Lines 1-2:

“If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well
It were done quickly.”

• Explanation: Macbeth is considering the murder of King Duncan. He wishes that if the act of killing Duncan were completed without any consequences, then it would be best to do it quickly.
• Analysis: Macbeth shows hesitation. He wants the murder to be final, without any fallout. His use of “done” repeatedly suggests his desire for closure, yet also reflects his anxiety.
• Language Devices:
  • Repetition of “done” emphasizes finality.
  • Euphemism—he avoids saying “murder,” instead using “it” to distance himself from the deed.
• Themes: Ambition, morality, consequences.

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Lines 3-5:

“If th’ assassination
Could trammel up the consequence and catch
With his surcease success,”

• Explanation: Macbeth wishes that killing Duncan could “trammel up” (trap or contain) all consequences, meaning there would be no negative repercussions. He hopes that Duncan’s death (“his surcease”) would ensure success.
• Analysis: Macbeth acknowledges that actions have consequences. He fears that the murder won’t be the end of his troubles but will bring more.
• Language Devices:
  • Metaphor: “Trammel up” (trapping something in a net) suggests that consequences are difficult to control.
  • Alliteration: “Catch” and “consequence” create rhythm, drawing attention to his concern.
• Themes: Fate vs. free will, ambition vs. morality.

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Lines 6-7:

“That but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,”

• Explanation: If this single act (“this blow”) were the ultimate action, solving everything permanently, Macbeth would go through with it.
• Analysis: He wishes for a simple solution but knows reality doesn’t work that way. This highlights his internal conflict.
• Language Devices:
  • Foreshadowing: Macbeth hopes for a clean murder, but later, his reign is filled with paranoia and bloodshed.
  • Repetition: “Be-all and end-all” emphasizes his wish for finality.
• Themes: Consequences, moral conflict.

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Lines 8-10:

“But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We’d jump the life to come. But in these cases
We still have judgment here,”

• Explanation: In the present (“this bank and shoal of time”), he is tempted to risk everything, even his afterlife (“the life to come”). However, he acknowledges that actions are judged, even in this world.
• Analysis: Macbeth considers the spiritual consequences of murder. He worries about divine punishment and karma.
• Language Devices:
  • Metaphor: Life is compared to a “bank and shoal”—a temporary, shallow place, emphasizing its fragility.
  • Foreshadowing: His fear of judgment hints at his eventual downfall.
• Themes: Religion, fate vs. free will, morality.

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Lines 11-13:

“That we but teach
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
To plague th’ inventor.”

• Explanation: He fears that by committing murder, he will set an example for others to follow, and violence will eventually come back to harm him.
• Analysis: Macbeth acknowledges the cycle of violence—what he does to Duncan may be done to him later.
• Language Devices:
  • Irony: Later, Macbeth is indeed murdered by someone else following his example.
  • Metaphor: “Bloody instructions” suggests that committing murder teaches others to do the same.
• Themes: Retribution, fate, consequences of ambition.

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Lines 14-16:

“This even-handed justice
Commends th’ ingredience of our poisoned chalice
To our own lips.”

• Explanation: Justice is fair and treats everyone equally. Macbeth believes that if he poisons Duncan (metaphorically), he will eventually have to drink from that same poison—he will suffer for his crime.
• Analysis: He recognizes karma—what goes around comes around. However, despite knowing this, he still goes through with the murder.
• Language Devices:
  • Metaphor: “Poisoned chalice” symbolizes self-destructive ambition.
  • Personification: “Justice” is portrayed as something that enforces consequences.
• Themes: Morality, justice, fate.

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Lines 17-19:

“He’s here in double trust:
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed;”

• Explanation: Duncan trusts Macbeth for two reasons: Macbeth is both his relative (kinsman) and his loyal subject. Both roles make killing Duncan morally wrong.
• Analysis: Macbeth is aware of his duty to Duncan, making his betrayal even worse.
• Language Devices:
  • Irony: Macbeth should protect Duncan, but he is plotting against him.
  • Parallel structure: “As I am his kinsman and his subject” highlights his dual loyalty.
• Themes: Loyalty, betrayal, power.

