Macbeth Quotes and Analysis

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair / hover through the fog and filthy air" - Act 1, Scene 1

This opening line, spoken by the witches, establishes the play's central theme of deception and moral ambiguity. The paradox of "fair" and "foul" suggests that appearances can be misleading, a motif that recurs throughout the play. The witches' chant, characterized by its trochaic meter, contrasts with the iambic pentameter typical of other characters, emphasizing their otherworldly nature
. The imagery of "fog and filthy air" evokes a sense of confusion and foreboding, setting the tone for the chaos that will ensue. This line reflects the Elizabethan belief in witchcraft and the supernatural, resonating with contemporary fears of moral corruption and the unknown.

"For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name / Disdaining fortune with his brandish'd steel" - Act 1, Scene 2

Here, Macbeth is introduced as a valiant warrior, earning respect for his bravery in battle. The phrase "disdaining fortune" suggests that he takes control of his destiny, a reflection of the Renaissance ideal of individualism. However, this foreshadows his tragic downfall, as his ambition leads him to defy moral boundaries. The imagery of "brandish'd steel" symbolizes both power and violence, hinting at the duality of his character

"Till he unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps / and fix'd his head upon our battlements" - Act 1, Scene 2

This graphic description of Macbeth's victory over Macdonwald highlights his brutality and valor. The violent imagery serves to glorify Macbeth's martial prowess while simultaneously foreshadowing his later descent into tyranny and murder. The act of "fixing" the head on the battlements symbolizes the public display of power, a common practice in medieval warfare, reinforcing the themes of ambition and the consequences of violence

"Bellona's bridegroom" - Act 1, Scene 2

This metaphor likens Macbeth to Bellona, the Roman goddess of war, suggesting that he is not only a warrior but also a figure of destruction and chaos. This connection to a divine figure elevates Macbeth's status but also implies that his path is intertwined with violence and bloodshed. The reference to Bellona reflects the patriarchal values of the time, where masculinity was often associated with martial success and aggression

"Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more" - Act 1, Scene 3

Macbeth's reaction to the witches' prophecies reveals his curiosity and ambition. The term "imperfect speakers" indicates his skepticism about their nature, yet he is drawn to their words, showcasing the conflict between fate and free will. This moment marks the beginning of his moral decline, as he becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of power

"The instruments of darkness tell us truths / win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequence" - Act 1, Scene 3

Banquo's cautionary words highlight the theme of deception. The "instruments of darkness" symbolize the witches and their manipulative nature. This quote serves as a warning about the seductive nature of ambition and the potential for betrayal that lies within seemingly truthful promises. It reflects the Elizabethan belief in the supernatural and the moral implications of succumbing to temptation

"Why do I yield to that horrid image and make my seated heart knock at my ribs" - Act 1, Scene 3

This quote reveals Macbeth's internal conflict and guilt over his dark thoughts of murder. The "horrid image" signifies his ambition to kill Duncan, while the physical reaction of his heart "knocking" suggests a deep psychological turmoil. This moment encapsulates the theme of guilt that permeates the play, illustrating how ambition can lead to moral decay

"I have begun to plant thee and labour to make thee full of growing" - Act 1, Scene 4

Here, Macbeth speaks to his ambition as if it were a plant he is nurturing. This metaphor reflects the Renaissance fascination with nature and growth, but it also foreshadows the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. The act of "planting" suggests that his ambition is still in its early stages, hinting at the potential for both growth and ruin

"Stars, hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires." - Act 1, Scene 4

This plea for darkness symbolizes Macbeth's desire to conceal his ambitious and murderous intentions. The contrast between "stars" and "darkness" underscores the theme of light versus dark, representing knowledge and ignorance. Macbeth's wish for concealment reflects the Elizabethan belief in the moral implications of ambition, where the pursuit of power often leads to moral blindness

"Thou too full of the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way" - Act 1, Scene 5

Lady Macbeth's criticism of Macbeth's nature reveals her perception of masculinity and ambition. The "milk of human kindness" suggests that compassion and morality hinder ambition. This quote highlights the gender dynamics of the play, where Lady Macbeth embodies a ruthless ambition that challenges contemporary gender roles

"Come, you spirits, unsex me here / and fill me from the crown to the toe full of direst cruelty!" - Act 1, Scene 5

Lady Macbeth's invocation of spirits to strip her of femininity underscores her desire for power and ruthlessness. The phrase "unsex me" reflects the societal expectations of women during the Elizabethan era, where ambition was often viewed as a masculine trait. This moment illustrates her rejection of traditional gender roles and her willingness to embrace evil to achieve her goals

"Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it" - Act 1, Scene 5

This metaphor encapsulates the theme of deception. Lady Macbeth advises Macbeth to present a façade of innocence while concealing his murderous intentions. The juxtaposition of the "innocent flower" and the "serpent" reflects the duality of human nature, suggesting that appearances can be deceiving

"That we but teach bloody instructions, of which, being taught, return to plague the inventor" - Act 1, Scene 7

Macbeth's reflection on the consequences of his actions reveals his inner conflict. The idea that teaching "bloody instructions" can lead to one's downfall highlights the theme of retribution. This moment foreshadows the chaos that will ensue as a result of his ambition, illustrating the moral implications of his choices

"I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent / Of which vaulting ambition overleaps itself and falls on the other" - Act 1, Scene 7

This metaphor illustrates Macbeth's ambivalence towards his ambition. The "spur" symbolizes motivation, while "vaulting ambition" suggests that unchecked ambition can lead to one's downfall. This quote reflects the Renaissance belief in the dangers of ambition, emphasizing the moral consequences of overreaching

"When you durst do it, then you were a man" - Act 1, Scene 7

Lady Macbeth's challenge to Macbeth's masculinity reveals the gender dynamics at play. By equating manhood with the willingness to commit murder, she manipulates him into pursuing his ambition. This moment underscores the societal expectations of masculinity during the Elizabethan era, where strength and aggression were valued

"I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from its boneless gums and dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this" - Act 1, Scene 7

This shocking imagery emphasizes Lady Macbeth's ruthlessness and her commitment to ambition. The visceral nature of her words illustrates the extent to which she is willing to go to achieve power. This quote challenges contemporary notions of femininity, portraying Lady Macbeth as a figure of unconventional strength

"Is this a dagger, which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee" - Act 2, Scene 1

Macbeth's hallucination of the dagger symbolizes hisinner turmoil and descent into madness. The dagger represents both his ambition and the impending act of murder. This moment captures thepsychological conflictthat defines Macbeth's character, illustrating the impact of ambition on his sanity

"Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done't" - Act 2, Scene 2

This admission reveals Lady Macbeth's guilt and hesitation. The resemblance of Duncan to his father highlights the moral implications of his actions, suggesting that familial bonds complicate his ambition. This moment underscores the theme of guilt, illustrating how ambition can lead to profound psychological distress

"Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep"

Shakespeare uses this line to illustrate the psychological consequences of ambition and the moral repercussions of regicide. Macbeth's recognition that he has "murdered sleep" serves to highlight his internal conflict and the irreversible nature of his actions. By articulating this realization, Shakespeare invites the audience to explore the themes of guilt and the loss of innocence.

"Will all great Neptune's oceans wash this blood clean from my hand? No" - Act 2, Scene 2

This quote encapsulates Macbeth's overwhelming guilt after murdering King Duncan. The reference to "Neptune's oceans" suggests that no amount of water can cleanse him of his crime, emphasizing the permanence of guilt. The hyperbole illustrates Macbeth's despair, highlighting that the psychological burden of his actions is insurmountable. Shakespeare's use of imagery here conveys the theme of moral consequence, reflecting a belief in the deep connection between actions and their repercussions, prevalent in Elizabethan moral philosophy.

"My hands are of your colour, but I shame to wear a heart so white / a little water clears us of this deed" - Act 2, Scene 2

Lady Macbeth's words contrast her practicality with Macbeth's guilt. The imagery of color symbolizes guilt and innocence; her hands are stained with blood, yet she chastises Macbeth for his cowardice. The phrase "a little water clears us" reveals her belief in the idea that physical acts can be washed away, contrasting with Macbeth's realization that their guilt cannot be so easily eradicated. This moment illustrates the gender dynamics of the time, where Lady Macbeth's ambition defies contemporary expectations of femininity and morality.

"Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope the Lord's anointed temple" - Act 2, Scene 2

In this line, Macbeth reflects on the gravity of his crime, portraying Duncan as a sacred figure. The metaphor of the body as a "temple" underscores the divine right of kings, a belief held during the Elizabethan era that the monarch was appointed by God. This highlights the sacrality of kingship and the moral disorder resulting from regicide, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution.

"Thou played most foully for't" - Act 3, Scene 1

Banquo's accusation towards Macbeth suggests that Macbeth's rise to power involves treachery and foul play. The use of the word "foully" indicates a sense of moral corruption and betrayal. This moment emphasizes the theme of ambition and its corrupting influence, foreshadowing Macbeth's descent into tyranny. It also reflects the Elizabethan belief in fate and free will, as Banquo recognizes that Macbeth has manipulated his destiny through unethical means.

"Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown and put a barren sceptre in my gripe" - Act 3, Scene 1

This metaphor illustrates Macbeth's realization that his kingship is hollow and devoid of true power or legacy. The "fruitless crown" signifies the emptiness of his ambition, as he recognizes that his rule will not produce heirs. This moment reflects the anxiety surrounding succession during the Elizabethan period, where lineage and inheritance were of paramount importance, further emphasizing the tragic consequences of Macbeth's actions.

"O full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!" - Act 3, Scene 2

Macbeth's comparison of his troubled thoughts to "scorpions" suggests a state of intense psychological torment. The scorpions symbolize his guilt and paranoia, illustrating how ambition has poisoned his mind. This imagery evokes the theme of mental instability, prevalent in the play, revealing how the pursuit of power can lead to self-destruction. It also reflects the Elizabethan understanding of the connection between the mind and the body, where mental distress manifests physically.

"Thou canst not say I did it; never shake thy gory locks at me" - Act 3, Scene 4

In this moment of madness, Macbeth addresses Banquo's ghost, revealing his deep-seated guilt and fear. The phrase "gory locks" symbolizes the bloodshed he has caused, and Macbeth's denial indicates his psychological breakdown. This moment illustrates the theme of guilt and the supernatural, as the ghost serves as a manifestation of Macbeth's conscience. The societal context of the Elizabethan era, where the supernatural was both feared and respected, amplifies the tension in this scene.

"I am in blood stepped in so far that returning were as tedious to go o'er" - Act 3, Scene 4

Macbeth recognizes that he is too deeply entrenched in his violent actions to turn back.
The metaphor of being "in blood" signifies his moral corruption and the point of no return. This line underscores the theme of inevitability, suggesting that once ambition leads to violence, it becomes almost impossible to escape the cycle of murder and tyranny.
The reference to blood also evokes the Elizabethan fascination with the supernatural and fate, indicating that Macbeth's fate is sealed by his own choices.

"Be bloody, bold and resolute; laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth" - Act 4, Scene 1

This proclamation reflects Macbeth's growing hubris and false sense of invincibility due to the witches' prophecies. His reliance on their words showcases the theme of fate versus free will; he believes he is untouchable because of the ambiguous nature of the prophecies.
This moment also highlights the male-centric view of power, as Macbeth dismisses the potential threat posed by women, ultimately leading to his downfall.

"Seize upon Fife, give to the edge o' the sword his wife his babes and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line" - Act 4, Scene 1

Macbeth's ruthless decision to annihilate Macduff's family illustrates his descent into tyranny and moral decay. The imagery of violence underscores the consequences of unchecked ambition, reflecting the Elizabethan anxieties about power and the potential for abuse. This moment emphasizes that ambition can lead to a loss of humanity, as Macbeth becomes increasingly detached from moral considerations.

"Out damned spot! Out, I say! / Will these hands never be clean?" - Act 5, Scene 1

Lady Macbeth's guilt manifests in her obsessive hand-washing and hallucinations. The "damned spot" symbolizes her inescapable guilt over the murders, illustrating that she cannot escape the consequences of her actions. This moment encapsulates the theme of guilt and madness, revealing the psychological toll of their ambition. The phrase highlights the contradiction of power and vulnerability, as Lady Macbeth, once the architect of ambition, is reduced to a state of torment.

"All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand" - Act 5, Scene 1

This quote reinforces the idea that guilt is an inescapable stain. The hyperbolic reference to "all the perfumes of Arabia" illustrates that no external remedy can cleanse her of her guilt. This moment emphasizes the theme of moral consequence, suggesting that true remorse cannot be masked by superficial attempts at redemption. The line reflects the Elizabethan belief in the weight of sin, suggesting that moral transgressions leave lasting scars.

"What's done cannot be undone" - Act 5, Scene 1

the epistrophe succinctly captures the inescapability of guilt and consequence. Lady Macbeth acknowledges that their actions are irreversible, highlighting the tragic realization that ambition comes with a heavy price. This line resonates with the theme of inevitability, suggesting that once one crosses moral boundaries, there is no turning back.

