Lady Macbeth Flashcards
(5 cards)
How does the quote “(enters with a taper)” Show guilt
The symbolism represents light which is a stark contrast to the darkness Lady Macbeth once sought.Her desperate clinging to light reflects a shift in her character as the guilt has engulfed her due to her tyrannical actions.Light symbolises,hope and presence of God which suggests a search for redemption.Lady Macbeth has violated the divine law as she conspires against a king chosen by God.Her entrance with the taper could symbolise her realisation of the gravity of committing regicide.
How does the quote “a little water clears us of this deed” show violence
The use of the euphemism “deed” to describe such a heinous crime is to downplay the gravity of her actions attempting to detach herself from the moral weight of the murder.Believing she can hide from the ethical consequences of this regicide.The litotes a “little water” suggests that such a small action can just be washed away effortlessly which later on in the play causes severe phsychological damage resulting in Lady Macbeth becoming a carcass of insanity.
How does the quote “we shall make our griefs and clamour roar upon his death” show appearance vs reality
The animalistic imagery “roar upon his death” creates an image of primal savagery which alludes to the pure brutality of Lady Macbeth as a tyrannical force.This reinforces her role as a femme fatale,cloaking her manipulative and savagery beneath a facade of charm and femininity.
How does the quote “make thick my blood ,stop up the access and passage to remorse” show gender
The imperative “make thick my blood” illustrates how she commands for emotional restraint and cruel indifference as she recognises her aspirations to be a tyrannical leader which requires a detachment from femininity.This portrays Lady Macbeth to be seductive and manipulative who can lure Macbeth into sin.
How does “dash’d the brains out” show ambition
The plosive on “dash’d” creates a brutal sound mirroring her rejection of motherly instincts as her need for violence takes precedence over her motherhood.Juxtaposition between “dash’” and “brains” reflects her character despite her fragile exterior she wants to instigate violence and chaos.This highlights how strong her ambition is to be a tyrannical and barbaric leader as she’s willing to carelessly throw away her child which is seen as the worst sin you can commit in christianity.
