Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
771
•
6 Dec 2025
•
lilly
@lil3.xo
Shakespeare's Macbeth is packed with powerful quotations that reveal the... Show more
Understanding key quotations in Macbeth is absolutely crucial for your GCSE English Literature exam. These quotes don't just show what characters are thinking - they reveal the deeper themes that Shakespeare weaves throughout the entire play.
The most important quotes come at moments of high drama and internal conflict. They're your golden tickets to top marks because they demonstrate character development, foreshadowing, and Shakespeare's use of language techniques.
Remember: You don't need to memorise every single quote, but knowing the most significant ones inside out will give you the confidence to tackle any exam question that comes your way.
"Fair is foul and foul is fair" sets the tone for the entire play - nothing is what it seems in Macbeth's world. The witches speak these words in Act 1, Scene 1, warning us that appearances can't be trusted throughout the tragedy.
When Macbeth says "Stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires" in Act 1, Scene 4, he's already plotting Duncan's murder. He doesn't want God (represented by light) to see his evil thoughts, showing how ambition is already corrupting his morality.
Lady Macbeth reveals Macbeth's true nature when she worries he's "too full o' th' milk of human kindness" in Act 1, Scene 5. She sees his natural compassion as weakness rather than strength - a complete reversal of normal values.
Top Tip: These early quotes show how the play's central themes of ambition versus morality are established right from the start.
Lady Macbeth's chilling request to "Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here" in Act 1, Scene 5 shows her rejecting her femininity to become ruthless enough for murder. She's literally asking evil spirits to strip away her natural compassion.
Macbeth's famous "Is this a dagger which I see before me?" soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1 reveals his psychological torment before killing Duncan. The hallucinated dagger represents his conflicted mind - part of him knows the murder is wrong.
Even Lady Macbeth shows vulnerability when she admits "Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done't" in Act 2, Scene 2. Despite her earlier ruthlessness, she couldn't kill Duncan herself because he reminded her of her father.
Exam Focus: These quotes prove that both characters struggle with their consciences, making them tragic figures rather than simple villains.
"Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep" in Act 2, Scene 2 shows Macbeth's immediate guilt after killing Duncan. Sleep represents peace and innocence - by murdering Duncan in his sleep, Macbeth has destroyed his own ability to rest peacefully.
The Old Man's observation that "'Tis unnatural, even like the deed that's done" in Act 2, Scene 4 suggests that nature itself reacts to Duncan's murder. Unnatural events mirror the unnatural act of regicide.
Lady Macbeth's regret becomes clear when she says "Naught's had, all's spent, where our desire is got without content" in Act 3, Scene 2. They've gained the crown but lost everything that made life worth living - she'd rather be dead than live with this guilt.
Key Insight: These quotes show how guilt begins to consume both characters immediately after achieving their ambition.
Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene contains the heartbreaking "Out, damned spot!" and "All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand" in Act 5, Scene 1. Her mental breakdown shows guilt has completely destroyed her mind - she can still smell Duncan's blood on her hands.
Macbeth's nihilistic "It is a tale told by an idiot... signifying nothing" in Act 5, Scene 5 reveals his complete despair after Lady Macbeth's death. Life has become meaningless to him - just a pointless story without purpose.
These quotes show the complete reversal from the ambitious, determined couple we met in Act 1. Their guilt and isolation have stripped away everything that once made them powerful.
Character Development: Notice how both characters' language becomes more fragmented and desperate as their mental states deteriorate.
Malcolm's final description of the couple as "This dead butcher and his fiend-like queen" in Act 5, Scene 8 shows how completely they've lost public sympathy. They're no longer seen as human beings but as monsters who destroyed Scotland's natural order.
This dehumanisation reminds us of their complete moral fall from respected nobles to despised tyrants. The audience sees how unchecked ambition has transformed them into the very evil they once fought against.
However, Shakespeare ensures we remember their humanity through their earlier moments of doubt and guilt, making them tragic figures rather than simple villains.
Exam Success: Use these final quotes to show how Shakespeare creates complex characters who earn both our sympathy and condemnation.
