Macbeth-key quotes

• “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Witches, Scene I)

  Act I:


  This chant by the witches sets the tone for the play, suggesting a world where boundaries are blurred and moral distinctions become ambiguous. It foreshadows the confusion of right and wrong that Macbeth will experience.
• Act II:

  “Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?” (Macbeth, Scene I)


  The hallucination of the dagger that Macbeth experiences is symbolic of his ambition driving him towards the murder he is about to commit. It also represents the point of no return for his character, as he is consumed by his desires and the influence of the supernatural.
• Act III:

  “Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” (Apparition, Scene IV)


  The prophecy is ironic and misleading, playing on Macbeth’s overconfidence. It suggests that he is invulnerable, yet it is this very belief that blinds him to his impending downfall.
• Act IV:

  “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble” (Witches, Scene I)


  The witches’ incantation is not only catchy but also reinforces the theme of chaos and disorder. The ingredients in their potion are grotesque, symbolizing the unnatural acts and the moral decay of Scotland under Macbeth’s rule.
• Act V:

  “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more” (Macbeth, Scene V)


  In this metaphor, Macbeth compares life to a brief and meaningless performance, reflecting his profound despair and sense of nihilism. It’s a stark contrast to his earlier ambition and desire for power, showing his complete emotional and moral disintegration.
• Act I:

  “The raven himself is hoarse That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan Under my battlements.” (Scene V)


  This quote signifies Lady Macbeth’s readiness for the murder of Duncan. The raven, a bird associated with ill-omen, symbolizes death and foreshadows Duncan’s demise.
• “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here…” (Scene V)


  Lady Macbeth calls on the spirits to strip her of feminine weakness, revealing her desire to possess the ruthlessness necessary to commit regicide.
• Act II:

  “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold…” (Scene II)


  After drugging the guards, Lady Macbeth’s courage is contrasted with her husband’s hesitance, showcasing her pivotal role in the king’s murder.
• Act III:

  “Nought’s had, all’s spent, Where our desire is got without content…” (Scene II)


  This reflects Lady Macbeth’s realization that their crimes have not brought the satisfaction she expected, hinting at her growing remorse.
• Act IV:

  “What’s done is done.” (Scene II)

  Lady Macbeth tries to calm Macbeth’s paranoia, but this phrase also suggests her resignation and the irreversible nature of their actions.
• Act V:

  “Out, damned spot! out, I say!” (Scene I)


  In her sleepwalking, Lady Macbeth tries to wash away an imaginary bloodstain, symbolizing her overwhelming guilt and descent into madness.
• Lady Macbeth’s complex character arc, from a manipulative and ambitious figure to one consumed by guilt and madness. Her journey is a critical element of the tragedy, as it mirrors and contrasts with Macbeth’s own downfall.
• Act I:

  “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.” (Macbeth, Scene IV)


  Macbeth is aware of his dark thoughts about seizing the throne and wishes to hide them from the heavens, indicating his awareness of the moral implications of his desires.
• Act II:

  “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep.” (Macbeth, Scene II)


  After killing Duncan, Macbeth hears a voice saying he has murdered sleep. This symbolizes his loss of innocence and the peace of mind he will never regain.
• Act III:

  “I am in blood Stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o’er.” (Macbeth, Scene IV)


  Macbeth acknowledges that he is too deeply involved in his heinous acts to stop, illustrating the point of no return in his moral descent.
• Act IV:

  “From this moment The very firstlings of my heart shall be The firstlings of my hand.” (Macbeth, Scene I)


  Macbeth decides to act on his impulses immediately, showing his increasing recklessness and detachment from rational thought.
• Act V:

  “I ‘gin to be aweary of the sun, And wish the estate o’ the world were now undone.” (Macbeth, Scene V)


  Facing the consequences of his actions, Macbeth expresses his despair and a death wish, reflecting his complete moral and psychological breakdown.
• Macbeth’s journey from ambition to guilt, and finally to despair. His transformation is central to the tragedy of the play, as it explores themes of power, guilt, and the human condition.
• King Duncan is a character who embodies the qualities of a just and benevolent ruler in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” His presence in the play, although limited, serves as a stark contrast to the treachery and ambition that drive the plot. Duncan’s character is often analysed as a symbol of stability and just leadership. His level-headed and kindly nature sets him up as an ideal king but also makes him vulnerable to betrayal. His death signifies the end of peace and the onset of a corrupt regime, highlighting the precariousness of power and the consequences of ambition.
• Act I:

  “What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won.” (Duncan, Scene II)


  Duncan’s declaration reflects his fair and rewarding nature, as he bestows the title of Thane of Cawdor on Macbeth for his bravery in battle. It also foreshadows the tragic transfer of power that will come with Duncan’s murder.
• Act II:

  “There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face.” (Duncan, Scene III)


  Here, Duncan comments on the difficulty of discerning a person’s true intentions from their appearance. This line is tragically ironic, as he fails to see Macbeth’s treacherous plans.
• Act III:

  King Duncan does not appear in Act III, as he is murdered by Macbeth in Act II. However, his influence is felt throughout the play, as his death marks the beginning of Scotland’s descent into chaos.

