quotes Flashcards
(16 cards)
What does Macbeth’s horrid image signify?
An early sign of Macbeth’s guilt; the horror of the thought of regicide unsettles him physically.
What does Macbeth’s hallucination of the dagger represent?
Symbolic of his rejection of guilt and the supernatural pushing him to kill Duncan.
What does Macbeth hear after killing Duncan?
He hears a voice cry ‘Macbeth shall sleep no more—Macbeth hath murdered sleep’.
This shows how guilt destroys peace and sleep.
What does Macbeth mean by ‘Will all great Neptune’s oceans wash this blood clean from my hands?’
Illustrates Macbeth’s overwhelming guilt; no amount of water can cleanse his conscience.
What does Lady Macbeth mean by ‘I shame to wear a heart so white’?
Ironically encourages Macbeth to reject guilt and innocence, symbolizing purity and ruthlessness.
What is the significance of Lady Macbeth’s line ‘Out, damned spot! Out, I say!’?
A manifestation of her deep guilt and psychological torment.
What does Lady Macbeth mean by ‘Hell is murky’?
Emphasizes the Christian notion of eternal damnation for guilt and sin.
What does ‘What’s done cannot be undone’ signify?
Acceptance of irreversible consequences stemming from their deeds.
What does Lady Macbeth’s plea ‘Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here’ reflect?
Her desire to cast off feminine weakness to commit murder, connected to themes of gender and ambition.
What does Macbeth say to Banquo’s ghost?
Thou canst not say I did it; never shake thy gory locks at me!
Reveals Macbeth’s personal guilt and fear regarding his murdered friend.
What does Macbeth mean by ‘It will have blood; they say blood will have blood’?
Acknowledges that violence begets violence, his guilt compelling more murders.
What does Lady Macbeth accuse Macbeth of when she says ‘You lack the seasons of all nature’s sleep’?
Accuses him of being unable to rest or find peace, highlighting his guilt-ridden insomnia.
What does Macbeth say about Lady Macbeth’s mental state?
My wife is troubled with strange visions and cannot sleep.
Indirectly shows his guilt over their actions.
What does Macbeth’s reflection ‘Life’s but a walking shadow…’ convey?
Reflects his nihilistic view of life after guilt and failure.
What is Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s death?
She should have died hereafter.
Interpreted as detachment or resignation shaped by guilt and fate.
What do Macbeth’s lines about his charmed life and the witches’ prophecy illustrate?
Demonstrates his complex relationship with fate, prophecy, and false security despite guilt.
