macbeth act 5 key quotes

‘She has light by her continuously’ gentlewoman scene 1

• previously she wanted ‘thick night’ (l Macbeth’) now she cannot handle darkness

• Irony as she wanted good but it’s too late maybe

• Dark = evil

‘ the old man had so much blood in him?’ Lady Macbeth scene 1

• images of Duncan’s body still in her mind

• Shows she is still human

• Shows weakness and distances her from supernatural who inflict pain with no remorse

• Puts her as slightly higher than witches emphasising there evilness

‘All of the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand ‘ lady Macbeth scene 1

• hyperbolic

• Links to Macbeth not believing all ‘Neptune oceans’ could not wash his hands clean of the blood

• Link with Macbeth and their shared guilt

‘There’s knocking at the gate’ lady Macbeth scene 1

• reminds us of earlier seen where Macbeth comes to wake Duncan to find him dead, knocking symbolising upcoming death?

• Symbolise Macduff arrival

‘Some say he’s mad’ Caithness scene 2

• people’s true opinions of Macbeth

• Contrast with brave and worthy

• Bravery is now found in speaking against Macbeth

‘Like a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish their ‘ Angus scene 2

• ‘their’ he stole the crown and thus his reign in illiegtitame , he doesn’t fit the clothes or the role

• Links to earlier when he asks why they dress his in ‘borrowed robes’ shows a change in character but the robes still don’t fit right

• Clothes represent deceit and betrayel

‘ I have lived long enough ‘ Macbeth scene 3

• juxtaposition

• He is willing to die ye beloved Geis invincible

• Reflect his inner conflict?

‘How goes your patient doctor’ Macbeth scene 3

• reflects changing relationship dynamic between Macbeth and lady Macbeth

• ‘Patient’ instead of ‘partner’ or ‘chuck’ lacks intimacy and has cold tone

• ‘Your’ not ‘my’ he is no longer hers they are too different people now , change in both their characters