Macbeth Revision Notes

Theme of Ambition in Macbeth:

In Macbeth, Shakespeare explores the theme of ambition and its consequences
on the characters' actions. Macbeth's ambition is evident from the beginning of
the play, as he is swayed by the witches' prophecy that he will become king: "All
hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane
of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!" (Act 1, Scene 3). His
ambition drives him to commit murder and become a tyrant, leading to his own
downfall.

Lady Macbeth's ambition is also a driving force in the play, as she pushes
Macbeth to pursue his goals at any cost. She famously urges him to "look like the
innocent flower, / But be the serpent under 't" (Act 1, Scene 5), and calls on
spirits to "unsex" her and make her more ruthless. However, her ambition
ultimately leads to her own downfall, as she is consumed by guilt and madness,
and is haunted by the bloody consequences of their actions.

The theme of ambition in Macbeth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers
of unchecked desires and the destructive consequences of one's actions. As
Macbeth reflects upon his own life, he realizes the folly of his ambition, stating: "I
'gin to be aweary of the sun, / And wish th' estate o' th' world were now undone"
(Act 5, Scene 5). The play highlights how ambition, when not tempered by moral
considerations, can lead to chaos and destruction.

Theme of Power in Macbeth:

 The theme of power is central to the play's plot and character development.
The play explores how the pursuit of power can lead to corruption and
moral decay, ultimately leading to destruction.

 At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a respected and loyal soldier who
is praised for his bravery in battle. However, when he encounters the
witches who prophesy that he will become king, his ambition is ignited,
and he becomes obsessed with the idea of power. This leads him to
commit regicide and seize the throne, setting off a chain of events that
leads to his downfall.
  Shakespeare presents the relationship between power and corruption
through the character of Macbeth. As he gains more power, he becomes
increasingly ruthless and paranoid, resorting to murder and deception to
maintain his position. His lust for power ultimately leads to his moral
decay, and he becomes a tyrant ruling through fear rather than respect.

 Shakespeare also presents the corrupting influence of power through the

character of Lady Macbeth. She encourages Macbeth to pursue power and
takes an active role in his schemes, even going as far as to suggest
murdering King Duncan. However, her own guilt and moral decay
ultimately lead to her downfall, as she descends into madness and takes
her own life.

Theme of Guilt in Macbeth:

The theme of guilt is central to Macbeth, as the play explores the psychological
toll of committing heinous acts. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are plagued by
guilt and their consciences as a result of their crimes. In his soliloquies, Macbeth
expresses his fear of punishment and his inability to wash the blood from his
hands, saying "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my
hand?" (Act 2, Scene 2). Lady Macbeth becomes consumed by guilt, sleepwalking
and hallucinating as a result of her actions, and cries out "Out, damned spot! Out,
I say!" (Act 5, Scene 1).

The theme of guilt is also reflected in the imagery used in the play, such as
bloodstains and hallucinations, which serve as constant reminders of the
characters' crimes. Macbeth laments his inability to seek divine forgiveness,
saying "But wherefore could not I pronounce 'Amen'? / I had most need of
blessing, and 'Amen' / Stuck in my throat" (Act 2, Scene 2). Lady Macbeth
similarly cannot rid herself of the stain of her crimes, saying "Here's the smell of
the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand" (Act 5,
Scene 1). The characters' guilt and the psychological toll it takes on them is
further illustrated by Macbeth's exclamation that his mind is "full of scorpions"
(Act 3, Scene 2), and Lady Macbeth's admission that she is ashamed to "wear a
heart so white" (Act 2, Scene 2).

Shakespeare uses the theme of guilt to underscore the consequences of one's

actions, suggesting that guilt can ultimately lead to one's downfall. The repeated
references to blood and the inability to wash it away serve as a constant reminder
of their guilt and the consequences of their actions. The play's use of powerful
imagery and vivid language to convey the characters' guilt and remorse
contributes to its enduring popularity and relevance today.

