Macbeth quotes and themes

“Fair is foul and foul is fair.”

This quote, spoken by the three witches, suggests the theme of appearances versus reality in the play, conveying that what seems good may actually be bad and vice versa. (1,1)

“I’ll drain him as dry as hay”

when sailor wont give witches chestnuts, they say quote- willing to “drain” all of his blood leaving skin and bones behind for comedic relief as ‘hay’ is dry and lifeless - illustrates lack of morality (1,3)

“star’s, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires”

motifs “star” & “light” contrast with “black” and “fires”- symbols of M fighting w his religious morals and asks higher power (supernatural) to allow him to fufil his aspiration (1,4)

“He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust”

ironic as duncan comments on trust but macdownald commited treason and macbeths plans of regicide- makes him vulnerable to treachery(1,4)

“when you durst do it then you were a man”

Technique: Emasculation / Manipulation. Lady Macbeth uses psychological warfare to link Macbeth's masculinity to his willingness to commit murder.

"Durst" (Dared): Connotes transgressive action; she suggests being a man requires "daring" to break moral laws.

"Man": Redefines masculinity as ruthlessness rather than honour.

Intention: Shakespeare explores toxic masculinity and how the subversion of gender roles (a wife commanding her husband) signals a breakdown in the Great Chain of Being.

(1,7)

what did guy fawkes do?

in 1605, he planned the “gunpowder plot” to plot to assasinate King James It- relavent to Macbeth as they both commit treason and Macbeth is released in 1606, 1 year after gunpowder plot

“Come, let me clutch thee”

shows Macbeth in madness and guilt, questioning reality versus hallucination - foreshadows the violence that follows, imperative verb, “thee”- personification with dagger (2,1)

“where we are theres daggers in mens smiles”

when malcolm flee to england, donolbain to ireland

appearence v reality- things are not always as they seem.

smiles, connotation of warmth, are seen as hiding sharp, deadly intentions (daggers).

signifies profound distrust, suggesting close associates can be enemies (2,3)

“Our fears in Banquo stick deep.”

banquo has heirs, M doesnt- prophecy makes him a threat to M kingship without heirs

“I would while it was smiling at my face…and dash’d the brains out had I so sworn to you”

uses stark and forceful words to assert her will and manipulate those around her.

Assertive Language, Rhetorical Questions, Imperatives

Her direct and unflinching vocabulary reveals a determination to achieve her ambitions.

She uses sharp, decisive words that cut through hesitation and doubt.

uses Lady Macbeth's language to portray a complex character -challenges traditional gender roles, explores the corrupting influence of ambition.

“Go get some water, and wash this filthy witness from your hand”

Imperatives & Metaphor. Lady Macbeth treats the murder as a "mess" to be cleaned rather than a soul-staining sin.

"Filthy": Connotes physical and moral contamination.

"Witness": Personifies the blood as evidence that can "testify" to their guilt.

Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to show her initial cold pragmatism, which later collapses into madness and guilt. 

(2,2)

“tis given with welcome."

Social Irony. Lady Macbeth lectures Macbeth on hospitality to hide his visible guilt and paranoia.

"Given": Connotes the ceremonial duty of a King.

"Welcome": Connotes safety, which is ironic given the Macbeths have murdered their guests.

Intention: Shakespeare uses the banquet to show that guilt has made Macbeth unfit for society and the throne.

(3,4)

“black and midnight hags”

LM isn’t in Act 4 but influences him

LM teaches M that manhood = dominance over fear.

Result: M adopts her imperative style. He calls them "hags" to assert his "manly" authority over them.

"Midnight": Refers to the darkness LM invited into their lives

"Secret": Reflects the "false face" LM forced Macbeth to wear.

LM’s psychological "unsexing" of her husband leads to his total moral isolation and eventual ruin.

“unsex me here”

Imperative / Invocation. She commands the supernatural to remove her feminine "weakness" (empathy).

"Unsex": Connotes a violent rejection of nature and gender roles.

"Here": Connotes urgency; the castle is now a place of evil.

Intention: Shakespeare uses this to show that ambition leads to moral and spiritual suicide.

“take my milk for gall”

Antithesis. She trades the symbol of life ("milk") for the symbol of bitterness and poison ("gall").

"Milk": Connotes nurturing and innocence.

"Gall": Connotes venom and malice.

Shakespeare uses this to present Lady Macbeth as a "monstrous" figure who has replaced her conscience with "direst cruelty."