english
"stars hide your fires... Act 1
"stars hide your fires; let light not see my black and deep desires." Act 1
Technique: Metaphor
- reveals Macbeth's inner darkness and ambition
- foreshadows his descent into evil deeds driven by his desire for power.
- believes that his concealed desires shouldn’t be witnessed by God, stars were regarded to be God's form of communication with the world.
"False face must...(Act 1)
"False face must hide what the false heart doth know." (Act 1)
technique: Irony
The ironic statement reflects Macbeth's deceitful nature and his willingness to conceal his true intentions, which ultimately contribute to his downfall.
Vaulting ambition...(Act 1)
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other." (Act 1)
Technique: Metaphor
Macbeth's ambition is likened to a horse that leaps too high and falls on the other side, illustrating how his unchecked ambition leads to his downfall.
"Will all great...(Act 2)
"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand?" (Act 2)
Technique: Allusion
Macbeth's reference to Neptune highlights his guilt and the impossibility of washing away his crimes, highlighting his responsibility and guilt leading to his downfall.
"I am in blood...(Act 3)
"I am in blood Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er." (Act 3)
Technique: Hyperbolic metaphor
- acknowledges that he is so deeply involved in wrongdoing that there is no turning back
- demonstrates his culpability in his own downfall. (His bloodshed and efforts was a punishment rather than a reward)
"Out, out, brief candle... (Act 5)
"Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more." (Act 5, Scene 5)
Technique: Metaphor and imagery
- reflects Macbeth's realisation of life's fleeting nature and the futility of his actions, showing his role in his own downfall.
He thinks life is a one way journey if tournure that only leads to death.
- This imagery underscores Macbeth's existential crisis and his realisation that his pursuit of power has led to emptiness and inevitable downfall.
"By the pricking.." Act 4
"By the pricking of my thumbs, / Something wicked this way comes." (Act 4, Scene 1)
Technique: Foreshadowing/irony
The witches' ominous words foreshadow Macbeth's descent into darkness and evil, highlighting his own choices that lead to his downfall.
For the symbols of darkness to label Macbeth as ‘wicked’ , it internally highlights Macbeth's corrupted soul, as a result of his ambition.
"It will have blood..."Act 3
Quote: "It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood." (Act 3, Scene 4)
Technique: Repetition
The repetition emphasises the cycle of violence and guilt, suggesting that Macbeth's actions will lead to further consequences, contributing to his downfall.
"Life.. is a tale..." Act 5
"Life... is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing." (Act 5, Scene 5)
Technique: Irony
Macbeth's despairing words reflect his realisation that his ambitious pursuits have been in vain, emphasising his role in orchestrating his own tragic downfall.
"i pull in resolution..."Act 5
Quote: "I pull in resolution and begin To doubt th' equivocation of the fiend That lies like truth." (Act 5, Scene 5)
Technique: Metaphor
Macbeth's reference to the "equivocation of the fiend" reflects his growing distrust and disillusionment.
He feels deceived by the witches' prophecies and the manipulative forces around him, leading to doubt and confusion.
This indicates that external influences play a significant role in shaping Macbeth's decisions and ultimately contribute to his downfall.
"I bear.." Act 5
I bear a charmed life." (Act 5, Scene 8)
Technique: Symbolism
- Macbeth's belief that he is invincible due to supernatural protection reflects his reliance on external forces rather than taking responsibility for his actions.
- This quote underscores the theme of fate versus free will in the play, suggesting that Macbeth sees himself as guided by destiny rather than accountable for his choices.
"Look the th..." Act 1
"Look the th' innocent flower But the serpent under't" Act 1
Technique: symbolism/imagery
Suggests juxtaposed ideas of who they are, and that Macbeth need to be that (but also hide it Suggest for Macbeth to be deceitful (command)
Highlights dual nature that Macbeth has/hides Serpent (noun) created emphasis of evil (etc.), Temptation and treachery (Equivocation), serpents have link to biblical story of Adam/Eve