Use of Imagery in Macbeth:

Shakespeare employs vivid and powerful imagery in Macbeth to create a sense of
atmosphere and convey important themes and ideas. Blood is one of the most
prominent examples of imagery in the play. It symbolizes guilt and violence and
is used throughout the play to represent the characters' actions and their
consequences. In Act 2, Scene 2, after Macbeth murders King Duncan, he says,
"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" This
powerful image conveys the guilt and remorse that Macbeth feels after
committing the heinous act.

The use of darkness and light is another example of imagery in Macbeth.

Darkness represents evil and corruption, while light represents goodness and
purity. In Act 1, Scene 5, Lady Macbeth calls on the spirits to "make thick my
blood, / Stop up the access and passage to remorse, / That no compunctious
visitings of nature / Shake my fell purpose." This image of darkness highlights
the moral decay that occurs as the play progresses.

Overall, the use of imagery in Macbeth is a powerful tool that helps to convey the
play's themes and ideas. The blood symbolizes the characters' actions and their
consequences, while the use of darkness and light highlights the moral decay
that occurs throughout the play. Shakespeare's imagery creates a vivid and
memorable picture of the characters and their world.

Use of Foreshadowing in Macbeth:

In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses foreshadowing to create suspense and tension in
the play. The witches' prophecies and visions are the most significant examples
of foreshadowing in the play. In Act 1, Scene 3, the witches prophesy that
Macbeth will become king: "All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! All
hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king
hereafter!" This prophecy sets in motion the events that lead to Macbeth's tragic
downfall.
In Act 2, Scene 1, Macbeth sees a vision of a bloody dagger before he murders
King Duncan: "Is this a dagger which I see before me, / The handle toward my
hand? Come, let me clutch thee. / I have thee not, and yet I see thee still." This
vision foreshadows the bloody murder that is about to take place.

In Act 3, Scene 4, the ghost of Banquo appears at Macbeth's banquet,

foreshadowing Macbeth's downfall and his ultimate defeat: "Thou canst not say I
did it: never shake / Thy gory locks at me." This haunting image signals
Macbeth's descent into madness and his inevitable downfall.

By using foreshadowing, Shakespeare creates a sense of inevitability that makes

the play all the more tragic. The audience knows what is going to happen, but the
characters in the play are powerless to prevent it. The use of foreshadowing also
emphasizes the idea that fate cannot be changed, and that the tragic events of the
play are the result of the characters' own actions.

The Use of Supernatural in Macbeth:

Shakespeare's use of supernatural elements in Macbeth is pervasive and
haunting, as the witches' prophecies and apparitions play a significant role in the
play's narrative. The witches, with their infamous incantation, "Double, double toil
and trouble," create an ominous atmosphere and set the stage for the tragic
events to follow. The witches' prophecy that Macbeth will become king fuels his
ambition and leads him to commit heinous acts, ultimately leading to his
downfall. The apparitions that appear to Macbeth, such as the ghost of Banquo
and the vision of the floating dagger, also contribute to the supernatural elements
in the play, evoking a sense of dread and horror. The ghost of Banquo, for
example, appears to Macbeth during a banquet, causing him to break down in
front of his guests. The supernatural in Macbeth underscores the play's
exploration of fate and free will, as the characters struggle with the idea that their
actions may be predetermined by supernatural forces. As Macbeth himself
reflects, "I am in blood stepped in so far, that should I wade no more, returning
were as tedious as go o'er." The supernatural in Macbeth reminds the audience of
the darker forces that can shape the course of human events, even when those
events are tragic.

Language and Dramatic Techniques Used to Create Suspense and Tension:

Shakespeare uses language and dramatic techniques to create tension
throughout Macbeth, making it one of his most suspenseful plays. One of the
most effective techniques Shakespeare uses is dramatic irony. For example, the
audience knows that Macbeth has murdered King Duncan, but the other
characters in the play do not. This creates a sense of dramatic tension as the
audience waits for the other characters to find out what has happened. As
Macbeth says to himself, "I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?"
(Act 2, Scene 2). This creates tension for the audience as they wait for the other
characters to discover the truth.

