Significant Lady Macbeth character moments Flashcards
Act 1 Scene 5
SOLILOQUY
Quote: “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe topful of direst cruelty!”
Lady Macbeth reveals her ambition and her willingness to go to great lengths to achieve her goals. She asks the spirits to “unsex” her and remove her feminine qualities so that she can be ruthless and relentless.
Act 1 Scene 7
Quote: “We will proceed no further in this business. He hath honored me of late, and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people.”
Lady Macbeth plays a pivotal role in convincing Macbeth to murder King Duncan. However, in this scene, Macbeth hesitates, showing his inner conflict. Lady Macbeth’s response and manipulation highlight her influence as she questions his manhood and pushes him to commit the murder.
Act 2 Scene 2
Quote: “My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white.”
Lady Macbeth helps Macbeth after he has murdered King Duncan. She takes on the role of cleaning up the evidence and supporting her husband, demonstrating her loyalty and willingness to do whatever is necessary to protect their position. This scene highlights her evolving character, from the ambitious instigator to the loyal and supportive partner in crime.
Act 5 Scene 1
Quote: “Out, damned spot! Out, I say! One, two, why, then, ‘tis time to do ‘t. Hell is murky! Fie, my lord, fie! A soldier and afeard? What need we fear who knows it when none can call our power to account?”
In this famous scene, Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking and trying to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands. This scene demonstrates her intense guilt and inner torment over the crimes she and her husband have committed. It shows how her once-strong resolve has deteriorated, revealing the psychological toll of their actions on her character.
