Ambition Flashcards
Why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image does unfix my hair
L
MBs first thought is of murder. The adjective ‘horrid’ suggests that MB knows murdering D to achieve his ambition is wrong. The verb ‘unfix’ suggests that the strength of his ambition terrifies him as his hair stands on ends.
Too full o’th milk of human kindness
L
LMB feminizes MB. She knows she will have to manipulate him into killing D
I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition
L
MB fight with his conscience as he knows it’s wrong to kill a morally good king. He doesn’t know what’s on the other side. May be disaster
C
MB knows killing a king is an act against God. This is connected to the gunpowder plot as Shakespeare sends a warning not to kill a king like James 1st
Stars hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires
L. Adjective & symbolism
The adjectives ‘black’ and ‘deep’ suggest MB knows his thoughts are morally wrong. The stars symbolises heaven so MB doesn’t want God to he his plans.
Rhyming couplet. light represents heaven
It was said…that myself should be the root and farther of many kings
L
B hopes his dependents will become kings. The metaphor creates an image as B being the root of a family tree.
C
Shakespeare was flattering king James who was a descendent of B
A poor player struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more
L. Extended Metaphor
MB realises he’s a ‘poor player’ in this metaphor about the world being a stage and he has limited time on earth that will just be forgotten when he’s dead.
Malcom or Macduff. Act 4 Scene 3.
“The king becoming graces…justice…mercy…courage”
Only Malcom represents a good king as he holds more virtues than Macbeth and Duncan.
Macbeth lacked mercy and a moral sense of justice. Both Duncan and Macbeth lacked courage as Duncan was a good man but was weak while Macbeth became scared and started murdering people.