Shakespeare also uses soliloquies to create tension, allowing the audience to see
into the characters' inner thoughts and motivations. Macbeth's soliloquies, in
particular, reveal his growing guilt and paranoia, creating a sense of dread and
foreboding. As Macbeth says, "Is this a dagger which I see before me, / The
handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee" (Act 2, Scene 1). This
soliloquy creates tension as the audience watches Macbeth's descent into
madness and the consequences of his actions.

Additionally, Shakespeare uses supernatural elements, such as the witches and

the apparitions, to create an atmosphere of suspense and horror. The witches'
prophecies and the apparitions that Macbeth sees increase the tension in the
play. As Macbeth hears the witches' prophecy, "All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee,
Thane of Cawdor!" (Act 1, Scene 3), the audience is filled with a sense of
foreboding about what will come to pass.

Overall, Shakespeare uses a combination of dramatic irony, soliloquies, and

supernatural elements to create tension in Macbeth. These techniques make the
play a thrilling and suspenseful experience for the audience, as they watch the
characters' actions unfold and anticipate the consequences that will follow.

Characterization:
Macbeth:
Macbeth is the main protagonist of William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth".
Macbeth's character is developed throughout the play, with Shakespeare using
language and dramatic techniques to emphasize his transformation. In Act 1,
Macbeth is described as "brave Macbeth" and "noble Macbeth" (Act 1, Scene 2),
and is praised by King Duncan for his valor. At the beginning of the play, he is
depicted as a brave and loyal soldier who is admired by his peers and is trusted
by King Duncan. However, his character changes over the course of the play, as
his ambition and desire for power lead him down a dark path of murder and
deceit.

In Act 1 Scene 2, Macbeth is introduced as a brave and valiant soldier who has
just won a battle for King Duncan. The Captain describes him as "brave Macbeth"
and "Bellona's bridegroom":

"For brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name –

Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel,
Which smoked with bloody execution,
Like valor's minion carved out his passage
Till he faced the slave;
Which ne'er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him,
Till he unseamed him from the nave to th' chops,
And fixed his head upon our battlements."

However, after his encounter with the witches and their prophecy, Macbeth's
ambition is ignited, and he begins to contemplate murdering the king. This is
reflected in his soliloquy, where he says "My thought, whose murder yet is but
fantastical, shakes so my single state of man that function is smothered in
surmise" (Act 1, Scene 3). As the play progresses, Macbeth's character changes.
He becomes consumed by his own ambition and his desire for power. In Act 1
Scene 7, he contemplates killing King Duncan but is initially hesitant, as he
recognizes the gravity of the act:

"If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well

It were done quickly. If th' assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
With his surcease success; that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We'd jump the life to come."

As Macbeth's guilt and paranoia grow, his language becomes more erratic and
disjointed, reflecting his mental state. For example, in Act 3, Scene 4, Macbeth
sees the ghost of Banquo, and his language becomes fragmented and confused:
"Avaunt! and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless,
thy blood is cold" (Act 3, Scene 4).

Here, Macbeth is torn between his ambition and his conscience. He recognizes
that killing the king would be a grave sin and would have severe consequences,
both in this world and the next.

However, as the play progresses, Macbeth becomes more ruthless and desperate
in his pursuit of power. He orders the murder of Banquo and his son Fleance, and
also kills Macduff's family in a fit of rage. By the end of the play, Macbeth is
consumed by his guilt and paranoia, and is ultimately killed in battle.

Overall, Macbeth's character transformation is a key aspect of the play, with

Shakespeare using language and dramatic techniques to highlight his descent
into madness and isolation, and to explore the consequences of ambition and
desire for power.
In conclusion, Macbeth is a complex character whose ambition and desire for
power ultimately lead him to his downfall. He starts off as a brave and loyal
soldier, but his character changes over the course of the play as he becomes
more ruthless and consumed by his own ambition.

