Macbeth's quotes

• “For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name” – Sergeant (Act 1, Scene 2)

  This quote establishes Macbeth as a valiant warrior, praised for his courage in battle. He is described as a hero who is loyal to King Duncan, which makes his later betrayal more shocking. The title "brave Macbeth" shows his initial nobility, a sharp contrast to the "tyrant" he will become as his ambition drives him to murder and treachery.
• “So foul and fair a day I have not seen” – Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 3)


  Macbeth echoes the witches’ earlier line ("Fair is foul, and foul is fair"), linking him to the supernatural forces that will soon shape his fate. The day is "foul" due to the violence of battle, but "fair" because of his victory. This line reflects the duality of his character—both a noble hero and someone capable of great evil.
• “The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step / On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap” – Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 4)


  Upon hearing that Malcolm is named heir to the throne, Macbeth realizes that Malcolm stands in his way. This moment reveals Macbeth's growing ambition. He considers that he must either accept his current status ("fall down") or take drastic action to seize power ("o'erleap"). This line marks one of Macbeth’s first thoughts of treachery as he contemplates taking the throne by force.
• “I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition” – Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 7)

  Macbeth reflects on his motivations for killing Duncan. He admits that he has no justifiable reason to murder the king other than his overwhelming ambition. The metaphor of "vaulting ambition" suggests that his desire for power is reckless and dangerous, capable of leading to his downfall. This is a moment of self-awareness for Macbeth, showing his internal struggle between his ambition and his conscience.
• “Is this a dagger which I see before me, / The handle toward my hand?” – Macbeth (Act 2, Scene 1)


  As Macbeth prepares to murder Duncan, he hallucinates a bloody dagger, symbolizing both the murder he is about to commit and his guilt. The vision of the dagger reveals Macbeth’s troubled mind, torn between his desire for power and the moral consequences of his actions. This scene marks the beginning of his psychological descent into madness.
• Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more! / Macbeth does murder sleep’” – Macbeth (Act 2, Scene 2)

  After killing Duncan, Macbeth becomes haunted by his actions. He imagines hearing a voice that says he has "murdered sleep," meaning he has destroyed his own peace and innocence. This symbolizes how the murder has robbed Macbeth of his ability to rest and find peace, foreshadowing his increasing paranoia and insomnia throughout the play. Sleep becomes a metaphor for innocence and peace of mind, both of which Macbeth has now lost.