| “He’s here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself.” | 2 roles – 2 reasons to trust1.) Macbeth is kinsman2.) Subject to Duncan both good reasons to not kill Duncan.As his host I should be protecting him. |
| “Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more. By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis. But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives…” | Speaking: MacbethSpeaking to: WitchesQuestioning their predictionsHow can he be Thane of Cawdor is he’s still alive? |
| “Bring forth men-children only. For thy undaunted mettle should compose Nothing but males.” | Speaking: MacbethSpeaking to: Lady MacbethHave sons only- your fearless character “courage” |
| “Sons, kinsmen, thanes, And you whose places are the nearest, know We will establish our estate upon Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter The Prince of Cumberland” | Speaking: DuncanSpeaking to: Small group that includes Macbeth and BanquoAfter battle, telling the man that Malcolm is next in line to be king- but named at the timePrince of Cumberland*Malcolm is Duncan’s eldest son |
| “To beguile the time, Look like the time. Bear welcome in your eye, Your hand, your tongue. Look like th’ innocent flower, But be the serpent under t'” | Speaking: Lady MacbethSpeaking to: MacbethAppear innocent to hide your true intentions |
| “The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step On which I must fall down or else o’erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.” | Speaking: MacbethSpeaking to: himselfI need to get past this stumbling block (Malcolm is in line to be King) in order to get the crownStars put out your light to hide my true intentions |
| “Fair is foul, and foul is fair, Hover through the fog and filthy air” | Speaking: WitchesSpeaking to: each otherChanting before meeting Macbeth/ Banquo |
| “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty.” | Speaking: Lady MacbethSpeaking to: Self(soliloquy)Take away my femininity to fill me with cruelty. |
| “No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive Our bosom interest. Go, pronounce his present death, And with his former title greet Macbeth.” | Speaking: DucanSpeaking to: RossThane of Cawdor is a traitor- will no longer double-cross usExecute Thane of Cawdor- give Macbeth his title |
| “Give me your hand. Conduct me to mine host. We love him highly And shall continue our graces towards him. By your leave, hostess.” | Speaking: DuncanSpeaking to: Lady MacbethBring me to my host (Macbeth). We love him very much & will continue being kind to him/ honoring him. After you, hostess. |
| “We will proceed no further in the business. He hath honored me of late, and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.” | We will not carry out our plan. Duncan has recently honored me, and lots of people think highly of me. I want to enjoy all the glory and not give it up so soon. |
| “Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way.” | Speaking: Lady MacbethSpeaking to: herself (after reading Macbeth’s letter)You’re already Thane of Glamis, and now Cawdor too, and will be what you’ve been promised (king). But i’m worried you are too kind-hearted to do what’s needed to get there. |
Macbeth Quotes
August 18, 2019