Macbeth as a Tragic Hero:

Definition:
The term "tragic hero" refers to a literary character who possesses heroic
qualities but ultimately meets a tragic end due to a fatal flaw in their character or
a particular circumstance. The tragic hero is usually a person of high status, such
as a king, prince, or nobleman, who falls from grace due to their actions or
decisions. They are a protagonist in the story and evoke sympathy from the
audience despite their flaws.
  The title character Macbeth can be considered a tragic hero. Macbeth
possesses noble qualities, such as bravery, loyalty, and determination, but
ultimately meets his tragic end due to his fatal flaw, his ambition.
 Macbeth's ambition leads him to commit a series of murders, which
ultimately leads to his downfall.
 Macbeth's tragic flaw is his unchecked ambition, which drives him to
pursue power and greatness at any cost. He is initially hesitant to act on
the prophecies of the witches, but his ambition soon overpowers his better
judgment. He murders King Duncan to become king himself and continues
to kill others to protect his throne.
 Macbeth's ambition ultimately leads to his isolation and downfall, as he
becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia.
 Despite his flaws, Macbeth is a sympathetic character, as his tragic flaw is
relatable to many people who have been driven by ambition to make poor
decisions.
 Macbeth's downfall evokes pity and fear from the audience, as they see a
great man brought down by his own hubris.
 In conclusion, Macbeth can be considered a tragic hero due to his
possession of noble qualities and his fatal flaw of ambition, which
ultimately leads to his downfall.
 Shakespeare's portrayal of Macbeth as a tragic hero reminds us of the
dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of our actions.

In Macbeth, Shakespeare creates a tragic hero through the character of Macbeth.

As a man of high social status, Macbeth is initially respected and admired by his
peers, including King Duncan. However, his ambition and desire for power prove
to be his downfall. As Lady Macbeth urges him to murder the king, Macbeth
wrestles with his conscience, saying "I have no spur to prick the sides of my
intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on the other."
(Act 1, Scene 7, Lines 25-28). Macbeth's fatal flaw of ambition leads him to
commit more heinous crimes, such as the murder of Banquo and Macduff's
family.

As the play progresses, Macbeth's character becomes increasingly isolated and

paranoid, driven to madness by his guilt and fear of losing power. Macbeth's
soliloquy, "I have almost forgot the taste of fears" (Act 5, Scene 5, Lines 9-10),
reflects his growing numbness to the atrocities he has committed. By the end of
the play, Macbeth is a tragic figure who has lost everything, including his own
life.
Through Macbeth's character, Shakespeare explores universal themes of human
ambition, power, and the consequences of one's actions. Macbeth's tragic flaw is
his own undoing, and his fate is sealed from the beginning of the play. As he
says, "I am in blood stepp'd in so far, that, should I wade no more, returning were
as tedious as go o'er" (Act 3, Scene 4, Lines 167-170), Macbeth realizes that he is
past the point of no return, and his tragic end is inevitable.

Lady Macbeth:
Lady Macbeth is one of the central characters in William Shakespeare's play
"Macbeth". At the beginning of the play, Lady Macbeth is depicted as a ruthless
and ambitious woman who is determined to help her husband achieve his goal of
becoming king of Scotland. Lady Macbeth is confident and determined, as she
tells Macbeth, "Look like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under 't" (Act 1,
Scene 5). She is willing to do whatever it takes to help her husband achieve his
goals, and she uses her intelligence and manipulative skills to push him to take
action.
In Act 1 Scene 5, Lady Macbeth delivers her famous soliloquy in which she calls
upon the spirits to "unsex" her and make her more like a man, so that she can
carry out the bloody deed of killing King Duncan without any hesitation:

"Come, you spirits

That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty! make thick my blood;
Stop up the access and passage to remorse,
That no compunctious visitings of nature
Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
The effect and it! Come to my woman's breasts,
And take my milk for gall, you murdering ministers,
Wherever in your sightless substances
You wait on nature's mischief! Come, thick night,
And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell,
That my keen knife see not the wound it makes,
Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark,
To cry 'Hold, hold!'"

