Macbeth Guilt and Morality Analysis

Flashcards covering quotes, literary techniques, and thematic analysis of guilt and morality in Shakespeare's Macbeth based on the lecture notes.

'we'd jump the life to come'

A quotation by Macbeth referencing the afterlife, acknowledging that if he commits murder he will be sacrificing his place in heaven.

The verb 'jump'

Implies a drastic transformation from earth to heaven, conveying the difference between earthly consequences and eternal consequences.

'look like the flower but be the serpent undern't'

Lady Macbeth's command linking to the theme of appearance vs reality, where physical appearance does not mirror the inner soul.

The adjective 'flower'

Conveys purity and innocence, which Shakespeare deliberately juxtaposes against danger and evil.

The religious symbol 'serpent'

Suggests danger and evil while linking temptation to Eve, aligning Lady Macbeth with sin, corruption, downfall, and her role as persuader and manipulator.

Divine Right of Kings

The principle that killing the King is a sin against God.

'Out, damned spot'

Lady Macbeth's exclamation in Act 5 Scene 1 while sleepwalking, revealing how guilt has destroyed her and her ambition.

The 'spot'

Symbolises Duncan's blood and crime, revealing that Lady Macbeth cannot cleanse herself and representing her inescapable guilt and moral corruption.

The imperative 'out'

Reveals Lady Macbeth's desperation and loss of control, demonstrating the deep psychological impact of her guilt.

'a little water will clear us of this deed'

Lady Macbeth's declaration in Act 2, Scene 2, showing her initial view that the murder was insignificant and that she was free from guilt.

Act 5 Scene 1

The scene where Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, entrapped with guilt and insanity, contrasting her previous powerful state.

Act 2, Scene 2

The scene where Lady Macbeth claims water will clear them of their deed, directly contrasting her later psychological destruction in Act 5 Scene 1.

Psychological deterioration in 'Macbeth'

The progression of the protagonists' psychological state from initial panic to repression and ultimately madness.

Shakespeare's warning on unchecked ambition

The message that unchecked ambition inevitably leads to overwhelming guilt and psychological destruction as it erodes mental stability.