Macbeth – Themes, Quotes, Techniques & Analysis

Question 1

Ambition?

Answer 1

Quote: “Is this a dagger which I see before me”

Technique: Rhetorical question / Symbolism / Imagery

Analysis: Macbeth is unsure if the dagger is real, showing how ambition leads to madness. The dagger represents the murder he is about to commit.

Question 2

Guilt?

Answer 2

Quote: “Out, damned spot!”

Technique: Exclamatory sentence / Metaphor

Analysis: Lady Macbeth imagines blood on her hands, symbolising her guilt. The ‘spot’ metaphorically shows her inability to wash away her crime.

Question 3

Appearance vs Reality?

Answer 3

Quote: “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t”

Technique: Metaphor / Juxtaposition / Biblical allusion

Analysis: Lady Macbeth advises Macbeth to hide his true intentions. The serpent (a biblical symbol of evil) shows deceptive appearances.