Macbeth Quotations Explained Flashcards
What does the quote look like th’ innocent flower
But be the serpent under’t
Who said it when and what does it show? How could it make the audience feel?
Who says it: Lady MacBeth
When was it said: Act 1 scene 5
Theme: appearance vs reality
What does it show: Shows lady Macbeth’s power which conveys that she has abilities to influence her husband. Although she is the loving wife (the flower) she is cunning (the serpent)
The audience: Makes them question who is truly influencing Macbeth
What does the quote “so foul and fair a day, I have not seen” show eg who said it when and what does it show
Who says it: Macbeth
When: Act 1 scene 3
What does it show: language mirrors what the witches say shows he is not innocent but is like the witches
What does he quote “spirits/ That tend on mortal thoughts unsex me here” show/who said it when did they say it/ effect on the audience
Who says it: Lady Macbeth
When does she said: Act 1 scene 5
What does it show: she is asking the spirits to take away her femininity so she can be more powerful and strong enough to do what she wants. She is breaking stereo types as the quiet supportive wife by defying it and going against contextual attitudes to the supernatural through calling on the spirits.
Effect on audience: Terrified as Lady Macbeth is taking risks
What does the quotation “is this a dagger which I see before me” show/ who said it when/ effect on audience
Who says it: Macbeth
When: Act 2 scene 1
What does it show: the psychological effect of a guilt ridden Macbeth through the idea that he is hallucinating these daggers because he is so guilty. It could be argued that they are real daggers and links to the theme of supernatural.
Effect on audience: They still have some hope for Macbeth to find it in his good heart to kill the king.
What does the quote “had he not resembled
My father as he slept, I had done’t” show/who and when did they say it/how does it make the audience feel?
Who said it: Lady Macbeth
When did they say it: Act 2 scene 2
What does it show: the first sign of weakness in lady Macbeth shows a change in character from powerful and defying to a doubtful and regretful character.
Effect on the audience: They would feel victorious because they would feel against Lady Macbeth and she is now showing signs of regret
What does the quote “be innocent of the knowledge, dearest, Chuck
Till thou applaud the deed” show/who said it and when did they say it/what does it show the audience
Who said it: Macbeth
When did he say it: when he is planning to kill Banquo
What does it show: change in Macbeth’s character shows he is speaking down to her from “dearest chuck” and that he is rejecting her help and has become evil and CORRUPT the superiority between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth changed
Effect on audience: Fearful of Macbeth as they see how corrupt with power he is getting
What does the quote “O, full of scorpions is my mind, departs”
Show/who says it when/ effect on audience
Who says it: Macbeth
When: Act 3 scene 2
What does it show: Macbeth is breaking down of guilt and is unable to cope with what he has done as his power over takes him
Effect on the audience: Furious because Macbeth chose to kill his good friend who supported him
What does he quote “a cry of women within” show/who said when/effect on audience
Who said it: A stage direction
When did they say it: …
What does it show: the form of a play and shows when lady Macbeth dies offstage shows she has no power in the end and is why she dies off stage. The offstage deaths mean all focused emotion is on Macbeth.
Effect on audience: mixture of heart break and anger for Macbeth as his beloved wife has died but he is so caught up in his life and power that he doesn’t grieve for her
What does the quote “Of this dead butcher and fiend-like queen” show eg who said it when what does it show
Who says it: Macduff
When: Act 5 scene 9
What does it show: summarises the two characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
What does the quote “fair is foul and foul is fair” show eg who said it when what does it show
Who say it: the witches
When do they say it: Act 1 scene 1
What does it show: foreshadowing the plot
What does the quote “All hail, Macbeth” show eg who says it when
Who says it: the witches
When: Act 1 scene 3
What does it show: repetition is used to present what Macbeth thinks to be great fortune and a good sign. This also creates this super natural theme around the witches as they are showing Macbeth and Banquo their futures.
What does the quote “I am afraid to think what I have done; look on’t again I dare not” show
Who said it: Macbeth
When: Act 2 scene 2
What does it show: Macbeth is showing regret but realises that he must have no fear and needs to carry on a confident king and maintain his reputation as well as being strong for lady Macbeth
What does the quote “will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” Show
Who said it: Macbeth
When: Act 2 scene 2
What does it show: A metaphor is used to emphasise the evil decision made and showing fear.
What does the quote “Screw your courage to the sticking place” show
Who says it: Lady Macbeth
When:
What does it show:
What does the quote “too full o the milk of human kindness”
Who says it: Lady Macbeth
When: Act 1 scene 5
What does it show: she is talking aloud in her soliloquy and is talking about her ambition. She is contemplating Macbeth’s masculinity and if he has the courage to do her plan through personification and imagery
