Macbeth quotes

• What does Macbeth do to his enemy in the line "Unseam'd him from the nave to th'chaps"?


  He cuts him open from the navel to the jaw.
• What is the significance of fixing the enemy's "head upon the battlements"?


  It serves as a display of victory and a warning to others.
• How is Macbeth described in the phrase "O valiant cousin, worthy gentleman"?


  He is described as brave and worthy.
• What does the phrase "They meant to bathe in reeking wounds" imply about the warriors?


  It implies that they were prepared to fight and spill blood.
• What does Macbeth mean by "So fair and foul a day I have not seen"?


  He refers to the contradictory nature of the day being both good and bad.
• What titles are given to Macbeth in the line "All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis / Cawdor / King"?


  Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King.
• What does "This supernatural soliciting" refer to in Macbeth's context?


  It refers to the witches' prophecies and their influence on him.
• What does Macbeth mean by "Cannot be ill, cannot be good"?


  He is conflicted about the moral implications of the witches' prophecies.
• Who is referred to as "The Prince of Cumberland"?


  Duncan's son, Malcolm.
• What does Macbeth mean by "that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o'erleap"?


  He is contemplating the challenge of overcoming Malcolm to become king.
• What does "Stars hide your fires" suggest about Macbeth's intentions?


  He wishes to conceal his dark ambitions.
• What does "Let not light see my black and deep desires" imply about Macbeth's character?


  It indicates his awareness of his immoral ambitions.
• Who does Macbeth refer to as "My dearest partner of greatness"?


  Lady Macbeth.
• What do "Bloody instructions return to plague th'inventor" suggest about Macbeth's thoughts on murder?


  He fears that his violent actions will come back to haunt him.
• What does Macbeth mean by "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition"?


  He lacks motivation beyond his overwhelming ambition to commit murder.
• What does "We will proceed no further in this business" indicate about Macbeth's resolve?


  He is hesitant and wants to stop the plan to kill Duncan.
• What does "Golden opinions" refer to in the context of Duncan?


  It refers to the favorable views others have of Duncan.
• What does "I dare do all that may become a man" imply about Macbeth's character?


  He believes he must act honorably as a man.
• What does "False face must hide what the false heart doth know" suggest about Macbeth's intentions?


  He plans to conceal his true feelings and intentions behind a facade.
• What does Macbeth say he thinks about the Witches in response to Banquo?

  "I think not of them"
• What does Macbeth see before him that he questions?

  "A dagger"
• What does the phrase "Fatal vision" imply in Macbeth's soliloquy?


  It suggests a dangerous or deadly insight
• What does Macbeth mean by "A dagger of the mind, a false creation"?


  He is questioning the reality of his hallucination
• What does "Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain" suggest about Macbeth's state of mind?


  It indicates he is under extreme stress and pressure
• What does Macbeth mean by "These hangman's hands"?


  He refers to his hands being stained with blood
• What does Macbeth express when he says, "I could not say Amen"?


  He feels guilt and separation from God
• What does "Macbeth does murder sleep" signify?


  It indicates that Macbeth's actions will lead to his eternal unrest
• What does Macbeth ask about the blood on his hands?

  "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?"
• What does Macbeth mean by "Wake Duncan with thy knocking: I would thou couldst"?


  He wishes he could undo his actions and bring Duncan back
• What does Macbeth express when he says, "O, yet I do repent me of my fury"?


  He regrets his violent actions
• What internal conflict does Macbeth reveal when he says, "Who can be wise, amaz'd, temp'rate, and furious, loyal and neutral in a moment?"?


  He struggles with the contradictions of his emotions and actions
• What conclusion does Macbeth reach about human nature in his soliloquy?

  No man can be wise and furious at the same time
• What is the significance of the dagger as a symbol in Macbeth's mind?

  The dagger symbolizes his ambition and the violent path he is contemplating
• How does guilt affect Macbeth's character development throughout the play?

  Guilt leads to his mental deterioration and paranoia
• What do Macbeth's hallucinations reveal about his mental state?

  They indicate his increasing instability and moral conflict
• How does ambition drive Macbeth's actions and lead to his downfall?

  His unchecked ambition leads him to commit murder and ultimately results in his ruin
• What is the contrast between Macbeth's initial loyalty and his subsequent betrayal?

  He starts as a loyal subject but becomes a 'tyrant' through his ambition
• What does Macbeth mean by "To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus"?


  It means that being in power is meaningless without security.
• What does Macbeth fear about Banquo?

  He fears Banquo's potential to threaten his power.
• What does Macbeth mean by "fruitless crown"?

  It refers to a crown that brings no benefit or legacy if he has no heirs.