition is motivating him. highlights macbeth realises that the only reason for him wanting to kill the king is his ambition
impressingly uses personification of “o’leap” itself. Just as to o’rleap” something means to leap over it so too macbeths ambition is leaping over him, indicating it has a life of its own and has control over him. 0i, o0o,099
“to be thus is nothing, But to be safely thus. our fears in banquo stick deep”
act three scene one
juxtaposition of “thus” and “safely thus’ creates an antithesis. suggests macbeth beleives their is no use to power unless it is secure emphasising he is no longer satisfied and his paranoia.
metaphor “fears in banquo stick deep”
just as when something sticks it lingers and difficult to remove so too macbeths fear that banquo will steal the throne is inescapable and hard to ignore. emphasis his desire to keep the crown will drive him to murder his best friend.
“this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen” act five scene 9
metaphor - just as a butcher kills without compassion or mercy, so too macbeth killed many people when driven with power, emphasising his bloody reign and hatred
juxtaposition - “queen’ and “fiend” contrasts that although kings and queens are suppossed to be respected and looked up to, Macbeth and lady macbeth were cruel and evil and hated by the people
“what does the tyrant” act five scene 2
wc “tyrant”
abuse of power
emphasis how widely hated macbeth is
question
questioning macbeths power
allows reader to think about macbeths cruelty and impact he has had on scotland
