Macbeth (themes) Flashcards
What does the phrase “Sleep no more” signify in Macbeth?
It reflects Macbeth’s guilt after killing Duncan, indicating that he has lost his innocence and will suffer from insomnia.
What does Macbeth mean when he says, “Stars hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires”?
He reveals his ambition and moral conflict about killing Duncan, wishing to hide his evil thoughts from God.
What quote is spoken by the witches and reflects the theme of appearance vs. reality?
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Act 1, Scene 1)This paradoxical statement foreshadows the deceptive nature of Macbeth’s world, where things are not as they seem. It introduces the idea that appearances can be misleading, which is central to the play’s exploration of deceit and moral corruption.
What quote does Lady Macbeth use to manipulate Macbeth by questioning his masculinity?
“When you durst do it, then you were a man” (Act 1, Scene 7)
Analysis: Lady Macbeth uses Macbeth’s insecurities about his masculinity to goad him into committing murder, showing her manipulation and control over him.
Which quote shows Macbeth’s internal conflict just before killing Duncan?
“Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?” (Act 2, Scene 1)
Analysis: Macbeth’s vision of the dagger represents his conflicted thoughts, torn between ambition and guilt, foreshadowing his moral descent.
What quote shows Macbeth’s hesitation and internal debate as he contemplates murdering Duncan?
“The handle of the sword is toward my hand.” (Act 2, Scene 1)
Analysis: Macbeth’s inner turmoil is evident here, as he contemplates the act of murder but is unsure about following through.
Which quote shows Macbeth’s nihilistic view of life after hearing of Lady Macbeth’s death?
“Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow…” (Act 5, Scene 5)
Analysis: Macbeth reflects on life as meaningless and temporary, signaling his complete emotional collapse after his rise to power.
Which quote reflects Lady Macbeth’s advice to Macbeth to hide his true intentions and appear innocent?
“Look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under’t.” (Act 1, Scene 5)
Analysis: Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to deceive others by masking his deadly intentions, embodying the theme of appearance vs. reality.
What quote does Lady Macbeth use to call upon spirits to strip her of femininity?
A: “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here…” (Act 1, Scene 5)
Analysis: Lady Macbeth seeks to shed her femininity, believing that ruthlessness is necessary for her to pursue power.
What quote does Lady Macbeth say to Macbeth to try to downplay their guilt and move on?
: “What’s done is done.” (Act 3, Scene 2)
Analysis: Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to move past their guilt, showing her ability to suppress emotions and focus on their next steps.
What quote from the witches foreshadows Macbeth’s rise to power and shows the theme of fate vs. free will?
“All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! Hail to thee, that shalt be king hereafter!” (Act 1, Scene 3)
Analysis: The witches’ prophecy sparks Macbeth’s ambition, questioning whether he is destined for power or making choices that lead him there.
What quote reveals Lady Macbeth’s perception of Macbeth’s kindness and fears he lacks the ruthlessness to kill Duncan?
Yet I do fear thy nature; It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness.” (Act 1, Scene 5)
Analysis: Lady Macbeth fears Macbeth’s kindness will prevent him from committing murder, revealing her belief that he needs her manipulation to succeed.
What quote does Duncan say after learning about the Thane of Cawdor’s betrayal, highlighting the theme of appearance vs. reality?
“There’s no art To find the mind’s construction in the face.” (Act 1, Scene 4)
Analysis: Duncan reflects on how people’s true intentions are hidden behind their appearance, emphasizing the theme of deceptive appearances.
What quote does Lady Macbeth say when taking charge of the murder and telling Macbeth to go back to Duncan’s chamber?
“Give me the daggers.” (Act 2, Scene 2)
Analysis: Lady Macbeth takes control of the situation, demonstrating her resolve and complete involvement in the murder.
What quote reflects Lady Macbeth’s psychological decline and guilt after the murder of Duncan?
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Act 5, Scene 1)
Analysis: Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking reveals her inability to escape the guilt of Duncan’s murder, showing her psychological unraveling.
What quote reveals Macbeth’s realization that he has committed too many murders to turn back?
“I am in blood Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o’er.” (Act 3, Scene 4)Macbeth acknowledges his point of no return, symbolizing his deep moral corruption and the irreversible consequences of his actions.
What quote does Malcolm say about the Thane of Cawdor, which contrasts with Macbeth’s treachery?
“Nothing in his life Became him like the leaving of it.” (Act 1, Scene 4)
Analysis: Malcolm praises the Thane of Cawdor’s honorable death, providing a stark contrast to Macbeth’s treacherous rise to power.
What quote does Macbeth say reflecting his fear of losing the crown and his increasing paranoia?
“To be thus is nothing; But to be safely thus.” (Act 3, Scene 1)
Analysis: Macbeth’s fear of losing his crown drives his paranoia, showing that his ambition now seeks not just power, but security.
What quote from the Old Man reflects the unnatural events happening after Duncan’s death, linking tothe theme of nature and the supernatural?
“The night has been unruly.” (Act 2, Scene 4)
Analysis: The Old Man’s observation reflects the disturbance in nature, symbolizing the unnatural consequences of Duncan’s murder.
What quote reflects Ross’ observation of unnatural darkness after Duncan’s murder, suggesting a disturbance in nature’s order?
“By the clock ‘tis day, And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp.” (Act 2, Scene 4)
Analysis: Ross comments on the unnatural darkness, highlighting how Duncan’s murder has disturbed the natural order.
What quote from Macbeth shows his descent into further dishonesty and manipulation in his relationship with Lady Macbeth?
“Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, Till thou applaud the deed.” (Act 3, Scene 2)
Analysis: Macbeth distances himself from Lady Macbeth by hiding his plans, showing his increasing isolation and moral decay.
What quote reflects Lady Macbeth’s deepening guilt, manifesting in her sleepwalking scene?
“What’s the matter, that you still come back to me?” (Act 5, Scene 1)
Analysis: Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking reflects her guilt and mental breakdown as she can no longer escape the consequences of her actions.
: What is the significance of “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Act 1, Scene 1)?
This quote introduces the theme of appearance vs. reality, suggesting that things are not what they seem and foreshadowing the deceit and moral ambiguity in the play.
What is the significance of “When you durst do it, then you were a man” (Act 1, Scene 7)?
Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth by challenging his masculinity, pushing him to commit murder in order to prove his manhood and ambition.