"Bring me no more reports; let them fly all / I cannot taint with fear." - Act 5, Scene 3

Macbeth's dismissal of reports reflects his descent into paranoia and tyranny. His refusal to acknowledge fear indicates a facade of bravado, yet it also reveals his underlying vulnerability. This moment illustrates the theme of isolation, as Macbeth becomes increasingly cut off from reality and the consequences of his actions, ultimately leading to his downfall.

"The mind I sway by and the heart I bear shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear" - Act 3, Scene 4

Here, Macbeth expresses a sense of fatalism and confidence, believing that he is invulnerable due to the witches' prophecies. The imagery of the "mind" and "heart" reflects the psychological struggle he faces between ambition and morality. This moment encapsulates the duality of human nature, where ambition can lead to both greatness and destruction, resonating with the fears of Elizabethan society regarding unchecked ambition.

"I have almost forgot the taste of fears" - Act 5, Scene 5

This line illustrates Macbeth's desensitization to violence and horror. His claim indicates that he has become numb to the consequences of his actions, reinforcing the theme of moral decay. The transformation from a once-guilt-ridden character to one who has lost touch with fear highlights the corrosive effects of ambition on the psyche, reflecting the Elizabethan concern about the psychological impact of power.

"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" - Act 5, Scene 5

In this bleak reflection, Macbeth expresses existential despair. The metaphor of a "tale told by an idiot" emphasizes the pointlessness of life and ambition, suggesting that all his efforts have led to nothing meaningful. This moment resonates with the Renaissance preoccupation with the nature of existence, questioning the value of ambition and the human condition.

"I gin to be aweary of the sun and wish the state of the world were now undone" - Act 5, Scene 5

This line expresses Macbeth's profound despair and weariness with life. The phrase "I gin to be aweary of the sun" suggests a longing for darkness, symbolizing his desire to escape from the consequences of his actions. The use of "aweary" indicates not just fatigue but a deep existential exhaustion.
The wish "the state of the world were now undone" reflects his recognition of the chaos he has caused and his regret over his ambition. This moment captures the theme of existential crisis, resonating with the Elizabethan audience's fears about the moral implications of ambition. At a time when the divine right of kings was paramount, Macbeth's desire for the world's undoing underscores the chaos resulting from his usurpation of power.

"Turn, hell hound!" - Act 3, Scene 4

This exclamation by Macduff, addressing Macbeth, evokes the imagery of a ferocious and relentless beast. The term "hell hound" implies that Macbeth is not just a man but a creature of evil, suggesting that his ambition has transformed him into a monster. This moment highlights the theme of moral corruption, depicting Macbeth as a figure consumed by his own violent actions.
The invocation of hell signifies the supernatural elements that permeate the play, illustrating the belief in the consequences of one's actions in the context of divine judgment. This language reflects the societal anxieties of the time regarding the nature of evil and the repercussions of ambition that leads to tyranny.

"Macduff was from his mother's womb untimely ripped" - Act 5, Scene 8

This line reveals the irony of the witches' prophecy that no man born of a woman shall harm Macbeth. Macduff, having been born via a Caesarean section, defies the prophecy and becomes Macbeth's nemesis. The phrase "untimely ripped" underscores themes of fate and free will, illustrating that Macbeth's overconfidence in his interpretation of the witches' words leads to his downfall. This moment encapsulates the subversion of expectations, reflecting the Elizabethan fascination with fate's unpredictability and the consequences of one's choices. It serves as a reminder that the supernatural can twist the very nature of reality, a common concern in an era rife with beliefs in witchcraft and prophecy.

"I will not yield to kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet" - Act 5, Scene 8

In this defiant statement, Macbeth expresses his refusal to accept defeat. The imagery of "kissing the ground" signifies submission and humility, which Macbeth rejects, showcasing his enduring pride even in the face of impending death. This line reflects the theme of ambition and pride, suggesting that Macbeth's hubris ultimately leads to his downfall. The refusal to bow before Malcolm, the rightful heir, signifies his rejection of the natural order and the divine right of kings. This moment resonates with the Elizabethan audience, who valued loyalty to the monarchy and the consequences of treason.

"Of this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen" - Act 5, Scene 8

Malcolm's description of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as a "dead butcher" and a "fiend-like queen" encapsulates their transformation from noble figures to monsters driven by ambition. The term "butcher" suggests senseless violence, emphasizing the brutality of their actions, while "fiend-like" indicates a complete moral degradation. This characterization reflects the theme of moral corruption, illustrating how ambition can dehumanize individuals. The phrase resonates with the social context of the time, where the consequences of tyranny and the abuse of power were critical concerns. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, aligning with the Elizabethan moral framework that viewed ambition as a potential path to ruin.