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Lines 20-22:

“Then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself.”

• Explanation: As Duncan’s host, Macbeth should protect him from harm, not be the one to kill him.
• Analysis: Macbeth understands that killing a guest is a deep betrayal. However, Lady Macbeth later manipulates him into ignoring this logic.
• Language Devices:
  • Dramatic irony: The audience knows Macbeth is planning the murder despite acknowledging its wrongness.
  • Contrast: “Shut the door” (protection) vs. “bear the knife” (violence).
• Themes: Hospitality, betrayal, honor.

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Lines 23-25:

“Besides, this Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
So clear in his great office,”

• Explanation: Duncan has ruled justly and humbly, making his murder even more unjustified.
• Analysis: Macbeth has no real reason to kill Duncan except for ambition.
• Language Devices:
  • Imagery: “Meek” and “clear” paint Duncan as a good king.
  • Contrast: Duncan’s virtue contrasts with Macbeth’s growing cruelty.
• Themes: Kingship, justice, morality.

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Lines 26-29:

“That his virtues
Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
The deep damnation of his taking-off;”

• Explanation: Duncan’s goodness will cry out like angels, condemning his murder.
• Analysis: Macbeth fears moral and spiritual judgment.
• Language Devices:
  • Simile: “Plead like angels” shows how strongly Duncan’s virtues argue against his death.
  • Personification: Duncan’s virtues act as voices of protest.
• Themes: Religion, morality, guilt.

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Lines 30-31:

“And pity, like a naked newborn babe
Striding the blast,”

• Explanation: The image of a defenseless baby symbolizes innocence, emphasizing the horror of Duncan’s murder.
• Analysis: Macbeth struggles with the emotional weight of his crime.
• Language Devices:
  • Simile: Comparing pity to a “newborn babe” makes it pure and vulnerable.
• Themes: Innocence, guilt, justice.

Macbeth’s Soliloquy (Contemplating Murder)

“Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears shall drown the wind.”

• Explanation:
  Macbeth imagines that the murder of Duncan will be so terrible that it will be carried like invisible messengers (sightless couriers) through the air, spreading the news everywhere. The horror of the crime will cause people to weep so much that their tears will overpower the wind.
• Analysis:
  This metaphor suggests the inevitability of the truth being revealed—Macbeth cannot simply commit the crime and hope no one will notice. The phrase “sightless couriers of the air” could also symbolize supernatural forces, hinting at fate or divine justice.
• Themes:
  • Guilt and Consequence
  • Fate and Justice

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“I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself
And falls on th’ other—”

• Explanation:
  Macbeth compares his ambition to a horse that jumps too high and falls on the other side instead of clearing the obstacle. He admits that he has no real justification for killing Duncan—he is not driven by necessity, but by sheer ambition.
• Analysis:
  • The metaphor of horse-riding emphasizes recklessness.
  • Vaulting ambition implies uncontrolled ambition, which can lead to self-destruction.
• Themes:
  • Ambition vs. Morality
  • Tragic Flaw (Hamartia)

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Lady Macbeth’s Entrance and Persuasion

“How now, what news?”

• Explanation:
  Macbeth is distracted and unsettled. He immediately asks Lady Macbeth for an update, showing his anxiety.
• Analysis:
  His question indicates his hesitation—he still has doubts about proceeding with the murder.

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“He has almost supped. Why have you left the chamber?”

• Explanation:
  Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that Duncan has nearly finished his dinner and questions why he has left the dining room.
• Analysis:
  This line suggests Lady Macbeth’s impatience. She wants Macbeth to follow through with their plan.

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“Hath he asked for me?”
“Know you not he has?”

