macbeth quotes

understanding macbeth

“Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown.” Who says it, where, what techniques are used, and how does it link to power and corruption?

• Macbeth, Act 3 Scene 1. Techniques: metaphor and symbolism. “Fruitless crown” represents his inability to establish a lasting dynasty. His insecurity about Banquo's descendants leads him towards further violence to secure power.

Flashcard 4

“Stars, hide your fires.” Who says it, where, what techniques are used, and how does it link to power and corruption?

Macbeth, Act 1 Scene 4. Techniques: imperative language, symbolism and apostrophe. “Hide” reveals his desire to conceal his ambition; stars symbolise light and goodness. His ambition conflicts with morality, foreshadowing corruption.

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” Who says it, where, what techniques are used, and how does it link to power and corruption?

Three Witches, Act 1 Scene 1. Techniques: paradox, antithesis, repetition and chiasmus. Good and evil become indistinguishable, establishing moral disorder and foreshadowing Macbeth's corruption as he pursues power.

“I am in blood stepped in so far.” Who says it, where, what techniques are used, and how does it link to power and corruption?

Macbeth, Act 3 Scene 4. Techniques: metaphor and blood imagery. Blood represents violence and corruption; “so far” emphasises how deeply Macbeth believes he is involved. He rationalises further violence to maintain power.

“Bleed, bleed, poor country!” Who says it, where, what techniques are used, and how does it link to power and corruption?

Macduff, Act 4 Scene 3. Techniques: repetition, personification and emotive language. “Bleed” emphasises Scotland's suffering, and personification presents the country as wounded. Macbeth's tyranny harms innocent people and the nation.

“Unsex me here.” Who says it, where, what techniques are used, and how does it link to power and corruption?

Lady Macbeth, Act 1 Scene 5. Techniques: imperative language and symbolism. “Unsex” reveals her desire to reject qualities she associates with femininity and compassion. Her ambition leads her to suppress morality in pursuit of power.