Macbeth Quotess

When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightning, or in rain? - A1S1

Witches meet at the beginning of the play to discuss their future meeting with Macbeth. Shakespeare uses the weather to foreshadow future events. The thunder and lightning suggest that there will an upset in the order when they meet with Macbeth.

‘Unseamed Macdonald from the nave to the chaps’ - A1S2

This shows Macbeth is a fearless warrior, a Hero protecting his country and King.

All hail, Macbeth!… thane of Glamis! thane of Cawdor! thou shalt be king! - a1s3

This quote is a prophecy delivered by the witches, announcing Macbeth's rise to power and fate as future king. It signifies the ambition ignited in Macbeth, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.

Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more: - A1S3

This quote reflects Macbeth's growing ambition and curiosity about his future. It reveals his desire to learn more from the witches, showcasing the appeal of their prophecies and how they begin to influence his thoughts of power.

‘If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir’ - M A1S4

This demonstrates Macbeth's initial belief in fate and the idea that his destiny might be predetermined. He is pondering if her will be crowned, without any interference from him."Without my stir" indicates Macbeth's hesitancy to actively pursue the crown.

‘Why do I yield to that suggestion/whose horrid image unfix my hair’ - M - a1s3

"horrid image" emphasizes the disturbing and thought of murdering Duncan. Macbeth's hair unfixing are vivid imagery of the horror this thought evokes

‘Too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness’ - LM - A1S5

LM expresses her concern that M kindness is a barrier to his ambition. She believes he's too gentle to commit the acts of violence."milk of human kindness" is a metaphor that compares Macbeth's compassion to the nurturing quality of milk.

Unsex me here..and fill me of direst cruelty - LM - A1S5

LM ambition to shed her femininity , which she sees as a barrier to her plans. She believes that her morality are preventing her from being the strong, decisive figure she needs to be to seize the throne. The use of the word "unsex" is also a rejection of the societal norms of the time, which dictated distinct roles and behaviors for men and women.

‘Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t’ - a1s5

LM advises M to create a facade of innocence while concealing his murderous ambition. "innocent flower" represents purity and gentleness, while "serpent" symbolizes treachery, and evil. This juxtaposition highlights the dangerous gap between appearance and reality.

‘Vaulting ambition’ - M - A1S7

The phrase "vaulting" suggests a desire that leaps beyond what is reasonable or ethical. Macbeth is not simply ambitious; he's consumed by an insatiable need for power.The metaphor compares ambition to a horse that overlaps its bounds, signifying a potentially dangerous drive.M ambition leads him to contemplate actions that go against his moral, such as killing Duncan

‘Is this a dagger..come, let me clutch the’ - M - a2s1

Guilt will send you mad. The vision of the dagger suggests a supernatural influence, perhaps from the witches, urging M to act on his ambition.M willingness to grasp the opportunity and violence, symbolizing his descent into darkness.

‘To know my deed, ‘twere best not know myself’ - M - A2S2

M overwhelming guilt (GCOB)and psychological trauma (cant be ‘brave’ character anymore) following the murder. M is unwilling to confront the truth about his actions. He fears the consequences of acknowledging his deed.

‘Will all great Neptune's oceans wash this blood clean’ - M - a2s2

M uses hyperbole (Neptune's ocean) to emphasize his guilt. The blood on his hands is a metaphor for the moral stain left by his actions, a stain he believes is so deep that even the entire ocean wouldn't be enough to wash it. M inability to clean hands symbolizes the psychological torment he experiences, highlighting the inescapable nature of guilt.

‘I shame to wear a heart so white’ - LM -a2s2

LM uses "white heart" to imply that Macbeth is weak and lacking in courage and resolve his act. This indicates she has no guilt about the murder, which dehumanizes her

‘I am in blood stepp'd in so far… returning were as tedious’’ - M - A3s4

The blood symbolizes M guilt. M recognizes that his actions have changed him, and he is now trapped in a cycle of violence.The phrase "returning were as tedious as go o'er" emphasizes that the path back to his former self is just as difficult as continuing his current violent reign.

‘Never shake thy gory locks at me’ -M - A3S4

Ghost of Banquo appears, causing Macbeth to hallucinate and try to convince himself he is not guilty. "Gory locks" is a vivid image that emphasizes the violence and horror of Banquo's murder. It also symbolizes the guilt that Macbeth feels. audience is aware that M ordered the murder, creating a sense of tension and dramatic irony as he tries to deny it

‘By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes’ - WITCH - A4S1

The "pricking" of the thumbs implies a sense of unsettling feeling, suggesting that the witches are sensing Macbeth's approach. The witches' perception of M as "wicked" highlights his decline. He has become a tyrant, driven by ambition and guilt, not being portrayed as a brave soldier.M  desire for power has led him down a path of violence, making him evil in the eyes of even the witches

‘All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand’ - LM - a5s1

The metaphoric quote emphasizes LM guilt and her inability to find redemption. It highlights the idea that murder, cannot be undone and their consequences are inescapable.

‘Out damned spot, out i say’ - LM - a5s1

The use of  verb "out" emphasizes LM's command to rid herself of the spot, showcasing her desperate attempt to control her guilt. The repetition of the phrase highlights her frustration