This soliloquy reveals Lady Macbeth's ambition and her willingness to do

whatever it takes to achieve her goals. She is willing to give up her femininity and
even her humanity in order to carry out the murder of King Duncan.

Later, we see that Lady Macbeth's character undergoes a dramatic

transformation. As the play progresses, however, Lady Macbeth's character
begins to deteriorate. She is haunted by guilt and begins to sleepwalk and talk in
her sleep, revealing her inner turmoil. In Act 5 Scene 1, the gentlewoman who
attends to Lady Macbeth says:

"Her eyes are open.

Ay, but their sense is shut."

This shows that Lady Macbeth is no longer in control of her own mind and is
tormented by the guilt of her actions. As the play progresses, Lady Macbeth's
character begins to unravel. She becomes overwhelmed by guilt and paranoia,
and her mental state deteriorates as a result of her role in the murders of King
Duncan and others. Her once-strong façade begins to crumble, and she is
haunted by visions and hallucinations, as she says, "Out, damned spot! Out, I
say!" (Act 5, Scene 1).

By the end of the play, Lady Macbeth's character is a tragic figure, broken by the
weight of her own ambition and guilt. Her descent into madness is a warning
about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of one's
actions. As she sleepwalks, Lady Macbeth reveals her inner turmoil, saying, "The
thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now? What, will these hands ne'er be
clean?" (Act 5, Scene 1). Lady Macbeth's tragic end shows the audience that even
the most determined and ruthless characters can be brought down by their own
actions. By the end of the play, Lady Macbeth is driven to madness and ultimately
takes her own life.

In conclusion, Lady Macbeth is a complex character who is driven by ambition

and a desire for power. However, her ruthless determination ultimately leads to
her downfall, as she is unable to cope with the guilt and psychological torment
that comes with her actions.

Banquo:
Banquo is a character in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth". He is a brave and
honorable man, and is also a close friend and ally of Macbeth. Throughout the
play, Banquo serves as a foil to Macbeth, as he is not tempted by ambition and
remains loyal to his principles and his sense of honor.

In Act 1 Scene 3, Banquo is introduced as a wise and perceptive character. When

the witches prophesize that Macbeth will become king, Banquo is immediately
suspicious of their motives and their supernatural powers:

"Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear

Things that do sound so fair? I' th' name of truth,
Are ye fantastical, or that indeed
Which outwardly ye show? My noble partner
You greet with present grace, and great prediction
Of noble having and of royal hope,
That he seems rapt withal. To me you speak not."

Here, Banquo is wary of the witches' prophecies and is not swayed by their
flattery. He recognizes that their predictions may not be entirely truthful, and he
refuses to be drawn in by their supernatural powers.

As the play progresses, Banquo remains loyal to his principles and his sense of
honor, even when faced with the temptation of power. When Macbeth becomes
king, Banquo remains loyal to him but is also suspicious of his motives. In Act 2
Scene 1, he tells his son Fleance:

"And I, so far,
Should find no tongue nor pen to note the world.
Forbidding me to interpret that you mean it not.
This is the air-drawn dagger which, you said,
Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws and starts,
Impostors to true fear, would well become
A woman's story at a winter's fire,
Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself!
Why do you make such faces? When all's done,
You look but on a stool."

Here, Banquo is suspicious of Macbeth's claims that he saw a dagger leading him
to Duncan's chamber. He recognizes that Macbeth may be experiencing a
hallucination or may be under the influence of his own guilt.

In conclusion, Banquo is a wise and honorable character who serves as a foil to

Macbeth. He is not tempted by ambition and remains loyal to his principles and
his sense of honor throughout the play.

Comparison of Banquo and Macbeth:

Macbeth and Banquo are both central characters in Shakespeare's play
"Macbeth," but their personalities and fates are vastly different. Macbeth is a
tragic hero who is consumed by his ambition, while Banquo is a loyal and
honorable friend who remains steadfast in his principles.

