Macbeth quotes

• Mcbeth‘s zealotry is for his ambitions which consequently leads for him to abandon his conscience leading to his eventual downfall. Lady macbeth‘s zealotry to power not only causes her to force her husband into committing regicide, it also leads to her mental downfall as well.
• “Is this a dagger which I see before me? The handle toward my hand“

  The rhetorical question paired with the hallucination signifies the beginning of his mental decline. His conscienc has been plagued with guilt because of him committing the treacherous act of regicide. Therefore this quote signifies the beginning of Macbeth’s mental and physical decline. (Throughout the rest of the play we really get to see this mental deterioration as a result of Macbeth ambition. )
• “but wherefore could i not pronounce amen? I had most need of blessing, and Amen Stuck in my throat”

  This quote is from act 2 scene 2 said by macbeth
• Macbeth and lady Macbeth develop in reverse directions. This is therefore a reversal of gender roles and the point at which Macbeth cannot return to virtue, which is evidenced through the extended metaphor:”i am in blood stepp’d in so far that should i wade no further, returning were as tedious as to go o’er”- here the metaphor of wading through “blood” is symbolic of guilt. P1
• P2 Macbeth was a reluctant killer, tempted by LM and the witches. He felt regret and recognised the injustice of Duncans death- “wake Duncan with thy knocking, i would thou couldn’t”. before, he was killing only to speed up the prophecy. however, now he is killing despite it. Shakespeare does this to portray his greed-what he has will never be enough, he will never feel secure.
• “ is this a dagger which i see before me? - act 2 scene 1
• “he unseam’d him from the nave to th’ chops”- act 1 scene 2

  -highlights Macbeth’s sheer strength and skill in battle. “unseam’d“ - violet imagery and suggests a fluid motion, which suggests he is not phased by blood or death. This could foreshadow Macbeth’s violent turn for the rest of the play.
• “ for brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name”- act 1 scene 2 ( said by the captin to Macbeth )

  ”brave“ suggests Macbeth was a heroic leadear. This gives him the qualities to be a good king.
• “Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown“- act 3 scene 1

  -theme of kingship

  -the adjective “fruitless” emphasises the complete state of dissatisfaction that Macbeth is feeling

  -Shakespear‘s wider message could be trying to show to the audience that our actions have consequences and that those who commit sin will be punished, shown through macbeths downfall. Shakespear’s trying to warn the audience to not commit sin like Macbeth as those who commit sin will face the consequence. Also emphasises guilt.
• “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself and falls on th‘other”- act 1 scene 7
• “stars hide you fires; let not light see my black and deep desires” act 1 scene 4