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top 10 macbeth quotes - Coggle Diagram
top 10 macbeth quotes
“...that we but teach bloody instructions, which, being taught, return to plague the inventor...” (Act 1, Scene 7)
techniques
Imagery: The imagery of a “plague” conjures a sense of uncontrollable and widespread suffering, highlighting the idea that violence leads to a cycle of harm and repercussions.
Alliteration: The repetition of the "t" sounds in “teach” and “taught” emphasizes the cycle of actions and their consequences, suggesting that the lessons of violence, once set in motion, will return to the one who started them
Metaphor: The term “bloody instructions” is a metaphor for acts of violence or murder. Macbeth recognizes that by engaging in violence, he is setting an example that could inspire others to commit similar acts against him.
Foreshadowing: This line foreshadows Macbeth’s eventual downfall and death. It suggests that the consequences of murdering Duncan will ultimately come back to destroy him, predicting the cycle of violence that the play follows.
Personification: The word “plague” personifies the consequences of his violent actions, suggesting that they will actively seek retribution against him, like a contagious disease that inevitably spreads back to its source.
“Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas in incarnadine, making the green one red.” (Act 2, Scene 2)
techniques
Allusion: The reference to “great Neptune” alludes to the Roman god of the sea, symbolizing vastness and power. It suggests that not even the largest body of water can cleanse him of his guilt, emphasizing the magnitude of his crime.
Hyperbole: The phrase “the multitudinous seas” is hyperbolic, exaggerating the idea that no amount of water could wash away his guilt. This emphasizes the depth of Macbeth's remorse and the permanence of his actions.
Imagery: The vivid imagery of “making the green one red” evokes a striking visual contrast between the color of the ocean and blood, symbolizing how Duncan’s murder has corrupted Macbeth and his world. It illustrates the transformation of nature due to his actions
Symbolism: Blood is a recurring symbol in Macbeth, representing guilt and moral corruption. Here, Macbeth acknowledges that the blood on his hands signifies his guilt, and no amount of water can erase it, underscoring the theme of inescapable guilt.
Metaphor: The metaphor of his bloodied hands compared to the seas illustrates the overwhelming nature of his guilt, suggesting that it will taint everything around him, and that he cannot escape the consequences of his actions
“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” (Act 1, Scene 5)
techniques
Simile: The phrase “look like the innocent flower” is a simile, comparing Macbeth’s outward demeanour to an “innocent flower,” suggesting that he should appear kind and gentle on the surface.
Juxtaposition: The contrast between “innocent flower” and “serpent” highlights the theme of appearance versus reality. It underscores Lady Macbeth’s belief that Macbeth must present a facade of goodness while secretly harbouring evil intentions.
Imagery: The imagery of an “innocent flower” paired with a hidden “serpent” creates a visual of deceptive beauty masking danger, emphasizing the duplicity required for their plan to succeed
Metaphor: The “serpent” represents hidden danger, deceit, and treachery. This metaphor carries a biblical allusion to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, symbolizing temptation, evil, and betrayal.
Allusion: The reference to the “serpent” alludes to the story of Adam and Eve, implying that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are engaging in a morally corrupt act that will lead to their downfall, much like the original sin.
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say! One, two. Why, then, 'tis time to do't. Hell is murky!” (Act 5, Scene 1)
techniques
Repetition: The repetition of “Out” emphasizes Lady Macbeth’s desperation to rid herself of her guilt and the haunting memory of her actions. It conveys her frantic state of mind and her futile struggle against the consequences of her deeds
Imagery: The “spot” refers to the imagined blood on her hands, creating vivid imagery of guilt that cannot be washed away. This powerful visual representation illustrates how deeply the act of murder has affected her psyche
Symbolism: The “damned spot” symbolizes her guilt and the moral stain of her actions. No matter how much she tries to wash it away, it signifies the inescapable nature of her conscience.
Personification: The phrase “Hell is murky” personifies hell as a dark and oppressive place, reflecting her internal turmoil and the psychological burden of her guilt. It suggests that she feels trapped in a hell of her own making.
Dramatic Irony: The audience understands that her frantic attempts to cleanse herself of guilt are futile, as they know she cannot escape the consequences of her actions. This irony heightens the tragedy of her character and foreshadows her ultimate downfall.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (Act 1, Scene 1)
techniques
Foreshadowing: It hints at the confusion and chaos that will pervade the play, suggesting that characters and events may not be what they seem.
Alliteration: The repetition of the "f" sound in "fair" and "foul" creates a rhythmic and incantatory tone, fitting for the witches' supernatural speech.
