ACT 4: Macbeth quotes and analysis Flashcards
Analyse this quote: “diminutive” “wren” (Lady Macduff and her son are killed)
- Their murders are emblematic of Macbeth’s excessive bloodthirst, they presented no threat yet he is now on an unstoppable trajectory of murder.
- They are symbols of innocence, the dialogue between Lady Macduff and her son is intimate, it show the natural maternal bond.
- She also speaks in the semantic field of birds comparing herself to a “diminutive” “wren” which characterises them as prey, thus securing Macbeth within the role of a predator.
- This is the first murder to occur on stage, suggesting that Macbeth no longer cares for his reputation and takes pride in his heinous acts, he has committed himself to evil.
- Conversely, it is intentional that Macbeth does not carry out the murder himself, as it ensures he is still somewhat redeemable from the epitome of evil. This is vital in constructing the play as a tragedy as a tragic hero must be able to elicit some sympathy from the audience, despite their flaws.
Analyse these quotes: “tell me” “call ‘em”
- Macbeth’s hubris is explicit as he enters, he speaks with imperative phrases such as “tell me” and “call ‘em”, he is driven by greed and hunger for power.
- This is the first time Macbeth has intentionally encountered the witches, reinforcing his abandonment of resisting evil- he no longer can pretend to himself to be scrupulous (moral), he now embraces his new tyrannical demeanour.
Analyse this quote: “eternal curse”
He threatens the witches with an “eternal curse” which is ironic as we have seen their overt supernatural power, he believes he can supersede this. His hubris shines through his character now; he is no longer portrayed as a scrupulous character.
Analyse this quote: “an armed head” (Witches’ apparitions)
“an armed head” warns Macbeth of Macduff, it is emblematic of the violence of battle and foreshadows Macbeth’s decapitation.
Analyse this quote: “a bloody child” (Witches’ apparitions)
“ a bloody child” serves to represent Macduff who was born by Caesarean section.
Analyse this quote: “a child crowned with a tree in his hand” (Witches’ apparitions)
“a child crowned with a tree in his hand” which could represent the rightful heir to the throne, Malcom. The tree could perhaps be emblematic of Birnam wood, where Macbeth lives or the natural imagery could suggest that Scotland would flourish under Malcom’s rule.
Analyse this quote: “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth”
- Each of the prophecies are equivocal (vague), the second is particularly pertinent (important) in revealing “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth”, which is ambiguous, and Macbeth’s hubris denies him from being able to read into their deception.
- It gives Macbeth an ephemeral (temporary) sense of security and invincibility, yet he still plots to kill Macduff (“thou shalt not live”) exposing how he is now driven by a thirst for blood and violence rather than fear or ambition.
Analyse this quote: “His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls”
Their murders are emblematic of Macbeth’s excessive bloodthirst, they presented no threat yet he is now on an unstoppable trajectory of murder. Macbeth takes on the Godly role of deciding who has the right to live.
