Macbeth Flashcards
(5 cards)
How does the quote “false face must hide what the false heart doth know” show appearance vs reality
The line illustrates dramatic irony as Macbeth’s deceitful facade signals moral descent settin the stage for the tragic consequences of his unchecked ambition the start of his duplicitinous.By hiding his murdering intentions with a “false face” Macbeth symbolises the witches and other demonic figures in Daemonologue who use appearance to mislead and destroy.His “false heart” implies an inner acknowledgment that what he’s doing transgresses the natural divine order.Also emphasises his role as a false morally corrupt king as he has usurped the throne therefore macbeth becomes a symbol of betrayal and corruption.
How does the quote “tell me call em” show the supernatural
Macbeth’s attempt to dominate the supernatural ultimately reveals his hubris and growing arrogance as forces beyond his control steer him towards his tragic downfall.The pronoun “me” shows Macbeth is no longer considering the wider moral consequences instead he is obsessed with his own tyrannical desires.
How does the quote “will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand” show guilt.
The hyperbolic reference “Neptunes ocean” powerfully conveys the magnitude of Macbeth’s guilt,suggesting that an entire ocean could not cleanse his evil.The vastness of the ocean contrasting with the seemingly small murder highlights the unimaginable weight on his conscience causing him to descend into a carcass of insanity.The motif of “blood” functions as the idea of washing away the blood is rendered impossible illustrating Macbeth’s hamartia.
How does the quote “to be thus is nothing;but to be safely thus” ambition
His focus is on usurping the throne as power is insufficient without the assurance of it’s security.The anaphora of the word “thus” emphasises Macbeth’s fixation on his position as he has not be rightfully placed on the throne by God therefore it highlights how unsecure his position is.His paranoia about losing the throne directly challenges the divine order that James advocated that a king should rule righteously and be supported by the will of God.
How does the quote “I will fight till from my bones my flesh be hacked” show violence
The hyperbole illustrates the brutality and desperation of Macbeth’s resolve (determination) revealing his hubris as he seeks to cling to the throne he usurped.Macbeth’s willingness to endure unimaginable suffering emphasises his tragic arrogance leading to him becoming a carcass of insanity.Because Macbeth is in a patriarchal society he believes he needs to fight till the last breath and if he doesn’t he wouldn’t be seen as a masculine,tyrannical leader.