• Explanation:
  Macbeth asks if Duncan has noticed his absence, and Lady Macbeth responds sarcastically, as if stating the obvious.
• Analysis:
  • Macbeth’s question suggests guilt and nervousness—he is already feeling the weight of his actions.
  • Lady Macbeth’s sharp response suggests her frustration with his hesitation.

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“We will proceed no further in this business.”

• Explanation:
  Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth that he has changed his mind and will not go through with the murder.
• Analysis:
  This moment reveals Macbeth’s moral conflict—he knows that killing Duncan is wrong and tries to back out.

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“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.”

• Explanation:
  Macbeth acknowledges that Duncan has recently honored him, and the respect he has earned from others is still fresh, like new clothes. He does not want to throw that away so quickly.
• Analysis:
  • The metaphor of golden opinions (valuable praise) and newest gloss (fresh honor) highlights Macbeth’s awareness of his good reputation.
  • This shows that Macbeth values status and approval, making his later decision to kill Duncan even more tragic.
• Themes:
  • Honor and Reputation

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Lady Macbeth’s Mockery and Manipulation

“Was the hope drunk
Wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since?”

• Explanation:
  Lady Macbeth taunts Macbeth, asking if his earlier ambition was like a drunken hope that has now worn off.
• Analysis:
  • The metaphor of drunkenness implies that Macbeth’s courage was impulsive and has now faded.
  • The phrase dressed yourself suggests that Macbeth only wore bravery like an outfit, not truly embodying it.
• Themes:
  • Manipulation
  • Masculinity and Power

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“And wakes it now, to look so green and pale
At what it did so freely?”

• Explanation:
  She suggests that now, Macbeth looks weak and sick (green and pale) after making the decision so easily before.
• Analysis:
  • The imagery of sickness reinforces the idea that Macbeth lacks courage.
  • Lady Macbeth is emotionally blackmailing him, making him feel shame for backing out.

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“From this time
Such I account thy love.”

• Explanation:
  Lady Macbeth declares that if Macbeth refuses to kill Duncan, she will see it as proof that he does not truly love her.
• Analysis:
  • She equates his willingness to commit murder with his devotion to her, manipulating him into proving his love through violence.
• Themes:
  • Love and Power
  • Gender Roles

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“Art thou afeard
To be the same in thine own act and valor
As thou art in desire?”

• Explanation:
  She challenges Macbeth, asking if he is too afraid to act on the ambitions he claims to have.
• Analysis:
  • The contrast between act and valor (courageous deeds) and desire (ambition) highlights his internal struggle.
  • Lady Macbeth is questioning his masculinity and bravery.

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“Wouldst thou have that
Which thou esteem’st the ornament of life
And live a coward in thine own esteem?”

• Explanation:
  She asks whether Macbeth wants the crown (the greatest achievement in life) but is willing to live as a coward instead of fighting for it.
• Analysis:
  • The metaphor of the ornament of life suggests that power is like a prize.
  • She shames him by calling him a coward.

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“Letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would,’
Like the poor cat i’ th’ adage?”

• Explanation:
  Lady Macbeth references a proverb about a cat that wanted fish but was afraid to wet its paws, comparing Macbeth to the cowardly cat.
• Analysis:
  • This simile reinforces Macbeth’s hesitation and fear.
  • It highlights Lady Macbeth’s scornful view of his indecision.

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Macbeth’s Response

“Prithee, peace.
I dare do all that may become a man.
Who dares do more is none.”

• Explanation:
  Macbeth asks Lady Macbeth to stop pressuring him. He insists that he is willing to do anything that is honorable for a man, but anything beyond that would make him less than human.
• Analysis:
  • Macbeth tries to defend his masculinity without resorting to murder.
  • The phrase “Who dares do more is none” suggests that committing unjust acts does not make one more of a man—it makes one a monster.
• Themes:
  • Honor and Masculinity
  • Morality vs. Ambition

ADY MACBETH:

“What beast was ’t, then, that made you break this enterprise to me?”

