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Matilda Fenn
07/12/2025
English Literature
Macbeths annotated soliloquy’s
196
•
7 Dec 2025
•
Matilda Fenn
@matildafenn_ikwp
Macbeth's internal battle and Lady Macbeth's manipulation are crucial turning... Show more
Ever wondered what goes through someone's mind before they commit the ultimate crime? Macbeth's soliloquy shows us exactly that - a man torn between ambition and conscience.
Macbeth knows that if he's going to assassinate Duncan, it needs to be done quickly and cleanly. He desperately wants to avoid any consequences, hoping this "one blow" will be the "be-all and the end-all" - but deep down, he knows that's impossible.
The metaphor of the "poisoned chalice" is brilliant here - Macbeth realises that violence teaches violence, and what goes around comes around. He's basically saying that if he murders Duncan, someone will eventually murder him too.
Notice how Macbeth avoids saying "murder" directly? He calls it "the deed" or "assassination" because he can't face what he's really planning. His only motivation is "vaulting ambition" - and even he admits that's not enough reason to kill a good king.
Key Insight: Macbeth's conscience is still fighting his ambition at this point - he knows right from wrong but is being pulled towards evil.
This is our first proper look at Lady Macbeth, and honestly, she's terrifying. After reading Macbeth's letter about the witches' prophecy, she immediately starts plotting Duncan's murder - no hesitation, no moral struggle.
Lady Macbeth fears that Macbeth is "too full o' the milk of human kindness" to do what needs doing. This metaphor shows she sees his compassion as weakness, not strength. She knows he's ambitious but lacks the ruthlessness to "play false."
Her plan is chilling - she wants to "pour my spirits in thine ear" and use her words as weapons to manipulate him. This echoes the biblical story of temptation, with Lady Macbeth as the corrupting influence who will destroy Macbeth's goodness.
What's most shocking is how quickly and confidently she jumps to murder as the solution. Whilst Macbeth agonises over the morality, Lady Macbeth sees only the practical steps needed to gain power.
Key Insight: Lady Macbeth's words are her greatest weapon - she understands exactly how to manipulate her husband's weaknesses.
This scene shows Lady Macbeth at her most manipulative and ruthless. Her speech to the spirits reveals the terrifying lengths she'll go to achieve her goals.
Lady Macbeth asks evil spirits to "unsex me here" and fill her with cruelty. She literally wants to remove her feminine qualities (which Jacobeans associated with gentleness) and replace them with masculine ruthlessness. She's asking to have her capacity for remorse completely removed.
When Macbeth arrives and mentions Duncan's visit, her response is immediate: "O, never shall sun that morrow see!" There's no doubt, no hesitation - just cold determination to commit regicide.
Her most famous advice uses the metaphor of appearing like an "innocent flower" but being "the serpent under't." This biblical imagery connects Lady Macbeth to the serpent that tempted Eve, positioning her as the ultimate deceiver.
Notice how she takes complete control of the situation, telling Macbeth to leave everything to her. She's recognised his weakness and stepped in as the dominant partner in their murderous partnership.
Key Insight: Lady Macbeth's manipulation works because she understands Macbeth's character better than he understands himself - she knows exactly which buttons to push.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
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 it’s 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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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 it’s 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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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
Matilda Fenn
@matildafenn_ikwp
Macbeth's internal battle and Lady Macbeth's manipulation are crucial turning points in Shakespeare's darkest tragedy. These soliloquies reveal the psychological warfare happening inside both characters as they contemplate regicide and the consequences that follow.
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Join milions of students
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Ever wondered what goes through someone's mind before they commit the ultimate crime? Macbeth's soliloquy shows us exactly that - a man torn between ambition and conscience.
Macbeth knows that if he's going to assassinate Duncan, it needs to be done quickly and cleanly. He desperately wants to avoid any consequences, hoping this "one blow" will be the "be-all and the end-all" - but deep down, he knows that's impossible.
The metaphor of the "poisoned chalice" is brilliant here - Macbeth realises that violence teaches violence, and what goes around comes around. He's basically saying that if he murders Duncan, someone will eventually murder him too.
Notice how Macbeth avoids saying "murder" directly? He calls it "the deed" or "assassination" because he can't face what he's really planning. His only motivation is "vaulting ambition" - and even he admits that's not enough reason to kill a good king.
Key Insight: Macbeth's conscience is still fighting his ambition at this point - he knows right from wrong but is being pulled towards evil.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This is our first proper look at Lady Macbeth, and honestly, she's terrifying. After reading Macbeth's letter about the witches' prophecy, she immediately starts plotting Duncan's murder - no hesitation, no moral struggle.
Lady Macbeth fears that Macbeth is "too full o' the milk of human kindness" to do what needs doing. This metaphor shows she sees his compassion as weakness, not strength. She knows he's ambitious but lacks the ruthlessness to "play false."
Her plan is chilling - she wants to "pour my spirits in thine ear" and use her words as weapons to manipulate him. This echoes the biblical story of temptation, with Lady Macbeth as the corrupting influence who will destroy Macbeth's goodness.
What's most shocking is how quickly and confidently she jumps to murder as the solution. Whilst Macbeth agonises over the morality, Lady Macbeth sees only the practical steps needed to gain power.
Key Insight: Lady Macbeth's words are her greatest weapon - she understands exactly how to manipulate her husband's weaknesses.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This scene shows Lady Macbeth at her most manipulative and ruthless. Her speech to the spirits reveals the terrifying lengths she'll go to achieve her goals.
Lady Macbeth asks evil spirits to "unsex me here" and fill her with cruelty. She literally wants to remove her feminine qualities (which Jacobeans associated with gentleness) and replace them with masculine ruthlessness. She's asking to have her capacity for remorse completely removed.
When Macbeth arrives and mentions Duncan's visit, her response is immediate: "O, never shall sun that morrow see!" There's no doubt, no hesitation - just cold determination to commit regicide.
Her most famous advice uses the metaphor of appearing like an "innocent flower" but being "the serpent under't." This biblical imagery connects Lady Macbeth to the serpent that tempted Eve, positioning her as the ultimate deceiver.
Notice how she takes complete control of the situation, telling Macbeth to leave everything to her. She's recognised his weakness and stepped in as the dominant partner in their murderous partnership.
Key Insight: Lady Macbeth's manipulation works because she understands Macbeth's character better than he understands himself - she knows exactly which buttons to push.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the pivotal themes of ambition, gender roles, and the supernatural in Lady Macbeth's character from Act 1, Scene 5 of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This analysis delves into her manipulation of Macbeth, the invocation of dark forces, and the subversion of traditional femininity. Key concepts include the relationship dynamics between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the significance of darkness, and the theme of appearance versus reality. Ideal for students studying Shakespearean literature and character analysis.
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English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
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 it’s 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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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 it’s 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 didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m 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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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
Sociology