Fate Macbeth quotes

Question 1

Warns audience of dangers of supernatural. Banquo can tell that trusting the witches is the equivalent of giving into evil, however Macbeth is “rapt” with the witches’ prophecies.

Answer 1

Banquo: “But ‘tis strange,/ And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, / The instruments of darkness tell us truths, / Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s in deepest consequence”

Question 2

Unclear whether the “dagger” is supernatural manipulation or psychological projection, acting as a symbol for both fate and inner desire, yet not revealed to the audience.

Answer 2

Macbeth: “Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee”

Question 3

Macbeth’s desire for kingship is being overrun by his view that fate should be left to its own devices, admitting that he doesn’t have the higher authority in this situation, and that it if he will become king, it will be by God’s wishes or “chance” alone.

Answer 3

Macbeth: ASIDE “chance may crown me, Without my stir.”

Question 4

Shakespeare demonstrates how the corruption from the Witches prophecies’ is influencing Macbeth. His hamartia becomes clear to the audience. Macbeth knows he will have to break the Great Chain of Being as he is hiding from God.

Answer 4

Macbeth: “Stars hide your fires let not light see my black and deep desires”