Lady Macbeth

Question 1

“fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty”
(1,5)

Answer 1

Presents Lady Macbeth as a highly ambitious woman who would sacrifice her own humanity in order to achieve her goals. She encourages dark spirits.

Question 2

“Dash the brains”
(1,5)

Answer 2

A gory and cruel imagery to emphasise how far she would go, ruthlessly pursuing the crown.

Question 3

“I may pour my spirits in thine ear”
(1,5)

Answer 3

Lady Macbeth is aware of the huge influence she has on her husband, eager for him to return home. Highlights her ability to manipulate her husband in order to get what she wants.

Question 4

“look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it”
(1,5)

Answer 4

Junxtaposing images indicate their deceptive natures. Biblical imagery to a serpent may further emphasise her inhumane nature.

Question 5

“when you durst do it, then you were a man”
(1,5)

Answer 5

She challenges his masculinity when he is shown to have doubts, and is also shown to do the most talking in the relationship, viewed as unordinary for a standard Jacobean audience.

Question 6

“My hands are of your colour, but i shame to wear a heart so white”
(2,2)

Answer 6

Implies that she is equally at fault of the murder as Macbeth, but she is disappointed with Macbeth’s weakness and cowardice.

Question 7

“Get on your nightgown”
(2,2)

Answer 7

Lady Macbeth takes control of the situation yet again. The use of imperatives create a sense of command and authority, but also demonstrates her calm demeanour, in order to avoid raising suspicion.

Question 8

“nought’s had, all’s spent, / where our desire is got without content.(3,2)

Answer 8

Links to her insatiable nature and how her mindset of wanting more and more has led her to being dissatisfied.
The use of a rhyming couplet yet again links her to the witches, aligning her morals with these dark individuals.