Macbeth Flashcards
When shall we three meet again?( Act 1 scene 1)
Witches first appearance is a shrouded mystery and thus symbolises how there actions for Macbeth in the future is unclear.
When the hurly butrlys done.
There to meet Macbeth
It’s clear that The witches know where to meet Macbeth. But is it due to their power of seeing into the future or did they already know through other means?
Fair is foul, and foul is fair
Throught the use of the rhyming couplets we see that the witches take on a spell like rhythem emphasising that there are part of the super natural.
Through the use of the trochaic tetrameter we see that the witches are different from the other characters and through the stress of “fair” and “foul” , it’s clear that Shakespeare wants us to pause and emphasise that these words convey the divide between the supernatural and the other characters in the play.
Act 1, Scene2. “Brave Macbeth”
The use of the adjective gives the impression that Macbeth is renowned for his skill fullness within battle and thus is given the title “brave”
“Brandished steel”
“Bloody execution”
“Unseamed him from the naves to th’ chops”
The repeated use of violent imagery conveys how Macbeth is brutal in the battle front. And how he is portrayed as heroic and provides macbeths undenying sense of power.
“Golgotha” “Bellonas bridegroom”
The use of biblical references connotes that Macbeth is linked to being the bide groom of the goddess of war and shows how powerful and highly ranked Macbeth if presented.
“Go pronounce his death” - Duncan
We see that Duncan does not show sympathy for the thane of Cawdor that just betrayed him. And thus connotes how Duncan gives the orders here and no one is able to question him
“What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won”
The use of paradox shows the contrast between a treasonous thane vs a loyal and brave subject. However we see that they are not very different at the end.
Idea of Duncan in this scene
Duncan starts and ends the scenes which shows that he has power and only gives orders for others to follow.
Who speaks in pros and who speaks in blank verse (iambic pentameter)?
People in low ranks speak pros (no rhythm) such as the porter. High ranks such as Macbeth and Duncan speak in blank verse.
Act 1 scene 3. “ killing swine” “a rat without a tail” “I myself have all the other, And the winds they blow”
Through the use of the animal imagery we see that the witches are separated from humanity and further emphasis that they are not of the ordinary.
The “winds” that blow shows how the supernatural is also linked to nature
“I’ll drain him dry as hay”
Here Shakespeare used Double meaning to show that the witches could also be talking about Macbeth and how and the end of the play he is also drained ,physically, mentally and spiritually due to the act of regicide.
“Sleep shall neither night or day”
Here we see some more foreshadowing, due to Macbeth going against god we see that he is unable to sleep and thus further showing the connection between the witches and Macbeth .
“Through his bark cannot be lost, yet it shall be tempest-tossed” “call thee thane of Cawdor”
Her we see the limitation of The witches power and how they are unable to kill. This is further reinforced through the dramatic irony of Macbeth being announced “Cawdor” as the audience already knows that Macbeth was already going to be pronounced Cawdor by Duncan in Act 1 scene 2. Thus showing the limits of there power.
“So fair and fair a day I have not seen”
The witches say something similar further showing Macbeths connection with the supernatural.
“Why do you start and seem to fear” - Banquo
This quote could imply that Macbeth has thought of becoming king before and thus showing that he is now guilty due to his ambition.
Act1 scene 4: “Enter Macbeth….”
Here Macbeth uses staging for a symbolic effect as Duncan had placed trust in the previous thane of Cawdor which eventually lead to betrayal, and now Macbeth who know enters, perhaps with the intention of killing the king.
“The service and the loyalty I owe… pays itself”
Through the use of the verb “pays” we see that Macbeth is concealing his true thoughts and intention and how Macbeth has now sealed Duncan’s fate, and has ultimately parted from god.
“My plenteous joy”
The use of Hyperbolic language shows that Duncan is oblivious to Macbeths true intentions and how he is unaware of the events that is going to unfold
“Wanton in fullness”
Here Duncan is happy and there is a sense of anticipation however Shakespeare also uses dramatic irony to show that Duncan has not learnt his lesson from the previous Thane of Cawdor and is now unaware of how Macbeth is feeling and thinking which could ultimately end in the demise of King Duncan.
“The rest is labour”
Macbeth uses detached language to contrast between him and Duncan to show how he is distancing him self further away from Duncan.
“The prince of Cumberland”
Shakespeare uses irony to show how Duncan believes revealing his successor will bring Stability yet this is quite the opposite as it pushed Macbeth closer to committing regicide.
“Stars hide your fires”
This quote expresses Macbeths ambition to become king and his willingness to use deception to achieve it. Shakespeare also used the contrast between light and dark to symbolise the conflict between good and evil in both the world and in Macbeths own souls.
Act 1 scene 5: “unsex me”
Women were seen as weak fragile and thus lady Macbeth would like to remove her feminine qualities to embody the strength needed to partake in the act of regicide.
“I fear” “thy nature” “milk of human kindness”
Here lady Macbeth “fears” that Macbeths “nature” is too kind and thus does not posses the quality’s nor emotional strength to kill the king.
“We will speak further”
Macbeth has power here and tells Lady Macbeth to stop talking.
Act 1 scene 6: “the castle Hath a pleasant seat”
Duncan appreciates and respects lady Macbeth and Macbeth and feels safe at there house.
“All of our service, in every point twice”
Here Shakespeare yet again uses dramatic irony to show that whistle Duncan feels safe, the audience knows what will happen next and how Duncan will ultimately be killed which builds up the tension.
Act 1 scene 7:”if it were done when tis done”
Through the use of the repetition “done” it’s clear that Macbeth posses some reluctance and wishes the murder to be done quickly and shows no signs of a blood lust killer.
“No spur”
Macbeth is trying to convince himself to stop himself from committing the act of regicide and thus has no “spar” (no reason) to kill Duncan.