Macbeth is initially portrayed as a brave and loyal soldier, but his ambition to
become king leads him down a path of corruption and violence. As he begins to
commit heinous acts, his guilt and paranoia consume him. In contrast, Banquo is
a noble and honorable man who remains true to his principles and resists the
temptation of power.

A clear contrast between Macbeth and Banquo can be seen in their response to
the witches' prophesies. Macbeth is consumed by his ambition, and the witches'
prophesies ignite his desire for power. He becomes fixated on their prophecy that
he will become king, leading him to commit murder and ultimately leading to his
downfall. In contrast, Banquo is skeptical of the witches and warns Macbeth
about the dangers of trusting them:
"May they not be my oracles as well, / And set me up in hope? But hush, no
more" (Act 1, Scene 3).

Another key difference between Macbeth and Banquo is their relationship with
their conscience. Macbeth is plagued by guilt and hallucinations after he murders
Duncan, while Banquo remains loyal to his own moral compass. Banquo warns
Macbeth that his conscience will torment him:

"Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all, / As the weird women promised,
and I fear / Thou play’dst most foully for ’t" (Act 3, Scene 1).

Overall, Macbeth and Banquo's contrasting characters reveal the dangers of

unchecked ambition and the importance of remaining true to one's moral
principles. While Macbeth's ambition leads to his downfall, Banquo's loyalty to
his conscience ultimately ensures his legacy as an honorable man.

Fate and Free Will in “Macbeth”

 The play explores the question of whether human beings can control their
destiny or whether they are subject to a preordained fate.

 Macbeth's belief in fate is evident in the prophecies he receives from the

witches. He believes that he is fated to become king and that he must take
the necessary steps to achieve his destiny, even if it means committing
murder. Macbeth says, "If chance will have me king, why, chance may
crown me, / Without my stir" (Act 1, Scene 3). This shows that Macbeth
believes his fate is predetermined, and that he cannot resist it.

 Lady Macbeth, on the other hand, believes in free will and takes matters
into her own hands to make Macbeth king. She challenges Macbeth's
masculinity and manipulates him into committing the murder of King
Duncan. Lady Macbeth says, "When you durst do it, then you were a man; /
And, to be more than what you were, you would / Be so much more the
man" (Act 1, Scene 7). Lady Macbeth believes that Macbeth has the power
to choose his actions, and he should use his free will to achieve his
ambitions.
  Macbeth's belief in fate leads him to commit more murders, and he
becomes increasingly paranoid and consumed by guilt. He recognizes the
inevitability of his fate when he says, "I 'gin to be aweary of the sun, / And
wish th' estate o' th' world were now undone" (Act 5, Scene 5).
 Macbeth realizes that his actions have led him to a point of no return, and
he is powerless to change his fate.

 Shakespeare portrays fate and free will as two opposing forces that shape
the characters' actions and decisions in Macbeth. While some characters,
like Macbeth, believe in fate, others, like Lady Macbeth, believe in free will.

 As the play progresses, it becomes clear that fate is a powerful force that
cannot be ignored, and the characters' actions ultimately lead to their
downfall.

Important Quotes:
1. O, never Shall sun that morrow see! Your face, my thane, is as a book
where men May read strange matters. To beguile the time, Look like the
time. Bear welcome in your eye, Your hand, your tongue. Look like th'
innocent flower, But be the serpent under ’t. He that’s coming Must be
provided for; and you shall put This night’s great business into my
dispatch, Which shall to all our nights and days to come Give solely
sovereign sway and masterdom. ( Act 1 scene 5}
This quote is spoken by Lady Macbeth to her husband, Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is
urging Macbeth to be deceptive and hide his true intentions as they plan to
murder King Duncan. She tells him to look innocent on the outside but be ready
to strike like a serpent when the opportunity arises. Lady Macbeth believes that
the success of their plan depends on Macbeth's ability to deceive others.

The quote also shows Lady Macbeth's willingness to take charge and be the
driving force behind the plan to kill Duncan. She sees the murder as an
opportunity to seize power and become queen. Lady Macbeth's ambition and
cunning are on full display in this quote, as she manipulates Macbeth into
carrying out the murder and taking control.

