quoted Flashcards
“good sir…
why do you start; and seem to fear
“and i fear
thou playdst most foully for it
“if you can look into the seeds of time
and say which grain will grow and which will not”
Merciful powers…
restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in repose”
he was a gentleman
on whom i built an absolute trust”
the thane of fife had a wife where is she now
- The phrase employs a rhetorical question, “where is she now?” This technique is used to evoke a sense of uncertainty and mystery. It emphasizes the absence or disappearance of the thane of Fife’s wife and implies that something significant or unfortunate may have happened to her. By posing the question, Lady Macbeth draws attention to the unknown fate of the wife
- The phrase carries a strong emotional weight. Lady Macbeth’s words are filled with remorse, guilt, and madness. The question about the fate of the thane of Fife’s wife reflects Lady Macbeth’s troubled state of mind and the anguish she experiences as a result of her actions. It adds to the overall sense of despair and tragedy in the play.
fair is foul and foul is fair
- The phrase presents a paradoxical statement by juxtaposing opposing concepts. “Fair” usually connotes beauty, goodness, and righteousness, while “foul” implies ugliness, evil, and corruption. The inversion of these terms creates a sense of moral ambiguity and instability, reflecting the topsy-turvy world of the play where appearances can be deceiving
- The phrase reflects their distorted perception of reality and their ability to manipulate and disrupt the natural order of things.
“is this a dagger i see before me”
- Macbeth’s question is not seeking a factual response but is an expression of his troubled state of mind. It reflects his inner conflict, uncertainty, and disorientation as he grapples with the decision to commit regicide.
- Metaphor: The phrase employs a metaphor by comparing the dagger to a symbol of violence and death. Macbeth questions whether the dagger he sees is a real object or a manifestation of his own desires and guilt. The dagger represents the temptation and the moral dilemma Macbeth faces, as he contemplates taking a path of bloodshed and betrayal.
- The phrase foreshadows the violent and treacherous acts Macbeth is about to commit. It serves as a precursor to the murder of King Duncan, symbolizing the looming darkness and the descent into evil that Macbeth will undergo. The presence of the dagger signifies Macbeth’s willingness to carry out his ambitious desires, regardless of the consequences
“first i am his kinsman and his subject”
- The phrase uses enumeration to present two distinct reasons why Macbeth hesitates to carry out the murder. Macbeth lists being Duncan’s kinsman and subject as two separate factors that weigh on his conscience and make him question the morality of the act.
- As Duncan’s kinsman, Macbeth acknowledges the familial bond and the obligation to protect and respect his relative. As Duncan’s subject, Macbeth acknowledges the duty he has as a loyal member of the kingdom to uphold the king’s authority and well-being.
- The phrase foreshadows the internal conflict and moral dilemma that Macbeth will face throughout the play. It sets the stage for the tragic events to come as Macbeth wrestles with his conscience and grapples with the consequences of his ambition.
a little water clears us of this deed
- Lady Macbeth suggests that the act of washing their hands with water is all it takes to cleanse them of the guilt associated with the murder. By using the word “little,” she diminishes the enormity of their deed, attempting to ease Macbeth’s conscience and convince him that they can easily move on.
- phrase employs symbolism by associating water with purification and absolution. Lady Macbeth suggests that the physical act of washing their hands with water will not only remove the blood but also wash away their guilt and the consequences of their actions. Water symbolizes a fresh start, a means of cleansing, and the possibility of redemption.
- irony - The blood they have shed represents their moral transgressions and the irreversible consequences of their ambitious and violent actions. The irony lies in the fact that no amount of water can truly absolve them of the weight of their guilt or erase the psychological and moral ramifications of their deeds.
- The phrase provides insight into Lady Macbeth’s mindset and her attempt to rationalize their actions. It reveals her own internal struggle with guilt and her desperate need to find a way to alleviate the remorse that plagues her conscience. Lady Macbeth’s belief that a simple act of washing can absolve them demonstrates her own self-delusion and desperate desire to maintain control over the situation.
“ i am afraid to think of what i have done”
euphemism - Rather than directly stating “what I have done,” Macbeth veils the act in indirect language. This euphemistic approach allows for a heightened sense of dramatic tension and reflects Macbeth’s internal struggle to come to terms with the gravity of his actions.
- The phrase reflects Macbeth’s introspection and self-awareness. It demonstrates his willingness to confront the consequences of his actions and his recognition of the moral transgressions he has committed. Macbeth’s ability to acknowledge and articulate his guilt reveals his complex character and his capacity for self-reflection.
