Macbeth quotes

• What is the significance of the quote "fair is foul and foul is fair" in Macbeth?

  • Sets the tone for the play
  • Indicates the presence of the supernatural
  • Warns against trusting appearances
• How does the quote "fair is foul and foul is fair" relate to the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

  It illustrates their duplicity and foreshadows their betrayal of King Duncan.
• What does Macbeth mean when he says "stars hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires"?

  He wishes to hide his dark ambitions from God.
• What does Lady Macbeth's quote about Macbeth's nature reveal about her character?

  • She fears Macbeth's kindness as a weakness
  • She manipulates him to commit murder
  • Reflects her own ambition and ruthlessness
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "milk of human kindness"?

  It implies she sees his kindness as a weakness.
• What does Lady Macbeth ask of the spirits in her famous quote?

  • To strip her of femininity
  • To fill her with cruelty
  • To enable her to commit murder
• How does the quote "is this a dagger which I see before me" reflect Macbeth's internal conflict?

  It shows his hesitation and inner turmoil before committing murder.
• What does the phrase "sleep no more" signify in Macbeth?

  • Represents the loss of innocence
  • Reflects guilt and mental turmoil
  • Indicates the consequences of regicide
• What does the old man's quote about unnatural events after Duncan's death imply?

  It implies that nature reacts violently to the murder of a king.
• How does Macbeth's reflection on life after Lady Macbeth's death illustrate his character development?

  It reflects his nihilism and the futility of his actions.
• How does Malcolm describe Macbeth and Lady Macbeth at the end of the play?

  • He calls Macbeth a "dead butcher"
  • He refers to Lady Macbeth as "fiend-like"
  • Indicates their dehumanization and tyranny
• What does the description of Macbeth as a "butcher" imply about his transformation throughout the play?

  It implies he has become a remorseless killer, losing his humanity.
• What does Macbeth say is the only thing driving his ambition?

  Vaulting ambition
• What does Macbeth imply about his control over his ambition?

  He implies he is not in control of his ambition.
• How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth's actions according to his soliloquy?

  She acts as the controlling force behind his ambition.
• What is the significance of ambition in Macbeth's character?

  • Ambition is a driving force but not sufficient alone.
  • It highlights Macbeth's internal conflict.
  • Suggests external influences shape his actions.
• What major theme is suggested to be Macbeth's fatal flaw?

  Ambition
• How does Macbeth's soliloquy reveal his thoughts about killing Duncan?

  It reveals his doubts about the murder's success.
• What does the phrase "fair is foul and foul is fair" suggest about the play's themes?

  It suggests themes of duality and deception.
• What are the implications of Duncan's inability to read intentions?

  • Highlights the theme of deception.
  • Suggests the danger of misplaced trust.
  • Reflects on the consequences of misjudgment.
• How does the concept of fate play a role in Macbeth's actions?

  Fate is intertwined with his choices, leading to his downfall.
• What are the characteristics of Lady Macbeth's ambition?

  • She seeks power through manipulation.
  • Challenges traditional gender roles.
  • Displays a strong desire for control.
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "hell is murky"?

  It signifies her awareness of the moral darkness surrounding their deeds.
• How does Lady Macbeth's perspective on power differ from Macbeth's?

  She is more assertive and willing to act, while he is conflicted.
• What does Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking reveal about her character?

  • It shows her deep-seated guilt.
  • Reflects her mental unraveling.
  • Indicates the consequences of her ambition.
• What does the term "unsexed" refer to in Lady Macbeth's context?

  Her desire to reject femininity to gain power.
• How does Shakespeare portray the witches in relation to Lady Macbeth?

  They are portrayed as sinister influences on Macbeth's actions.
• What does the relationship between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth reveal about gender roles?

  • Lady Macbeth manipulates traditional roles.
  • Their partnership challenges societal norms.
  • Reflects the struggle for power in a patriarchal society.
• What does Banquo's prophecy suggest about his character?

  He will be lesser than Macbeth yet greater.
• How does Banquo's character contrast with Macbeth's actions?

  Banquo represents moral integrity, while Macbeth embodies moral decay.
• What does the divine right of kings imply in the context of the play?

  • Kings are chosen by God.
  • Rebellion against the king is sinful.
  • Reflects the consequences of usurping power.
• What does the phrase "Something wicked this way comes" imply about Macbeth's character?


  It implies that Macbeth has fully embraced his wickedness.
• How does Lady Macbeth's rejection of femininity relate to her ambition?

  • She believes cruelty is necessary for power.
  • Reflects societal expectations of gender.
  • Highlights her desperation for control.
• What does the prophecy suggest about Macbeth's future happiness?

  Macbeth will be unhappy because he will act on his evil thoughts.
• What phrase do the witches use to describe Macbeth?

  Something Wicked This Way Comes