Macbeth - predictions quotes Flashcards
Kingship
Macbeth is surprised that he will become king (he has not thought about kingship before and is not yet overwhelmed by ambition)
‘and to be king stands not within the prospect of belief’
Kingship
Macbeth recognised that Duncan is a good king. Duncan’s righteousness makes Macbeth feel even more guilty about his plan to murder Duncan
‘his virtues will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued…’
Kingship
Making sure his descendants are king are as important as being king himself
‘Tell me, if your art can tell so much, shall Banquo’s issue ever reign in this kingdom?’
Kingship
Malcolm describes the characteristics of Macbeth that make him a bad king
‘I grant him bloody, luxurious, avaricious, false… smacking of every sin that has a name.’
Kingship
Malcolm lists the virtues of a good king. Virtues such as “bounty” (generosity) and “lowliness” (modesty) are qualities that Duncan had
‘As… stableness, bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness’
Banquo quotes
‘What, can the devil speak true?’
- Even if the witches have said a little bit of truth, Banquo does not trust their intent
‘The instruments of darkness tell us truths; win us with honest trifles, to betray’s in deepest consequence’
- the Witches tell small truths to gain our trust then misguide us
‘In the great hand of God I stand… I fight of treasonous malice.’
- I’m putting myself in the hands of God… I’ll fight the treasonous plot behind this murder
(Banquo is uncorrupted, contrast to Macbeth, who did the killing)
‘He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour’
- Macbeth fears Banquo’s good and wise nature
Banquo - valiant soldier
‘our captains, Macbeth and Banquo’
‘they were as cannons over-charg’d with double cracks’
- they were like cannons loaded with double charges of gunpowder
Banquo - resistance to witches
‘me, who neither beg nor fear your favours nor your hate.’
- I neither want your favours nor fear your hatred
‘I dream’d last night of the three weïrd sisters’
