Lady Macbeth

guilt

"Out, damned spot! Out, I say!"

This quote shows Lady Macbeth's growing guilt as she imagines blood on her hands that she cannot wash away.

The repetition of "Out" emphasizes her desperation to rid herself of the reminders of her crimes.

ambition

"unsex me here"

Metaphor: "Unsex me here" is a metaphor for removing her feminine qualities and becoming more ruthless, implying she believes her fate depends on being less "womanly" and more violent.

fate

"What’s done is done."

Repetition: The repetition of "done" emphasizes the finality of the actions they've taken. It suggests that no matter what, the consequences of their choices cannot be undone.

ambition

"The raven himself is hoarse’’

Metaphor: The "raven" represents death and destruction. Ravens are traditionally associated with omens and death, symbolizing Lady Macbeth's ambition to bring about Duncan's death.

violence and ambition

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

Juxtaposition: The contrast between the "innocent flower" and the "serpent" highlights the idea of duality and deception—showing the difference between appearance and reality.

violence

‘‘dashing the brains out"

Hyperbole Imagery:: The extreme imagery of "dashing the brains out" is an exaggeration used to show Lady Macbeth’s ruthless desire for power and her willingness to do anything, even violent acts, to achieve her goals.

supernatural

"Come to my woman's breasts, And take my milk for gall,’’

Metaphor: "Take my milk for gall" is a metaphor for replacing maternal compassion and nurturing qualities with bitterness and poison, highlighting her desire to sever ties with her feminine identity and embrace ruthlessness.