“the instruments of darkness tell us truths”
- The phrase employs a metaphor by referring to the witches as “instruments of darkness.” This metaphor portrays the witches as tools or agents of evil, suggesting that their intentions and actions are malevolent and deceptive. It underscores the notion that the supernatural forces in the play are associated with darkness, deceit, and manipulation.
- Personifying darkness implies that it possesses agency and the ability to reveal hidden truths. However, it also implies that these truths may be distorted or unreliable, as darkness is often associated with ambiguity and concealment.
- The phrase contains a paradoxical statement, as it suggests that the instruments of darkness, despite their wicked nature, can sometimes convey truths. This paradox highlights the complex and contradictory nature of the supernatural forces in the play. It emphasizes that the truth revealed by the witches may be partial, enigmatic, or intertwined with deception.
- The phrase foreshadows the role of the supernatural in influencing events and characters throughout the play. It hints at the witches’ ability to foretell the future and provides a glimpse into the consequences that will arise from Macbeth’s reliance on their prophecies. The phrase sets the stage for the theme of appearance versus reality and the manipulation of truth in the play
The phrase carries an element of irony. While Banquo acknowledges that the instruments of darkness can speak truths, he also recognizes their duplicitous nature. The irony lies in the fact that the truth they reveal may be entangled with lies, leading to a distortion of reality and a blurring of moral boundaries.
we have scotched the snake not killed it
The phrase employs a metaphor by comparing the threat of Banquo’s descendants to a snake. The snake represents the potential danger and treachery that Macbeth sees in Banquo’s lineage. It symbolizes the ongoing presence of a threat that has been wounded but not eliminated.
Vivid imagery: The phrase uses vivid imagery to evoke a sense of danger and unease. The image of a snake being “scotched” creates a visual representation of a snake being wounded or injured. This imagery conveys the idea that although Macbeth has taken action against Banquo, he has not completely eradicated the threat.
Foreshadowing: The phrase foreshadows the consequences of Macbeth’s actions. By suggesting that the snake is wounded but not killed, Macbeth acknowledges that there may be lingering repercussions or unforeseen consequences to come. This foreshadows the continuation of conflict and the potential for the threat to resurface in the future.
Ambiguity: The phrase contains ambiguity, leaving room for interpretation. While it suggests that the threat remains, it also leaves open the possibility that Macbeth’s fears may be exaggerated or unfounded. This ambiguity adds tension and uncertainty to Macbeth’s situation and reflects the overall theme of the play, which explores the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
Symbolism: The phrase employs symbolism to convey deeper meaning. The snake represents treachery, deceit, and potential danger. By using the image of the snake, Macbeth captures the idea that although he has taken action against Banquo, the underlying threat of betrayal and opposition still exists.
if chance will have me king, why chance may crown me
The phrase begins with a conditional statement, “If chance may have me king.” This reflects Macbeth’s acknowledgement that becoming king is contingent upon chance or fate. It highlights his contemplation of the role of external forces in determining his destiny.
Rhetorical question: The phrase contains a rhetorical question, “why chance may crown me.” This question serves as a rhetorical device to emphasize the idea that if chance can make him king, then there is a possibility that chance can also bring about his coronation. It underscores Macbeth’s willingness to embrace the idea of chance and fate as determining factors in his rise to power.
Wordplay: The phrase employs wordplay with the repetition of the word “chance.” The repetition creates a rhythmic effect and draws attention to the concept of chance as a powerful force in Macbeth’s life. It also underscores Macbeth’s contemplation of the unpredictable nature of his future and the potential role that chance plays in it.
beware macduff beware the thane of fife
Repetition: The phrase employs repetition to emphasize the warning. The use of the word “beware” twice in quick succession creates a sense of urgency and highlights the importance of Macbeth’s vigilance.
Direct address: The phrase directly addresses Macduff by name, creating a personalized and targeted warning. By mentioning Macduff specifically, the apparition seeks to instill fear and caution in Macbeth.
Foreshadowing: The phrase serves as foreshadowing, hinting at the future conflicts and betrayals involving Macduff and the Thane of Fife. It suggests that they may pose a threat to Macbeth’s rule and that he should be wary of their actions and intentions.
Prophecy: The phrase functions as a prophetic statement, foretelling the events that will unfold later in the play. It suggests that Macduff and the Thane of Fife will play significant roles in the downfall of Macbeth.
Ambiguity: The phrase contains ambiguity, leaving room for interpretation. It does not explicitly state the nature of the threat posed by Macduff and the Thane of Fife. This ambiguity adds to the sense of foreboding and uncertainty, leaving Macbeth to ponder the possible dangers and make his own assumptions.