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
lilly
@lil3.xo
Shakespeare's Macbeth is packed with powerful quotations that reveal the characters' inner struggles and the play's major themes. These key quotes show how ambition, guilt, and moral corruption destroy both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth throughout the tragedy.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding key quotations in Macbeth is absolutely crucial for your GCSE English Literature exam. These quotes don't just show what characters are thinking - they reveal the deeper themes that Shakespeare weaves throughout the entire play.
The most important quotes come at moments of high drama and internal conflict. They're your golden tickets to top marks because they demonstrate character development, foreshadowing, and Shakespeare's use of language techniques.
Remember: You don't need to memorise every single quote, but knowing the most significant ones inside out will give you the confidence to tackle any exam question that comes your way.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
"Fair is foul and foul is fair" sets the tone for the entire play - nothing is what it seems in Macbeth's world. The witches speak these words in Act 1, Scene 1, warning us that appearances can't be trusted throughout the tragedy.
When Macbeth says "Stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires" in Act 1, Scene 4, he's already plotting Duncan's murder. He doesn't want God (represented by light) to see his evil thoughts, showing how ambition is already corrupting his morality.
Lady Macbeth reveals Macbeth's true nature when she worries he's "too full o' th' milk of human kindness" in Act 1, Scene 5. She sees his natural compassion as weakness rather than strength - a complete reversal of normal values.
Top Tip: These early quotes show how the play's central themes of ambition versus morality are established right from the start.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Lady Macbeth's chilling request to "Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here" in Act 1, Scene 5 shows her rejecting her femininity to become ruthless enough for murder. She's literally asking evil spirits to strip away her natural compassion.
Macbeth's famous "Is this a dagger which I see before me?" soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1 reveals his psychological torment before killing Duncan. The hallucinated dagger represents his conflicted mind - part of him knows the murder is wrong.
Even Lady Macbeth shows vulnerability when she admits "Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done't" in Act 2, Scene 2. Despite her earlier ruthlessness, she couldn't kill Duncan herself because he reminded her of her father.
Exam Focus: These quotes prove that both characters struggle with their consciences, making them tragic figures rather than simple villains.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
"Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep" in Act 2, Scene 2 shows Macbeth's immediate guilt after killing Duncan. Sleep represents peace and innocence - by murdering Duncan in his sleep, Macbeth has destroyed his own ability to rest peacefully.
The Old Man's observation that "'Tis unnatural, even like the deed that's done" in Act 2, Scene 4 suggests that nature itself reacts to Duncan's murder. Unnatural events mirror the unnatural act of regicide.
Lady Macbeth's regret becomes clear when she says "Naught's had, all's spent, where our desire is got without content" in Act 3, Scene 2. They've gained the crown but lost everything that made life worth living - she'd rather be dead than live with this guilt.
Key Insight: These quotes show how guilt begins to consume both characters immediately after achieving their ambition.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene contains the heartbreaking "Out, damned spot!" and "All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand" in Act 5, Scene 1. Her mental breakdown shows guilt has completely destroyed her mind - she can still smell Duncan's blood on her hands.
Macbeth's nihilistic "It is a tale told by an idiot... signifying nothing" in Act 5, Scene 5 reveals his complete despair after Lady Macbeth's death. Life has become meaningless to him - just a pointless story without purpose.
These quotes show the complete reversal from the ambitious, determined couple we met in Act 1. Their guilt and isolation have stripped away everything that once made them powerful.
Character Development: Notice how both characters' language becomes more fragmented and desperate as their mental states deteriorate.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Malcolm's final description of the couple as "This dead butcher and his fiend-like queen" in Act 5, Scene 8 shows how completely they've lost public sympathy. They're no longer seen as human beings but as monsters who destroyed Scotland's natural order.
This dehumanisation reminds us of their complete moral fall from respected nobles to despised tyrants. The audience sees how unchecked ambition has transformed them into the very evil they once fought against.
However, Shakespeare ensures we remember their humanity through their earlier moments of doubt and guilt, making them tragic figures rather than simple villains.
Exam Success: Use these final quotes to show how Shakespeare creates complex characters who earn both our sympathy and condemnation.
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.
49
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
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
Sociology