Macbeth quotes A1

Question 1

quote that shows the witches speak in riddles, paradox and contradictory statement

Answer 1

Fair is foul, and foul is fair (A1S1)

–> things are not what they seem like, double sense
–> significant as it introduces the themes of the story
–> complexities and ambiguity of human nature

–> witches’ role as agents of chaos and deception
–> warp reality shows disruption of nature

Question 2

quote that shows Macbeth is skilled in battle

Answer 2

With his brandish’d steel, which smoked with bloody execution A1S2

Question 3

quote that shows Macbeth is brave

Answer 3

but all’s too weak: For brave Macbeth A1S2

Question 4

quote that shows Macbeth has a propensity for violence

Answer 4

unseam’d him from the nave to the chaps A1S2

Question 5

quote that shows the witches aren’t human or otherwise supernatural

Answer 5

So wither’d and so wild in their attire, That look not like the inhabitants o’ the earth, A1S3

Question 6

quote that shows the witches should not be trusted

Answer 6

And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instrument of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s In deepest consequence. A1S3

Question 7

quote that shows Macbeth is pondering the possibility of becoming king, but he is reluctant to take any action to make it happen. He is suggesting that if it is meant to be, then it will happen without his intervention.

Answer 7

If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, Without my stir A1S3

Question 8

how does Macbeth address Lady Macbeth

Answer 8

my dearest partner of greatness A1S5

Question 9

quote that shows Lady Macbeth is calling on the supernatural

Answer 9

Come, you spirits A1S5

Question 10

quotes that show Lady Macbeth is trying to become less feminine

Answer 10

unsex me here
–> remove her feminine qualities to become ruthless
–> go to extreme lengths to achieve her goals
–> shedding her own morality and values to do so.
–> corrupted by her ambition

take my milk for gall A1S5
Milk –> nurturing and motherhood –> feminine and weak
gall –> poison and bitterness
–> sacrifice her natural qualities and become cruel
–> corrupting influence of power and ambition

Question 11

quote that shows Lady Macbeth is willing to do anything she can to achieve her goal through darkness

Answer 11

Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell A1S5

Question 12

quote that show Macbeth reflects on the fact that as humans, we have the power to judge and condemn others for their actions. However, he also acknowledges that this power comes with consequences, and that the very actions we condemn can come back to haunt us.

Answer 12

We still have judgement here; that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague the inventor A1S7

Question 13

quote that show Macbeth is reflecting on the fact that he owes loyalty and obedience to the King as his subject, but he also owes him hospitality and protection as his host. The line highlights the complexity of Macbeth’s situation and the conflict between his personal ambition and his obligations to the King.

Answer 13

He’s here in double trust A1S7

Question 14

Quote that shows Macbeth will go ahead with the plan but disguise it with a false appearance of innocence

Answer 14

False face must hide what the false heart doth know A1S7

Question 15

Quote that suggests Macbeth’s suspicion there may be trickery at play and indicates that this title is not rightly his, it is ‘borrowed’

Answer 15

Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?

Question 16

quote that shows Macbeth’s only motivation to commit regicide is unchecked or vaulting ambition which disrupts the natural order or divine right

Answer 16

I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but vaulting ambition which o’verleaps itself A1S7

vaulting: leaping and jumping
–> the ambition has become excessive and overreaching
–> it will lead him to his demise
–> highlights the theme of an unchecked ambition
–> lose sight of his own morality and values
–> driving him towards destruction
–> Divine rights of kings –> Jacobean audience

Question 17

Quote that shows lady Macbeth emasculating Macbeth in order to control his actions.

Answer 17

When you durst do it then you were a man A1S7

Question 18

quote that shows Lady Macbeth thinking Macbeth is too weak and compassionate to commit the deeds necessary to become king

Answer 18

Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness A1S5

Question 19

the opening scenes

Answer 19

Thunder and lightning

• pathetic fallacy
  associated with
  –> power, unpredictability, danger
  –> connote the inner turmoil and moral decay of characters
  –> disrupting nature, consequences shown in the form of violence
  –> power of god and supernatural