Macbeth Quotes Essay Example

an example of dramatic irony since the reader is aware of his upcoming assassination that Duncan is oblivious to. The reader also feels pathos towards Duncan because he is pure and naive and does not deserve the fate in stored for him. Act II 1.

Scene 1 (Line 75) In this soliloquy Macbeth says that that the murder as good as done and that the ringing of the bell is his cue to commence Duncan’s assassination. This quote has a suspenseful since the reader is anxious to see if after Macbeth’s wavering and hallucinations he would be able to follow through with the horrendous plan. 2. Scene 4 (Line 14) This quote is spoken by an old man that is portrayed as being wise and representative of the general public. Pathetic fallacy is used in this quote, since nature is in turmoil sympathising with the murder of Duncan.

The old man comments about the strange reversal of roles that occurred in nature where a falcon is killed by an owl, similar to Macbeth killing the gracious Duncan. 3. Scene 1 (Line 44) This speech is made by Macbeth, when a floating dagger appears in front of him leading to Duncan’s chamber. A motif that develops in the play is recurrence of hallucinations and weapons. As the time of the murder approaches Macbeth feels unsettled and the daggers symbolize the price of his pursuing selfish ambitions. 4. Scene 2 (Line 70) Following Duncan’s murder, these words are said by Lady Macbeth, to her husband in an attempt to compose her shaken husband.

A simile is used to compare the dead and sleeping to

a harmless picture which only a child would fear, in turn she is challenging Macbeth’s masculinity. Act III 1. Scene 1 (Line 58) In this quote Macbeth states that he fears nothing but the noble Banquo. These lines foreshadow that Macbeth is planning on eliminating the threat that Banquo and his son pose. 2. Scene 1 (Line 1) The speaker behind this quote is Banquo who is contemplating how the witches’ prophecies for Macbeth came true. Banquo makes a revelation about the wrongdoing he suspects Macbeth committed to win the title of King.

Macbeth and Banquo were previously close friends, however, now they are becoming isolated as neither one trusts the other. 3. Scene 2 (Line 6) These lines are said by Lady Macbeth as she expresses her attitude towards having become the Queen. This is an example of situational irony because at the beginning of the play she was ambitious and so desperate to get her hands on the thrown. However, her expression of despair and regret is unexpected by the reader. 4. Scene 6 (Line 9) The quote is said by Lennox who discusses recent events in the kingdom with another lord.

Lennox’s speech is sarcastic and employs verbal irony suggesting that he thinks Macbeth is guilty of the murders. The speech also helps develop the plot since a growing cloud of suspicion is surrounding Macbeth’s name. 5. Scene 2 (Line 58) The speaker in this quote is Macbeth who telling his wife of a dreadful deed that he will commit. The quote evokes suspense since with night’s predators have awakened to attack their prey; so the time has come for

him to take down Banquo and his son. Act IV 1. Scene 3 (Line 268) The quote is said by Malcolm as he gives Macduff a way to cope with the loss of his family.

A sense of pathos is evoked in the readers because they can sympathise with Macduff for the unnecessary bloodshed of his family. These words also refer to the motif of the different uses of weapons. Macduff will use his sword for the noble cause of avenging his fallen family, while Macbeth’s use of daggers was to fulfill his selfish desires. 2. Scene 1 (Line 166) After viewing the witches’ apparitions, in an aside Macbeth states that from how on he will act solely on impulse. Macbeth’s character is degenerating because he is becoming callous and careless to the consequences of his actions.

The literary devise of suspense is used since the reader does not know to expect from the increasingly reckless Macbeth. 3. Scene 3 (Line 271) The speaker of this quote is Macduff that asks for help from the heavens to bring him face to face with Macbeth. Contrarily, whenever the Macbeths ask for help they put themselves in league with the dark forces of the supernatural. These words foreshadow that a fateful battle will occur between the two men. 4. Scene 1 (Line 138) These lines are said by Macbeth after he is shown an apparition of Banquo’s children as kings.

The theme that righteousness will be restored after injustice is shown since despite Macbeth’s efforts to eradicate the possibility of Banquo’s children becoming king they will rightfully have the crown bestowed upon them. Act

V 1. Scene 1 (Line 54) In these lines Lady Macbeth is hallucinating the smell and sight of blood on her hands that she tries to wash off. The motif of the reference to liquids is shown in these lines since all the sweet perfumes are unable to subdue the dark blood that covers her little hands.

This quote is a hyperbole that exaggerates the burden of guilt she feels. 2. Scene 5 (Line 20) This quote is said by Macbeth that proclaims that the time of his wife’s death has inconvenienced him. The reader feels pathos for Lady Macbeth because even though it might appear she got away with murder she suffered with a troubled and guilty conscience that led to her untimely demise. Macbeth’s unemotional character is surfacing for having abandoned his wife and then being unable to the feel slightest bit of sadness or remorse for losing his wife. . Scene 5 (Line 27) Macbeth comments on his pessimistic view of life after hearing the news of his wife’s death. Imagery was portrayed by the use of a metaphor to compare life to a theatrical performance. He says that in life we are all actors and no matter what one might achieve in their life, they eventually end up dead like everybody else. 4. Scene 2 (Line 22) These lines belong to the noble man named Angus who is talking about Macbeth’s subjects. Macbeth is isolated and that his men do not love him only fear him.

This plot development gives the readers that at the approaching battle, the odds are against him. 5. Scene 1 (Line 75) The quote

is said by the doctor who administers to Lady Macbeth’s disturbed sleep. Personification is employed since unnatural deeds are said to breed unnatural troubles which is a human quality, meaning that attempting to unbalance nature will result in great suffering. Personification is also used for the description of the deaf pillows that will hear the secrets of an infected mind.