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Top 20 Macbeth Quotes - Famous, Key, and Analysis ๐
Jen โก
@jenniferkate
Act 2, Scene 2: Macbeth's Guilt and Divine Retribution
In this scene, we witness Macbeth's immediate reaction to his heinous act of regicide. His words reveal the depth of his guilt and the fear of divine punishment.
The quote "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hands" is rich in meaning and symbolism:
- It demonstrates Macbeth's awareness of the magnitude of his crime.
- The reference to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, suggests that Macbeth feels he needs to appeal to a higher power for cleansing, as he has betrayed his own Christian God.
- This allusion to water and cleansing foreshadows Lady Macbeth's later obsession with washing her hands.
Quote: "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hands"
Vocabulary: Regicide - The act of killing a king.
Analysis: This quote is significant in understanding Macbeth's psychological state after committing murder. It shows his immediate remorse and the beginning of his mental unraveling, which will continue throughout the play.
Act 2, Scene 2: Lady Macbeth's Initial Strength and Manipulation
In contrast to Macbeth's guilt-ridden state, Lady Macbeth initially displays a facade of strength and determination. Her words reveal her attempt to bolster Macbeth's resolve while also hinting at her own inner conflict.
The quote "My hands are of your colour; but I shame to wear a heart so white" is particularly revealing:
- It shows Lady Macbeth's attempt to align herself with Macbeth's actions, sharing in his guilt.
- The use of color symbolism emphasizes the contrast between outward appearance and inner turmoil.
- This statement foreshadows Lady Macbeth's eventual breakdown as her suppressed guilt surfaces.
Quote: "My hands are of your colour; but I shame to wear a heart so white"
Analysis: This quote demonstrates Lady Macbeth's complex character. While she presents a strong exterior, her words hint at an underlying shame and fear that will eventually consume her.
Highlight: The use of color symbolism in this quote is a recurring motif in Macbeth, often used to represent guilt, innocence, and deception.
Act 3, Scene 4: Macbeth's Descent into Paranoia
As the play progresses, we see Macbeth's guilt manifesting in increasingly erratic behavior. His hallucination of Banquo's ghost during the banquet scene is a pivotal moment that reveals his deteriorating mental state.
The quote "Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me" is significant for several reasons:
- It shows Macbeth's attempt to deny his culpability in Banquo's murder.
- The phrase "gory locks" vividly describes the ghostly apparition, emphasizing the horrific nature of Macbeth's crimes.
- This outburst in front of his guests marks a turning point in how others perceive Macbeth as a ruler.
Quote: "Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me"
Analysis: This quote illustrates Macbeth's increasing paranoia and guilt. His inability to face the consequences of his actions is causing him to lose control in public, jeopardizing his position as king.
Vocabulary: Gory locks - A vivid description of Banquo's bloody, matted hair as he appears as a ghost.
Act 4, Scene 1: The Witches' Perception of Macbeth's Transformation
In this scene, we return to the witches, who now view Macbeth in a different light compared to their first encounter. Their description of him reflects the dramatic change in his character over the course of the play.
The quote "Something wicked this way comes" is particularly impactful:
- It shows how Macbeth, once described as brave and noble, is now perceived as evil even by the witches.
- The use of the word "wicked" emphasizes the extent of Macbeth's moral decay.
- This description foreshadows Macbeth's further descent into tyranny and violence.
Quote: "Something wicked this way comes"
Analysis: This quote serves as a stark reminder of how far Macbeth has fallen from his initial portrayal as a heroic figure. It also highlights the cyclical nature of the play, as Macbeth returns to the witches seeking more prophecies.
Highlight: The witches' perception of Macbeth as "wicked" contrasts sharply with their earlier prophecies, which seemed to promise him greatness.
Page 5: Macbeth's Descent into Madness
The focus shifts to Macbeth's psychological deterioration through his interaction with Banquo's ghost.
Quote: "Thou canst say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me"
Highlight: This quote demonstrates Macbeth's growing paranoia and inability to cope with his crimes.
Act 1, Scene 1: Setting the Stage for Deception
Shakespeare introduces the witches and their enigmatic nature through a powerful quote that sets the tone for the entire play. The line "Fair is foul and foul is fair" spoken by the witches encapsulates the theme of deception and moral ambiguity that permeates Macbeth.
This quote serves multiple purposes:
- It reveals the witches' malevolent intentions, hinting at their role as agents of chaos.
- It foreshadows the play's central concept that appearances can be deceiving.
- The use of rhyme in the witches' dialogue emphasizes their otherworldly nature, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
Quote: "Fair is foul and foul is fair"
Highlight: The rhyming pattern in the witches' speech is a deliberate stylistic choice by Shakespeare to underscore their supernatural qualities.
Analysis: This quote introduces the audience to the idea that nothing in the play should be taken at face value, encouraging a critical examination of characters' motivations and actions throughout the story.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Top 20 Macbeth Quotes - Famous, Key, and Analysis ๐
Jen โก
@jenniferkate
A comprehensive analysis of key Macbeth quotes and their significance throughout the play, focusing on character development, themes of power, manipulation, and guilt.