• Meaning: Lady Macbeth asks Macbeth what “beast” or unnatural force made him suggest the murder in the first place if he is now hesitating.
• Theme: Manipulation & Guilt – She makes him feel weak for backing out.
• Language Device: Rhetorical Question – She doesn’t expect an answer but uses this to shame him.

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“When you durst do it, then you were a man;”

• Meaning: She tells Macbeth that he was truly a man when he first wanted to do it. Now, by hesitating, he is less of one.
• Theme: Gender Roles & Masculinity – She equates bravery with manhood, implying that fear makes him less of a man.
• Language Device: Irony – The traditional view is that men protect, but she argues that real manhood is about killing.

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“And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man.”

• Meaning: If he follows through, he will become even greater.
• Theme: Ambition – She appeals to his desire for power.
• Language Device: Repetition (“more…more”) – Emphasizes her argument that ambition leads to greatness.

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“Nor time nor place did then adhere, and yet you would make both.”

• Meaning: Before, when conditions weren’t right, Macbeth still wanted to do it.
• Theme: Fate vs. Free Will – She points out that Macbeth was willing to create an opportunity before, but now, when fate has given him one, he is hesitating.
• Language Device: Contrast – She highlights the change in his thinking.

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“They have made themselves, and that their fitness now does unmake you.”

• Meaning: Now that the perfect opportunity has come naturally, it is making him back out.
• Theme: Weakness vs. Strength – She suggests that he is weak for hesitating.
• Language Device: Personification (“fitness…unmake you”) – The moment itself is acting against him.

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“I have given suck, and know how tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me.”

• Meaning: She reminds Macbeth that she has been a mother and understands a mother’s love.
• Theme: Femininity vs. Cruelty – She acknowledges maternal instincts before rejecting them.
• Language Device: Imagery – Creates a vivid picture of a nurturing mother.

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“I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this.”

• Meaning: If she had made a promise like Macbeth, she would be willing to kill her own baby rather than break it.
• Theme: Loyalty & Betrayal – She argues that keeping promises is more important than emotions.
• Language Device:
  • Hyperbole – Extreme imagery shocks Macbeth.
  • Violent Imagery – Emphasizes her ruthless nature.

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MACBETH:

“If we should fail—”

• Meaning: Macbeth worries about the plan failing.
• Theme: Fear & Doubt – He is still not fully convinced.
• Language Device: Ellipsis (“—”) – Shows hesitation.

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LADY MACBETH:

“We fail?”

• Meaning: She repeats his words mockingly, as if failure is not even possible.
• Theme: Power & Control – She dominates the conversation and makes Macbeth feel foolish for doubting.
• Language Device: Repetition – Emphasizes confidence.

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“But screw your courage to the sticking place, and we’ll not fail.”

• Meaning: She tells him to tighten his resolve like a screw, and they will succeed.
• Theme: Courage & Determination – She believes sheer willpower ensures success.
• Language Device: Metaphor – Comparing courage to something that can be fixed into place.

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“When Duncan is asleep (Whereto the rather shall his day’s hard journey soundly invite him),”

• Meaning: Duncan will sleep deeply because he is tired from traveling.
• Theme: Deception – She plans to use his exhaustion against him.
• Language Device: Euphemism – Instead of saying “kill Duncan,” she just talks about his sleep.

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“His two chamberlains will I with wine and wassail so convince that memory, the warder of the brain, shall be a fume,”

• Meaning: She will get Duncan’s guards so drunk that they will forget everything.
• Theme: Manipulation – She is using alcohol to control others.
• Language Device: Metaphor – “Memory, the warder of the brain” (memory is a guard that will be put to sleep).

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“And the receipt of reason a limbeck only.”

• Meaning: Their reasoning will be reduced, like liquid evaporating in an alembic (a distillation tool).
• Theme: Madness & Rationality – The guards will be made senseless.
• Language Device: Metaphor – Comparing reason to something that disappears like steam.

