macbeth 4

posterity

The generations to come; in Macbeth, Banquo worries about his posterity inheriting the throne.

quell

To put an end to or suppress; Macbeth tries to quell threats to his power by violence.

purveyor

A supplier or provider; metaphorically, the witches are purveyors of destructive prophecies.

potent

Powerful or effective; the witches’ words are potent enough to drive Macbeth’s actions.

petty

Small-minded or trivial; Macbeth’s petty insecurities push him toward tyranny.

rend

To tear apart violently; Macbeth’s mind is rent by guilt and ambition.

rue

To bitterly regret; Macbeth comes to rue his bloody choices.

prattle

Foolish or meaningless talk; Lady Macbeth dismisses hesitation as prattle.

quench

To put out or extinguish; Macbeth wishes he could quench his conscience.

scrupulous

Careful about morality; Macbeth begins scrupulous but abandons his moral code.

reconcile

To restore harmony; Macbeth cannot reconcile his ambition with his honor.

profundity

Great depth of meaning; the play explores the profundity of guilt and fate.

pernicious

Highly destructive; unchecked ambition is a pernicious force in the play.

resolute

Firmly determined; Lady Macbeth is resolute in pursuing Duncan’s murder.

plight

A dangerous or difficult situation; Scotland’s plight worsens under Macbeth’s rule.

sanctify

To make holy; regicide violates what should be sanctified—the divine right of kings.

rancor

Deep-seated bitterness; Macbeth’s rancor toward Banquo fuels his paranoia.

prate

To talk foolishly or at length; Macbeth prates to hide his fear and guilt.

prologue

An introductory section; the witches’ opening scene acts as a dark prologue to chaos.

requite

To repay or return; Macbeth expects power in requital for his loyalty.