macbeth quotes Flashcards
my dearest partner of greatness act 1 scene 5
Macbeth
This shows the equalityin Macbeth and lady Macbeths relationshipat the start of the play which will detiriorate as they commit their crimes. It suggests equal parternship and that their relationship is built apon mutaula respect and admiraitioj. It takes on a darker tone when lady macbeths actionslead to their tragic downfall and ending
stars hide your fires let light not see my black and deep desires
act 1 scene 5
macbeth
dark and lightimagry links to the theme of deception, ambition and the inner workings of macbeth. it suggest macbeth wants to conceal his true intentionsfrom the universe and from himself. He is aware of the drakness within him. He fears his own ambition and the dark and sinistr lengths he is willing to go to. This will ultimately lead to his downfall. Hamartia+ tragic flaw, from the greek meaninmg to miss the mark
come you spirits….un sex me …… take the milk fro gall
act1 scene 5
lady macbeth
lady macbth is asking to replqqce her milk with poison is a disregard fro femininity, includin basic maternal instinct. This would be highly shocking to an audience in the Elizabeth era. This reveals lady macbthes ambition and desire for power. She wants her natural feminine instincts to be replaced by biterness and cruelty. it foreshadown the dark path they take which ultiamtly leads to their downfall
yet i do fear thy neature, it is too full oth milk of human kindness
act1 scene 5
lady macbeth
Lady Macbeth is critical of Macbeth with milk having connotations of innocence and childhood. She fears he cannot achieve his potential. It shows Lady Macbeth’s willingness to manipulate and influence her husband to achieve her own goals. She views compassion and empathy as weaknesses.
“When you durst do it, then you were a man”.
Act 1: scene vi
(Lady Macbeth)
Lady Macbeth is undermining her husband’s manliness and she clearly knows how to manipulate him. At that time in society there was a certain idea of what constituted a real man. It illustrates the toxic masculinity and gender expectations of the time period. She is goading him to abandon his humanity.
“I would have dashed the brains out.”
Act 1: scene vii
(Lady Macbeth)
The violent imagery emphasises Lady Macbeth’s lack of maternal instincts and her commitment to power. She is willing to take matters into her own hands and commit the Murder herself if Macbeth can’t follow through. She is cold blooded and ruthless.
“Screw your courage to the sticking place”
(Act 1: scene vii)
Lady Macbeth is again manipulative. She is urging him to be both brave and resolute.
“Is this a dagger which I see before me?”
(Act 1: i Macbeth)
The opening line of Macbeth’s soliloquy shows his internal debate about whether he should accept the dagger and kill Duncan. The hallucination shows the effect the murder has on him. Macbeth Is alone in his chamber, trying to mentally prepare himself. Metaphorical significance of the dagger - physical murder weapon - but also a symbol of his inner turmoil and descent into darkness. It also displays the theme of appearance versus reality.
“Will all great Neptune’s Ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand?
(Act 2: ii Macbeth)
Macbeth’s obsession with the blood demonstrates his instant guilt and descent into madness. This is later mirrored by LadyMacbeth in act 5. Macbeth has just murdered king Duncan and is now reflecting on the enormity of his crime. Metaphorical language suggests he feels stained by his actions. Reference to Neptune, sense of guilt being cosmic, it has upset the natural order of things
“O, full of scorpions Is my mind”
(Act 3: ii)
The use of animal imagery illustrates Macbeth’s descent into madness. Macbeth is feeling increasingly unstable and paranoid. The Metaphor of scorpions suggests his thoughts are poisonous and dangerous.
By the pricking of my thumbs
Something wicked this way comes.”
(Act IV: I The Witches
The witches speak in rhyming couplet, emphasising Macbeth’s wickedness, and making their words sound spell-like. The Witches are gathering ingredients. It highlights the supernatural and ominous nature of the play and shows they are evil and malevolent. It underscores the theme of fate, prophetic vision suggests Macbeth’s fate is already sealed. He is being guided by forces beyond human control.
“Out,damned spot!
Out,I say..will these
Hands ne’er be clean?”
(Act V: l Lady Macbeth)
Lady Macbeth’s obsession with cleanliness, cleaning the blood from her hands mirrors Macbeth In act 2 scene 2. Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking and is haunted by her guilt. The spot is the permanent stain that her actions have left on her soul. The psychological impact highlights the tragic consequences that follow when people give in to their darkest impulses.
“Unnatural deeds Do breed unnatural troubles”
(Act V: l The Doctor)
This comment from the doctor links both to Macbeth’s disruption of the great chain of being and the supernatural elements of the play. The doctor is observing Lady Macbeth Sleepwalking. The message is: actions have consequences, and those consequences can be unpredictable and far reaching when the actions go against the naturalorder. It serves as a warning against immoral actions because they can have dire consequences
“I have supped with full horrors”
(Act V: v Macbeth)
This has 2 meanings:
1. Macbeth has metaphorically filled himself up with the dark deeds he has committed.
2. He has literally Supped, eaten with Banquo’s ghost.
Macbeth has learnt Lady Macbeth has died and he is reflecting on the terrible deeds. He is overwhelmed by the atrocities he has committed. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive nature of guilt and remorse.
“I will not yield. To kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet”
(Act V scene viii, Macbeth)
Despite his imminent death, Macbeth refuses to be mocked or bow to Malcolm, showing that he remains proud. Macbeth has learnt that the army led by Malcolm (son of King Duncan) is approaching to overthrow him. Macbeth will not submit and will fight to the end. He is still clinging to his pride and dignity even in the face of defeat. He would rather fight and die than be humiliated or defeated by his enemies.