Paradox: The phrase contradicts itself by suggesting that what is "fair" (good) is also "foul" (bad). This paradox reflects the theme of moral ambiguity throughout the play.
“This dead butcher and his fiend-like queen, who, as 't is said, are in the lineage of the tyrant.” (Act 5, Scene 8)
techniques
Juxtaposition: The contrast between “dead butcher” and “fiend-like queen” juxtaposes Macbeth’s brutality with Lady Macbeth’s manipulative and malevolent nature. This highlights the different yet equally destructive roles they played in their rise to power.
Imagery: The phrase “dead butcher” conjures a vivid image of violence and slaughter, emphasizing Macbeth's ruthless actions throughout the play. The use of “fiend-like” reinforces Lady Macbeth's role as a tempter and instigator, suggesting her evil nature.
Symbolism: The terms “butcher” and “fiend” symbolize the moral decay and tyranny that characterized Macbeth’s rule. They suggest that both characters were driven by ambition and a disregard for human life, ultimately leading to their downfall.
Alliteration: The repetition of the "b" sound in “butcher” and “fiend-like” creates a rhythmic quality that emphasizes the harshness of the judgment being passed on the couple, underscoring their villainy.
Moral Judgment: Malcolm's characterization of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth serves as a moral judgment of their reign. It reflects the restoration of order and justice following the chaos and tyranny they inflicted upon Scotland, reinforcing the play's themes of retribution and moral consequences.
“...to be thus is nothing; but to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo stick deep, and in his royalty of nature reigns that which would be feared.” (Act 3, Scene 1)
techniques
Metaphor: The phrase “to be thus is nothing; but to be safely thus” employs metaphorical language to convey that mere possession of power is meaningless unless it is secure. Macbeth recognizes that kingship without safety is ultimately hollow.
Imagery: The imagery of fear is prevalent, particularly in “Our fears in Banquo stick deep.” This evokes a visceral sense of dread and emphasizes the intensity of Macbeth’s paranoia regarding Banquo’s potential threat to his reign.
Personification: By attributing the capacity to “stick deep” to fears, Macbeth’s anxiety about Banquo and his lineage is intensified, suggesting that fear is an invasive force that can take hold of one’s mind and actions.
Foreshadowing: This moment foreshadows the violent actions Macbeth will take to secure his throne, including the decision to have Banquo murdered. It hints at the lengths to which he will go to eliminate perceived threats
Rhetorical Device: The phrase “royalty of nature” elevates Banquo’s character, indicating that his noble qualities pose a genuine threat to Macbeth. This reinforces Macbeth’s insecurity and highlights the moral decline of his character as he plots against a loyal friend.
“Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty.” (Act 1, Scene 5)
techniques
Allusion: By calling on “spirits,” Lady Macbeth invokes the supernatural, aligning herself with the dark, otherworldly forces that are associated with the witches. This connection emphasizes her readiness to forsake morality in pursuit of power.
Imperative Language: The commands “Come,” “unsex me,” and “fill me” demonstrate Lady Macbeth’s assertive and commanding nature. It shows her desire to control not only Macbeth’s actions but also her own emotions and nature.
Metaphor: The phrase “unsex me here” is a metaphor for shedding the perceived weaknesses of her gender. Lady Macbeth wishes to be stripped of feminine qualities like gentleness and nurturing, which she sees as obstacles to committing violence.
Imagery: The vivid imagery of being “filled...top-full of direst cruelty” paints a picture of Lady Macbeth’s desire to be completely consumed by merciless ambition. It suggests a transformation from her perceived weakness to a state of unrelenting strength
Direct address: Lady Macbeth directly addresses “you spirits,” invoking supernatural forces to aid her in abandoning her natural compassion. This creates a sense of desperation and determination as she reaches out to dark powers for support.
Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?” (Act 2, Scene 1)
techniques
Soliloquy: This speech is delivered in soliloquy, allowing the audience to witness Macbeth's inner conflict and descent into madness as he grapples with his decision to murder Duncan
Imagery: The vision of the “dagger” creates powerful imagery that symbolizes the act of murder. It represents the violent path Macbeth is about to take and foreshadows the bloodshed that follows.
Rhetorical Question: Macbeth’s question, “Is this a dagger which I see before me?” emphasizes his confusion and hesitation. It blurs the line between reality and illusion, highlighting his disturbed state of mind.
Symbolism: The dagger symbolizes both Macbeth’s ambition and his guilt. It is a manifestation of his desire for power, but also a physical reminder of the bloody path he is choosing to follow.
Foreshadowing: The image of the dagger leading Macbeth to Duncan foreshadows the violent actions he is about to commit, as well as the guilt and madness that will later consume him as a result.