Overall, this quote highlights the theme of deception and manipulation in the
play. Lady Macbeth's words reveal the dark underbelly of the characters' actions,
as they use deceit and treachery to achieve their goals. The quote also
foreshadows the tragic events that will follow, as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's
actions set off a chain reaction of violence and betrayal.

2. Methought I heard a voice cry, “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder

sleep”—the innocent sleep, Sleep that knits up the raveled sleave of care,
The death of each day’s life, sore labor’s bath, Balm of hurt minds, great
nature’s second course, Chief nourisher in life’s feast (Act 2 scene 2)

This quote is spoken by Macbeth in Act 2, Scene 2 after he has murdered King
Duncan in his sleep. As he returns to his wife Lady Macbeth, he is tormented by
guilt and hears a voice crying out to him, "Sleep no more!" The voice symbolizes
Macbeth's guilt and the fact that he will never be able to rest peacefully again
after committing such a heinous act.

The quote also reflects the importance of sleep and its significance to human life.
Sleep is described as "the innocent sleep" that provides rest and healing to tired
minds and bodies. It is "the death of each day's life," a necessary release from
the stresses and troubles of everyday life. Macbeth's murder of King Duncan has
disrupted this natural order and disturbed the balance of life. Macbeth has
committed a grave sin, and his guilty conscience will not allow him to find peace.

The use of imagery in the quote is powerful, with sleep being described as a
"chief nourisher in life's feast" that is essential to human survival. The image of
sleep "knitting up the raveled sleave of care" suggests that it has the power to
mend the broken threads of one's worries and concerns.

In conclusion, this quote reflects Macbeth's guilt and the disruption of the natural
order caused by his actions. The imagery used in the quote highlights the
importance of sleep to human life and emphasizes the severity of Macbeth's
crime. The quote also serves to foreshadow the tragic events that will unfold as a
result of Macbeth's actions.
3. To be thus is nothing, But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo Stick
deep, and in his royalty of nature Reigns that which would be feared. 'Tis
much he dares, And to that dauntless temper of his mind He hath a wisdom
that doth guide his valor To act in safety. There is none but he Whose
being I do fear, and under him My genius is rebuked, as it is said Mark
 Antony’s was by Caesar. He chid the sisters When first they put the name
of king upon me And bade them speak to him. Then, prophetlike, They
hailed him father to a line of kings. Upon my head they placed a fruitless
crown And put a barren scepter in my grip, Thence to be wrenched with an
unlineal hand, No son of mine succeeding. If ’t be so, For Banquo’s issue
have I filed my mind (Act 3 scene 1)

In this quote, Macbeth is expressing his fears and insecurities about

Banquo, his former friend and fellow soldier. Macbeth fears that Banquo
poses a threat to his own safety and security, as he is a noble and
courageous man with the potential to challenge Macbeth's position as king.
Macbeth acknowledges that Banquo's "royalty of nature" makes him a
feared adversary, and he admires Banquo's bravery and wisdom.

Macbeth also reveals that the witches prophesied that Banquo's

descendants would be kings, which means that Macbeth's own reign may
be short-lived if Banquo's lineage comes to power. Macbeth's ambition and
desire for power have led him to contemplate murdering Banquo and his
son in order to eliminate this threat.

The quote reveals Macbeth's paranoia and obsession with maintaining his
position as king, as he is willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate any
potential threats. However, it also shows his admiration for Banquo's
character and bravery, highlighting the internal conflict within Macbeth as
he struggles with his own guilt and the consequences of his actions.