  Act IV:
• Act IV:

  Although Duncan does not appear in this act, his legacy and the impact of his death continue to resonate. The characters reflect on the stability and peace that Scotland enjoyed under his rule, which has been disrupted by Macbeth’s tyranny.
• Act V:

  Again, Duncan does not appear in Act V, but the restoration of order with Malcolm’s ascension to the throne serves as a return to the values that Duncan represented.
• Macduff’s character arc is one of loss, grief, and ultimately, justice. His quotes reveal his deep love for Scotland and his unwavering commitment to restoring order. Macduff is a pivotal character in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” representing integrity and opposition to Macbeth’s tyranny.
• Act II:

  “O horror, horror, horror! Tongue nor heart cannot conceive nor name thee!” (Macduff, Scene III)


  Macduff’s reaction upon discovering King Duncan’s murder is one of genuine shock and horror. His words reflect the unspeakable nature of the crime and set the stage for his role as Macbeth’s nemesis.
• Act IV:

  “Bleed, bleed, poor country! Great tyranny, lay thou thy basis sure, For goodness dare not check thee.” (Macduff, Scene III)


  Here, Macduff laments the state of Scotland under Macbeth’s rule. His patriotic despair and call for action foreshadow his eventual return to Scotland to confront Macbeth.
• Act V:

  “Tyrant, show thy face! If thou beest slain, and with no stroke of mine, My wife and children’s ghosts will haunt me still.” (Macduff, Scene VII)


  Macduff’s determination to avenge his family’s murder by Macbeth is palpable. His personal vendetta becomes part of the larger struggle for justice and retribution against tyranny.
• “Despair thy charm, And let the angel whom thou still hast served Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother’s womb Untimely ripped.” (Macduff, Scene VIII)


  In this climactic revelation, Macduff declares that he was not “born” in the usual sense, thus fulfilling the witches’ prophecy and sealing Macbeth’s fate. It underscores the themes of fate and destiny that permeate the play.
• Malcolm’s character represents the restoration of rightful rule and the hope for a healed Scotland. His journey from a prince in danger to a king who values justice and the welfare of his people contrasts sharply with Macbeth’s tyrannical reign. Malcolm, the son of King Duncan, is a character who evolves from a fledgling leader into a rightful king over the course of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”
• Act I:

  Malcolm does not have significant quotes in this act, but his presence is felt as he is named Prince of Cumberland, establishing him as the heir to the throne, which inadvertently sets Macbeth on his dark path.
• Act II:

  “This murderous shaft that’s shot hath not yet lighted, and our safest way is to avoid the aim.” (Malcolm, Scene III)


  After Duncan’s murder, Malcolm wisely suspects danger and decides to flee to England. This decision shows his understanding of the precarious situation and his instinct for self-preservation.
• Act III:

  Malcolm is absent from this act, but his flight to England is a catalyst for Macbeth’s increasing paranoia and tyranny as he consolidates his power.
• Act IV:

  “I think our country sinks beneath the yoke; It weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gash is added to her wounds.” (Malcolm, Scene III)


  Malcolm expresses his sorrow over Scotland’s suffering under Macbeth’s rule. His words reveal his deep concern for his homeland and his emerging sense of responsibility.
• “Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell. Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace, Yet grace must still look so.” (Malcolm, Scene III)


  Here, Malcolm acknowledges that appearances can be deceiving, a theme that runs throughout the play. He is cautious and tests Macduff’s loyalty, showing his political acumen.
• Act V:

  “We shall not spend a large expense of time before we reckon with your several loves, and make us even with you.” (Malcolm, Scene IX)


  After Macbeth’s defeat, Malcolm speaks to his supporters, promising to reward them for their loyalty. This quote shows his gratitude and his readiness to restore order and justice.
• Donalbain’s few lines in the play carry weight as they contribute to the theme of distrust and the importance of prudence in a world rife with treachery. His character, though not as developed as others, serves as a foil to the naivety of his father, King Duncan, and the unchecked ambition of Macbeth. Donalbain, though a minor character in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” provides insight into the themes of trust and betrayal.
• Act II:

  “There’s daggers in men’s smiles.” (Scene III)


  Donalbain’s observation reflects his sudden understanding that appearances can be deceiving. The metaphor of ‘daggers’ in ‘smiles’ suggests that those who appear friendly may actually harbor ill intentions. This line also underscores the play’s recurring motif of deceptive appearances.
• Act IV:

  Donalbain does not have significant quotes in this act, but his earlier decision to flee to Ireland after his father’s murder is indicative of his awareness of the danger he and his brother face. His absence also highlights the isolation Malcolm must feel as he prepares to challenge Macbeth.
• Act V:

  Donalbain does not appear in Act V, but his earlier actions and decisions have set the stage for the final confrontation between Malcolm and Macbeth. His choice to separate from his brother for safety reasons shows a pragmatic and cautious approach to the treacherous political landscape they find themselves in.