Table of quotes - Macbeth PDF

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Summary

Quotes about Macbeth for english advanced preliminary...

Description

Quotes and techniques Quote

Technique

Effect

“What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power into account.”

Rhetorical question

The corruption of Lady Macbeth. It displays her confidence in her ability to get away with regicide that she doesn’t fear being called upon. She has become corrupted and arrogant after the murder of Duncan.

“A soldier, and afeard?”

Rhetorical question

The external influence that Lady Macbeth has had on Macbeth from the beginning of the play. She questions whether he is really a soldier or something else; influencing Macbeth’s emotions so that he won’t be afraid of committing regicide

“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”

Repetition

The manipulation which she has exercised after the murder of Duncan.

“To play th’inventor,”

Allusion

Suggests that they were made for a specific purpose. It also suggests that he understands the various consequences which await him, if he goes through with this murder.

To our own lips. He’s here in double trust,”

Short sentences

This suggests his corruption that he knows that this is wrong but yet he is going through with it. He understands the consequences that await him, if he is found guilty, but he still decides although Duncan trusts him.

“Will plead like angels,

Simile

suggests the corruption of

trumpet-tongued against,”

Macbeth as he tries to identify the many wonderful qualities of Duncan. But however, his corruption is highlighted as he illustrates Duncan’s values as angelic, which must refer to his virtues as horrible.

‘Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player/ That struts and frets his hour upon the stage.’

Allusion

The allusion of life to walking shadow introduces the idea of a prophecy. The allusion suggests the idea that life is filled with positives and negatives.

With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design.

Historical allusion

The allusion to Tarquin suggests his corruption as the ruler Tarquin allegedly tarnished the reputation of Lucretia just as Macbeth is about to do to King Duncan....