4. "For mine own good,

All causes shall give way: I am in blood

Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o'er." - Macbeth (Act 3, Scene 4)
This quote is spoken by Macbeth in Act 3, Scene 4, as he reflects on the
violent acts he has committed and the consequences of his actions. He
acknowledges that he has already shed so much blood that there is no turning
back now, as returning to a state of innocence or goodness would be
impossible.
The phrase "stepp'd in so far" suggests that Macbeth has gone too far down a
path of violence and betrayal to turn back, and that he is deeply entrenched in
his own wickedness. He recognizes that he has become a prisoner of his own
actions and that he is now compelled to continue on his path of destruction.
The word "tedious" in this quote also carries a sense of weariness or
exhaustion, suggesting that Macbeth is weary of his own actions and the
consequences they have wrought. He seems to be acknowledging that his
violent actions have taken a toll on him and that he is not enjoying the power
and control he once sought.
Overall, this quote reveals the extent to which Macbeth has become consumed
by his own ambition and desire for power. He recognizes the depth of his own
depravity and seems to be resigned to his fate, unable to extricate himself
from the consequences of his actions.

5. Out, damned spot! out, I say!

One: two: why, then, 'tis time to do't.

Hell is murky!
Fie, my lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard?
What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to
account?
Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in
him." - Lady Macbeth (Act 5, Scene 1)
This quote is spoken by Lady Macbeth in Act 5, Scene 1 of the play as she
sleepwalks and tries to wash the imaginary bloodstains from her hands.
The repetition of the phrase "Out, damned spot! out, I say!" underscores
Lady Macbeth's sense of guilt and her desperate desire to rid herself of the
physical and emotional stain of the murders she and her husband have
committed.
The line "One: two: why, then, 'tis time to do't" suggests that Lady Macbeth
is reliving the moment when she and Macbeth plotted the murder of King
Duncan. She is counting the strokes of the bell that signaled the murder,
and seems to be urging herself to take action and rid herself of her guilt.
The line "Hell is murky!" suggests that Lady Macbeth is tormented by her
own conscience and fears the consequences of her actions. She is
realizing that her actions have damned her soul and that she is now
trapped in a hell of her own making.
The line "Fie, my lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard?" suggests that Lady
Macbeth is frustrated and disappointed with Macbeth's behavior. She is
questioning his courage and masculinity, which shows her own strength
and determination.
 The line "What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to
account?" suggests that Lady Macbeth believes she and her husband are
above the law and cannot be held accountable for their crimes. However,
this statement also reveals Lady Macbeth's arrogance and overconfidence,
as she is underestimating the power of guilt and conscience.
The final line, "Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so
much blood in him," suggests that Lady Macbeth is beginning to realize the
full horror of what she and Macbeth have done. The line also suggests that
Lady Macbeth is shocked by the amount of bloodshed that has been
required to maintain their power, and that this realization is weighing
heavily on her conscience.
Overall, this quote reveals Lady Macbeth's inner turmoil and her struggle to
come to terms with the consequences of her actions. It shows the depth of
her guilt and her desperate desire to cleanse herself of the bloodstains that
now mar her soul.

6. "Out, out, brief candle!

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing." - Macbeth (Act 5, Scene 5)
This quote is spoken by Macbeth in Act 5, Scene 5 of the play, as he reflects
on the futility of life and the transience of his own existence. The metaphor of
life as a "brief candle" suggests that Macbeth sees his own life as short and
insignificant, like a flicker of light that can be easily extinguished.

He goes on to describe life as a "walking shadow," which implies that life is

insubstantial and lacks substance. The metaphor of the "poor player" further
reinforces this idea, suggesting that humans are like actors who perform for a
brief moment on the stage of life before fading away.

The phrase "struts and frets his hour upon the stage" suggests that humans
are preoccupied with the trivialities of life and are consumed by worries and
anxieties, despite the fact that their existence is fleeting.
The final phrase, "it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying
nothing," is particularly significant because it suggests that Macbeth views his
own life as meaningless and devoid of purpose. The metaphor of a "tale told
by an idiot" implies that human existence is meaningless and that our actions
are ultimately futile.

Overall, this quote reveals Macbeth's deep sense of despair and

disillusionment. He has come to recognize that his quest for power and
ambition has led him down a path of destruction and chaos, and that his own
life is ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things.