Macbeth Quotes

"Out, out brief candle!"

This quote reflects Macbeth's despair and the fleeting nature of life, likening life to a brief candle that can easily go out.

"Is this a dagger which I see before me?"

Macbeth speaks this line as he hallucinates a dagger leading him to Duncan's room, symbolizing his internal conflict and the influence of ambition.

"Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble."

The witches chant this to signify the chaos and turmoil they create, foreshadowing the evil actions that will unfold.

"Something wicked this way comes."

This line, spoken by one of the witches, signifies Macbeth's transformation into a figure of evil, as he approaches them.

"Is this a dagger which I see before me?"

Macbeth speaks this line as he hallucinates a dagger leading him to Duncan's room, symbolizing his internal conflict and the influence of ambition.

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair."

This quote by the witches emphasizes the theme of moral confusion and duality in the play, indicating that appearances can be deceptive.

"All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!"

The witches prophesy this to Macbeth, igniting his ambition and setting the tragic events of the play into motion.

"I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er."

Macbeth acknowledges that he is so deep into his crimes that turning back is as difficult as continuing his violent path.

"What's done is done."

Lady Macbeth expresses this sentiment to Macbeth, signifying the inevitability of their actions and the weight of their guilt.

"The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan under my battlements."

This line from Lady Macbeth indicates her ambition to have Duncan killed, revealing her desires and the ominous atmosphere.

"Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't."

Lady Macbeth advises Macbeth to appear innocent while concealing his deadly intentions, reflecting the theme of deception.

"Methought I heard a voice cry, 'Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep.'"

Macbeth reflects on the guilt and mental torment he feels after committing murder, suggesting that he has lost his peace.

"Out, out brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow."

Macbeth compares life to a fleeting candle and a mere shadow, highlighting his nihilistic perspective after his downfall.

"This castle hath a pleasent seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses."

Duncan's line upon arriving at Macbeth's castle, which is ironic given the treachery that will soon unfold.

"There's daggers in men's smiles; the near in blood, the nearer bloody."

Donaldbain, reflecting on the idea that those who seem friendly can be the most dangerous, indicating the betrayal around them.

"Every man shall be killed, but I’ll be the last to die."

Macbeth shows his increasing paranoia and determination to fight to the end, underscoring his descent into tyranny.

"The thane of Cawdor lives; why do you dress me in borrowed robes?"

Macbeth expresses confusion and skepticism about the witches' prophecies and his immediate acceptance of a title he