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“When in swinish sleep their drenched natures lie as in a death,”

• Meaning: They will be so drunk they will seem dead.
• Theme: Vulnerability – The guards will be completely defenseless.
• Language Device: Simile – Comparing their sleep to death.

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“What cannot you and I perform upon th’ unguarded Duncan?”

• Meaning: With no one protecting Duncan, they can do anything.
• Theme: Power – They have total control over the situation.
• Language Device: Rhetorical Question – She is emphasizing how easy it will be.

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“What not put upon his spongy officers, who shall bear the guilt of our great quell?”

• Meaning: They will frame the guards by making it look like they killed Duncan.
• Theme: Deception & Guilt – Shifting the blame onto others.
• Language Device: Metaphor – “Spongy officers” suggests they absorb alcohol (and blame).

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MACBETH:

“Bring forth men-children only,”

• Meaning: Macbeth says Lady Macbeth should only have sons because she is so strong-willed.
• Theme: Masculinity – He associates strength with maleness.
• Language Device: Irony – He admires her strength, but also limits it to male qualities.

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“For thy undaunted mettle should compose nothing but males.”

• Meaning: Her fearless nature is too strong for daughters.
• Theme: Gender Expectations – Reinforces the idea that only men can be ruthless.
• Language Device: Hyperbole – Exaggerating her strength.

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“Will it not be received, when we have marked with blood those sleepy two of his own chamber and used their very daggers, that they have done ’t?”

• Meaning: If they frame the guards, won’t everyone believe they are guilty?
• Theme: Deception & Fate – Macbeth is now persuading himself.
• Language Device: Dramatic Irony – The audience knows Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are lying.

LADY MACBETH:

“Who dares receive it other,
As we shall make our griefs and clamor roar
Upon his death?”

• Meaning: Lady Macbeth says that no one will dare to question their innocence because they will put on a convincing act of grief and outrage when Duncan is found dead.
• Theme:
  • Deception & Appearance vs. Reality – She plans to pretend to be heartbroken to avoid suspicion.
  • Power & Manipulation – She continues to persuade Macbeth to go through with the murder.
• Literary Devices:
  • Rhetorical Question (“Who dares receive it other”) – She implies that no one will challenge them, making Macbeth feel more secure in their plan.
  • Imagery (“griefs and clamor roar”) – The loud mourning they will display is compared to a roaring sound, emphasizing how exaggerated and dramatic their act will be.

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MACBETH:

“I am settled and bend up
Each corporal agent to this terrible feat.”

• Meaning: Macbeth declares that he is now fully committed (“settled”) to killing Duncan and will focus all his physical strength (“corporal agent”) on completing the murder.
• Theme:
  • Ambition & Power – He finally gives in to his dark desires.
  • Fate vs. Free Will – He chooses to take control of his destiny by forcing the prophecy to come true.
• Literary Devices:
  • Metaphor (“bend up each corporal agent”) – Macbeth compares his body to a tool that must be tightened or prepared, showing his determination.
  • Euphemism (“terrible feat”) – He avoids directly saying “murder,” possibly indicating lingering guilt.

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“Away, and mock the time with fairest show.”

• Meaning: Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth to act innocent and deceive others.
• Theme:
  • Deception & Appearance vs. Reality – They must pretend to be loyal subjects while hiding their true intentions.
• Literary Devices:
  • Irony – They will pretend to be devastated by Duncan’s death while secretly celebrating their rise to power.

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“False face must hide what the false heart doth know.”

• Meaning: Macbeth says that their fake expressions must conceal their evil intentions.
• Theme:
  • Deception & Guilt – He acknowledges that his heart is now “false” or corrupted by ambition.
• Literary Devices:
  • Paradox (“false face… false heart”) – Macbeth recognizes that both his actions and emotions are deceitful.
  • Alliteration (“false face… false heart”) – The repetition of “f” sounds makes the line more memorable and poetic.