Macbeth- Quotes Act Five Flashcards
Lady Macbeth obsessively rubs her hand to rid them of blood only she can see – this imaginary blood symbolizes the guilt from which she cannot escape.
“Out, damned spot!”
she is haunted by the sight and smell of blood, she is unable to get rid of her guilt –
the stench of evil lingers on her hand
“Here’s the smell of the blood still; all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little
hand”
Lady Macbeth realizes she cannot undo the damage she has caused by inciting her husband to become a murderer
“What’s done cannot be undone”
the doctor sees Lady Macbeth’s delirium
as a product of her evil actions
“Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles”
conflicting rumours and opinions continue to circulate about Macbeth’s volatile state of mind
“Some say he’s mad; others that lesser hate him do call it valiant fury”
It is clear Macbeth understands what is driving his wife mad – the guilt and shame of the deeds they have committed – he feels she will only be cured if the doctor can erase her memories, something which is impossible
“Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow”
At the start of the scene Macbeth’s
attitude is defiant in the face of the approaching armies, he feels a sense of confidence that
Dunsinane will not fall, buoyed up by the prophecies
“Our castle’s strength will laugh a siege to scorn”
Macbeth has become desensitised to evil by the horrendous acts he has committed, he has lost most of his humanity by this stage
“I have supped full with horrors”
Macbeth’s reaction to his wife’s death is one of detachment, he has lost interest in life as evidenced by the rest of his speech
“She should have died hereafter”
Macbeth uses poetic language to describe his disillusionment with life after hearing of his wife’s death
“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time”
Macbeth sees life as something that is very fragile (can be snuffed out as easily as a candle’s flame) and ultimately meaningless.
“Out, out, brief candle. Life’s but a walking shadow… a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”
Macduff was born in an unnatural
manner by Caesarean section – the witches have deceived Macbeth with double-speak and false
assurances
“Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely ripped”
Malcolm highlights the terror and bloodshed of Macbeth’s reign, highlighting the murderous and evil deeds Macbeth and his wife committed to
steal the crown
“This dead butcher and his fiend-like queen”
Malcolm will rule in God’s name, his ascent symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. His inclusive and thoughtful speech implies he will be a gracious ruler who will restore peace.
“by the grace of Grace”
