macbeth

• "we have scotched the snake, not killed it"


  metaphor of snake represents threats to Macbeth's power, specifically Banquo and Fleance, as well as guilt and paranoia. To "scotch" the snake means to wound or injure it, suggesting Macbeth's actions have only temporarily removed the threats not eliminated them. Imagery of snake evokes danger, deceit reflecting Macbeth's growing paranoia. By realising snake is still alive, he reveals his realization that his violent acts only led to further danger and unrest. Foreshadows more violence and inability to find peace
• "Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires"


  Metaphor of hide your fires, reflect's macbeth's desire to conceal his dark intentions from both the world and his own conscience. Black and deep desires reveals his ambition to seize the throne, but aware pf corruption behind these thoughts. Contrasts symbolizes battle between good and evil. Macbeth acknowledges his growing ambition, marking a pivotal moment
• "False face must hide what the false heart doth know"


  Line reflects Macbeth's understanding of the need to appear innocent. Repetition of false shows the theme of deception, as Macbeth acknowledges his outward appearance must hide his inner corruption. Contrast shows difference between appearance and reality, he is fully aware of duplicity required to carry out plans, marking commitment to deception and treachery.
• "I will not be afraid of death and bane, till Birnam forest come to Dunsinane"


  Reflects growing arrogance and false sense of security due to witches' prophecy believing he is invincible. No longer fears mortal threats seeing himself as beyond the reach of danger. Foreshadows Macbeth's eventual downfall, as his overconfidence blinds him to the true meaning of the prophecy. Manipulated by the supernatural, relying on their words for comfort and control over his fate.
• "We will proceed no further in this business"


  Moment of hesitation for Macbeth, as initially tries to resist his ambition and the murder of Duncan. Euphemism business reflects his attempt to distance himself from moral implications of actions, reducing murder to a task. Hesitation reveals that Macbeth is still struggling recognising the gravity of the crime he is about to commit. Moment is short lived as he manipulates him into continuing with the plan
• "Will all great Neptune's oceans wash this blood clean from my hand?"


  Hyperbolic metaphor reflects Macbeth's overwhelming guilt after murdering Duncan. Emphasises the enormity of Macbeth's crime, as even as ocean's worth of water cannot cleanse him of the blood on his hands. Blood symbolises guilt and irrevesible nature of Macbeth's actions, as he realises that he will never be free of the consequences of his crime. Highlights theme of guilt and psychological toll of murder on Macbeth, becoming increasingly consumed my remorse or paranoia.
• "To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo/ Stick deep."


  Reveals insecurity about his position as king, realising that simply being king is meaningless unless his power is secure. Repetition of thus emphasizes his dissatisfaction and growing paranoia. Reflects his fear of losing throne to Banquo's descendants, as prophesied by the witches. His ambition has not brought him peace but intensified his fear and insecurity. Sees threat to power everywhere, revealing depth of his paranoia.
• "I throw my warlike shield: lay on Macduff"

  Reflects Macbeth's return to his warrior mentality as he faces his final battle. Macbeth is prepared to fight to the death. Use of warlike evokes Macbeth's identity as a soilder, contrasting with the moral corruption that has consumed him throughout the play. He refuses to surrender demonstrating pride as a warrior. Lay on Macduff is an invitation to battle. Final attempt to reclaim his honor in death
• "Is this a dagger I see before me / Come let me clutch thee"


  Hallucinates a dagger before committing Duncan's murder. The dagger symbolises both his ambition and his guilt, representing the violent act he is about to commit. Imperative let me clutch reflects desperation to grasp the dagger, symbolising his willingness to commit the murder, despite his hesitation. Hallucination also shows his psychological instability, as he is torn between ambition and conscience. Shows his internal conflict, leading him further down the path of moral corruption