Macbeth Quotes (THEME OF AMBITION)

Question 1

Set at the beginning of the play, Macbeth hears the witches prophesy. This ignites the theme of ambition in the play

Answer 1

-“If good, why do I yield to that suggestion / whose horrid image doth unfix my hair / and make my seated heart knock at my ribs / against the use of nature?” Macbeth A1 S3

Question 2

Set after Macbeth hears of the witches prophesy, Lady Macbeth hears that her husband may one day become King via a letter sent by him. She desires this greatly but doesn’t believe Macbeth will do anything about it.

Answer 2

• “Come you spirits, / that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, / and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full / of direst cruelty” Lady Macbeth A1 S5
• “too full o’th’milk of human kindness” Lady Macbeth A1 S5

Question 3

Set during TP, Macbeth acknowledges his own ambition

Answer 3

-“ I have no spur / to prick the sides of my intent, but only / vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself / and falls on th’ other” Macbeth A1 S7

Question 4

Set during TP, Lady Macbeth persuades him to kill Duncan. He agrees.

Answer 4

• “When you durst do it then you were a man; / and, to be more than what you were you would / be so much more the man” Lady Macbeth A1 S7
• “False face must hide what the false heart doth know.” Macbeth A1 S7

Question 5

Set after the TP and Duncan’s death, Macbeth kills Banquo because his ambition has taken over and he wishes to keep his position

Answer 5

• “To be thus is nothing, / but to be safely thus.” Macbeth A3 S1
• “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck” Macbeth A3 S2

Question 6

Set after Banquo’s murder, everyone hates Macbeth and he is ultimately killed by Macduff

Answer 6

• “But gentle heavens, / cut short all information front to front / bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself. / Within my swords length set him; if he ‘scape / heaven forgive him too” Macduff A4 S3
• “Behold where stands / the usurper’s cursed head. The time is free” Macduff A5 S8