Macbeth's Initial Reputation

Ross describes Macbeth in glowing terms, highlighting his bravery and worthiness.

Quote: "Brave Macbeth-Well he deserves that name" (Act I, Scene 2)

This quote establishes Macbeth's initial reputation as a valiant and respected warrior. It also foreshadows his future actions, as his bravery may lead him to do things others wouldn't dare.

Highlight: The high regard in which Macbeth is held at the beginning of the play contrasts sharply with his later actions, emphasizing his tragic fall.

Example: The king's poor judgment of character is evident, as he fails to recognize the potential for betrayal in both the old Thane of Cawdor and Macbeth.

The quote also reflects the patriarchal society of the time, where bravery in men was highly valued and often equated with moral goodness.

Banquo's Warning

Banquo expresses his suspicion of the witches' prophecies, warning of their potential danger.

Quote: "The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray's In deepest Consequence." (Act I, Scene 3)

This quote is rich in meaning and foreshadowing:

Vocabulary: "Instruments" here refers to tools or agents, implying that the witches are being used by dark forces.

Banquo's words predict the entire plot of the play, warning that evil forces may use small truths to gain trust before leading to devastating consequences.

Highlight: This quote demonstrates Banquo's wisdom and caution in contrast to Macbeth's eager acceptance of the prophecies.

The juxtaposition of truth-telling and evil intentions adds to the play's theme of appearance vs. reality.

Macbeth's Reaction to the Prophecies

Macbeth's physical reaction to the witches' prophecies reveals his inner turmoil.

Quote: "whose horrid image doth unfix my hair" (Act I, Scene 3)

This vivid description shows Macbeth's fear and unease upon hearing the prophecies. The image of his hair standing on end conveys the intensity of his reaction.

Highlight: This quote provides insight into Macbeth's emotional state and foreshadows the internal conflict he will face throughout the play.

The physical manifestation of Macbeth's fear suggests that he is already considering the implications of the prophecies and the potential for dark actions.

Duncan's Gratitude and Irony

King Duncan expresses his gratitude to Macbeth, unaware of the latter's growing ambition.

Quote: "O worthiest cousin, The sin of my ingratitude even now was heavy on me." (Act I, Scene 4)

This quote is laden with dramatic irony:

Definition: Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not.

Duncan's words highlight his generous and trusting nature, considering his thanes as equals. However, his gullibility and inability to recognize potential threats foreshadow his impending doom.

Highlight: Duncan's trust in Macbeth adds to the tragedy of his eventual murder and emphasizes Macbeth's betrayal.

Macbeth's Dark Thoughts

Macbeth reveals his growing ambition and willingness to consider evil actions.

Quote: "Let not light See dark and deep desires." (Act I, Scene 4)

This aside shows that Macbeth already harbored dark thoughts before Lady Macbeth's influence. It demonstrates the power of the supernatural in catalyzing Macbeth's transformation.

Highlight: The phrase "dark and deep desires" suggests that Macbeth's ambitions are not superficial but deeply rooted in his psyche.

The metaphor of light possibly representing God adds a spiritual dimension to Macbeth's internal struggle.

Lady Macbeth's Advice

Lady Macbeth instructs Macbeth on how to deceive others.

Quote: "Look like the innocent flower but be the Serpent under't" (Act I, Scene 5)

This powerful metaphor encapsulates the theme of appearance vs. reality:

Example: The innocent flower represents a harmless exterior, while the serpent symbolizes hidden malice.

The serpent imagery also alludes to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, connecting Macbeth's actions to the concept of original sin.

Highlight: This quote reveals Lady Macbeth's cunning and her role in pushing Macbeth towards evil actions.

Lady Macbeth's Transformation

Lady Macbeth calls upon dark forces to remove her femininity.

Quote: "Come to my woman's breasts and take my milk for gall" (Act I, Scene 5)

This disturbing imagery shows Lady Macbeth's desire to shed her feminine qualities, which she sees as a weakness.

Highlight: The reference to breast milk being replaced with bitterness (gall) could suggest a past trauma, possibly a miscarriage.

This quote provides insight into Lady Macbeth's character and motivations, hinting at possible reasons for her ruthless ambition.

Lady Macbeth's Plea for Cruelty

Lady Macbeth calls upon supernatural forces to transform her into a vessel for evil.

Quote: "Unsex me here, and fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full of direst cruelty" (Act I, Scene 5)

This powerful invocation reveals Lady Macbeth's willingness to sacrifice her humanity for power:

Highlight: The request to be "unsexed" reflects the patriarchal society where feminine traits were seen as weaknesses.

Lady Macbeth's desire to be filled with cruelty from head to toe emphasizes her total commitment to evil for the sake of ambition.

Example: This quote showcases Lady Macbeth's character as obsessed with power and willing to become an empty vessel for evil.

Lady Macbeth Challenges Macbeth's Masculinity

Lady Macbeth uses gendered expectations to manipulate Macbeth.

Quote: "When thou durst do it, then you were a man" (Act I, Scene 7)

This quote reveals the societal pressures on men in a patriarchal system:

Highlight: Lady Macbeth exploits Macbeth's insecurities about his masculinity to push him towards murder.

This manipulation proves effective, as it could be argued that Macbeth ultimately kills Duncan to prove his manhood to Lady Macbeth.

Example: This quote demonstrates how gender expectations can be weaponized and used as a tool for manipulation.

Macbeth's Guilt

Macbeth expresses his overwhelming guilt after murdering Duncan.

Quote: "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand." (Act 2 Scene 2)

This powerful metaphor conveys the depth of Macbeth's guilt:

Highlight: The image of blood that cannot be washed away symbolizes the permanent stain of guilt on Macbeth's conscience.

This quote contrasts Macbeth's previous experience of killing in battle with the personal nature of Duncan's murder.

Example: This guilt-ridden reaction foreshadows Lady Macbeth's later obsession with washing her hands in Act 5, Scene 1.

The quote also marks a turning point in Macbeth's character, as he will soon become desensitized to killing and lose his sense of guilt.