- The quotes span from Act 1 to Act 4, showcasing Macbeth's transformation from a noble warrior to... Show more
Act 2, Scene 2: Macbeth's Guilt and Divine Retribution
In this scene, we witness Macbeth's immediate reaction to his heinous act of regicide. His words reveal the depth of his guilt and the fear of divine punishment.
The quote "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hands" is rich in meaning and symbolism:
- It demonstrates Macbeth's awareness of the magnitude of his crime.
- The reference to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, suggests that Macbeth feels he needs to appeal to a higher power for cleansing, as he has betrayed his own Christian God.
- This allusion to water and cleansing foreshadows Lady Macbeth's later obsession with washing her hands.
Quote: "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hands"
Vocabulary: Regicide - The act of killing a king.
Analysis: This quote is significant in understanding Macbeth's psychological state after committing murder. It shows his immediate remorse and the beginning of his mental unraveling, which will continue throughout the play.
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Act 2, Scene 2: Lady Macbeth's Initial Strength and Manipulation
In contrast to Macbeth's guilt-ridden state, Lady Macbeth initially displays a facade of strength and determination. Her words reveal her attempt to bolster Macbeth's resolve while also hinting at her own inner conflict.
The quote "My hands are of your colour; but I shame to wear a heart so white" is particularly revealing:
- It shows Lady Macbeth's attempt to align herself with Macbeth's actions, sharing in his guilt.
- The use of color symbolism emphasizes the contrast between outward appearance and inner turmoil.
- This statement foreshadows Lady Macbeth's eventual breakdown as her suppressed guilt surfaces.
Quote: "My hands are of your colour; but I shame to wear a heart so white"
Analysis: This quote demonstrates Lady Macbeth's complex character. While she presents a strong exterior, her words hint at an underlying shame and fear that will eventually consume her.
Highlight: The use of color symbolism in this quote is a recurring motif in Macbeth, often used to represent guilt, innocence, and deception.
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Act 3, Scene 4: Macbeth's Descent into Paranoia
As the play progresses, we see Macbeth's guilt manifesting in increasingly erratic behavior. His hallucination of Banquo's ghost during the banquet scene is a pivotal moment that reveals his deteriorating mental state.
The quote "Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me" is significant for several reasons:
- It shows Macbeth's attempt to deny his culpability in Banquo's murder.
- The phrase "gory locks" vividly describes the ghostly apparition, emphasizing the horrific nature of Macbeth's crimes.
- This outburst in front of his guests marks a turning point in how others perceive Macbeth as a ruler.
Quote: "Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me"
Analysis: This quote illustrates Macbeth's increasing paranoia and guilt. His inability to face the consequences of his actions is causing him to lose control in public, jeopardizing his position as king.
Vocabulary: Gory locks - A vivid description of Banquo's bloody, matted hair as he appears as a ghost.
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Act 4, Scene 1: The Witches' Perception of Macbeth's Transformation
In this scene, we return to the witches, who now view Macbeth in a different light compared to their first encounter. Their description of him reflects the dramatic change in his character over the course of the play.
The quote "Something wicked this way comes" is particularly impactful:
- It shows how Macbeth, once described as brave and noble, is now perceived as evil even by the witches.
- The use of the word "wicked" emphasizes the extent of Macbeth's moral decay.
- This description foreshadows Macbeth's further descent into tyranny and violence.
Quote: "Something wicked this way comes"
Analysis: This quote serves as a stark reminder of how far Macbeth has fallen from his initial portrayal as a heroic figure. It also highlights the cyclical nature of the play, as Macbeth returns to the witches seeking more prophecies.
Highlight: The witches' perception of Macbeth as "wicked" contrasts sharply with their earlier prophecies, which seemed to promise him greatness.
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Page 5: Macbeth's Descent into Madness
The focus shifts to Macbeth's psychological deterioration through his interaction with Banquo's ghost.
Quote: "Thou canst say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me"
Highlight: This quote demonstrates Macbeth's growing paranoia and inability to cope with his crimes.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Act 1, Scene 1: Setting the Stage for Deception
Shakespeare introduces the witches and their enigmatic nature through a powerful quote that sets the tone for the entire play. The line "Fair is foul and foul is fair" spoken by the witches encapsulates the theme of deception and moral ambiguity that permeates Macbeth.
This quote serves multiple purposes:
- It reveals the witches' malevolent intentions, hinting at their role as agents of chaos.
- It foreshadows the play's central concept that appearances can be deceiving.
- The use of rhyme in the witches' dialogue emphasizes their otherworldly nature, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
Quote: "Fair is foul and foul is fair"
Highlight: The rhyming pattern in the witches' speech is a deliberate stylistic choice by Shakespeare to underscore their supernatural qualities.
Analysis: This quote introduces the audience to the idea that nothing in the play should be taken at face value, encouraging a critical examination of characters' motivations and actions throughout the story.
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user