Macbeth quotes

• How does Macbeth's character change throughout the play?

  He goes from loyal to corrupted and tragic
• What themes and context points accompany the first quotation from Macbeth?

  • Themes: Ambition, Supernatural
  • Context: Jacobean beliefs about witches
• What does Macbeth say in Act 1, Scene 4 about his desires?

  Stars hide my black and deep desires
• What does the personification in Macbeth's quote about stars signify?

  His shame about his ambitious thoughts
• What does Macbeth's alliteration in his quote emphasize?

  His ongoing inner conflict and turmoil
• What does Macbeth ultimately decide to do after his inner conflict?

  He decides to kill King Duncan
• What does Macbeth refer to when he mentions "vaulting ambition"?

  His overwhelming desire to be king
• What does Macbeth realize about his ambition in Act 1, Scene 7?

  It may be too great for him to handle
• What hallucination does Macbeth experience before killing Duncan?

  A floating dagger leading him to Duncan
• What does Macbeth question about the dagger he sees?

  If it is real or a false creation
• What themes are illustrated by Macbeth's hallucination of the dagger?

  • Supernatural: Guilt and paranoia
  • Guilt: Stress from impending murder
• What does Macbeth see at his coronation after betraying Banquo?

  The floating ghost of Banquo
• How does Macbeth react to seeing Banquo's ghost?

  He becomes terrified and cowardly
• What does the ghost of Banquo symbolize for Macbeth?

  His guilt and punishment from God
• What does Macbeth call the witches in Act 4, Scene 1?

  Secret black and midnight hags
• How has Macbeth's character changed by Act 4, Scene 1?

  He is corrupted and seeks control
• What does King James I's view on witches reflect in Macbeth?

  Distrust and fear of supernatural influence
• What are the main themes related to Macbeth's character throughout the play?

  • Ambition
  • Supernatural influence
  • Guilt and paranoia