LADY MACBETH:
“That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold.
What hath quenched them hath given me fire.”
- Explanation:
Lady Macbeth says that the same wine that made Duncan’s guards drunk has made her feel courageous. While the alcohol has dulled their senses, it has given her energy and determination. - Analysis:
- The contrast between “drunk” and “bold”, and “quenched” and “fire”, highlights her control over the situation.
- The phrase “made me bold” suggests that she is using external means (like alcohol and ambition) to suppress her fears.
- Themes:
- Power & Ambition – She is driven by the desire for power.
- Manipulation – She has planned everything carefully, using alcohol to her advantage.
“Hark!—Peace.”
- Explanation: She suddenly stops speaking and listens carefully.
- Analysis:
- The short, abrupt sentence “Hark!—Peace.” shows her nervousness.
- The exclamation mark adds tension, showing her fear that something might go wrong.
- Themes:
- Guilt & Fear – Even though she acts confident, she is anxious.
“It was the owl that shrieked, the fatal bellman,
Which gives the stern’st good-night.”
- Explanation: She hears an owl shriek and compares it to a “fatal bellman”—a reference to a night-watchman who would ring a bell before an execution.
- Analysis:
- The “owl” is a symbol of death and bad omens in Elizabethan times.
- “Fatal bellman” suggests that Duncan’s death is final and inevitable.
- The phrase “stern’st good-night” is an ironic way of saying that this is Duncan’s last sleep (because he’s about to be murdered).
- Themes:
- Superstition & Fate – Nature itself seems to signal Duncan’s death.
- Death – The owl represents the grim fate awaiting Duncan.
“He is about it.”
- Explanation: She realizes Macbeth is killing Duncan at this very moment.
- Analysis:
- The short sentence builds suspense.
- Theme:
- Power – Lady Macbeth is in control but cannot act herself.
“The doors are open, and the surfeited grooms
Do mock their charge with snores.”
- Explanation: The guards are drunk and sleeping soundly, making it easy for Macbeth to enter Duncan’s chamber.
- Analysis:
- “Surfeited grooms” means the guards are so full of drink that they have passed out.
- “Mock their charge with snores” suggests irony—these guards should be protecting Duncan, but instead, they are sleeping while he is being murdered.
- Themes:
- Deception – Lady Macbeth’s plan relies on making others weak and unaware.
“I have drugged their possets,
That death and nature do contend about them
Whether they live or die.”
- Explanation: She gave the guards a sleeping potion so strong that they are on the edge between sleep and death.
- Analysis:
- “Drugged their possets” – A “posset” is a warm milk drink. She secretly poisoned it.
- “Death and nature do contend” – She makes sleep sound like a battle between life and death.
- Themes:
- Deception – She manipulates people to get what she wants.
- Death – She treats human life as something she can control.
MACBETH (from offstage):
“Who’s there? what, ho!”
- Explanation: Macbeth, still in Duncan’s room, suddenly calls out in fear.
- Analysis:
- The abrupt, panicked exclamation “What, ho!” shows he is nervous and afraid.
- Themes:
- Guilt – Even before returning, Macbeth is scared.
LADY MACBETH:
“Alack, I am afraid they have awaked,
And ’tis not done. Th’ attempt and not the deed
Confounds us.”
- Explanation: Lady Macbeth is worried that the murder might not be finished and that they will be caught.
- Analysis:
- “Confounds us” – If Macbeth fails, they will be in serious danger.
- Contrast between ‘attempt’ and ‘deed’ – Trying to do something is not enough; only success matters.
- Themes:
- Fear – Lady Macbeth, despite her boldness, is terrified of failure.
“Hark!—I laid their daggers ready;
He could not miss ’em.”
- Explanation: She reminds herself that she placed the daggers where Macbeth could easily find them, so there should be no mistake.
- Analysis:
- The short sentences suggest anxiety.
- Themes:
- Control – Lady Macbeth has planned everything carefully.
“Had he not resembled
My father as he slept, I had done ’t.”
- Explanation: She admits that if Duncan hadn’t looked like her father while sleeping, she would have killed him herself.
- Analysis:
- This is the first sign that Lady Macbeth has limits—she isn’t as ruthless as she claims.
- The personal detail about her father makes her seem more human.
- Themes:
- Guilt – Even she has a conscience.
- Power & Gender – She wants to be strong, but something emotional holds her back.
Macbeth Enters with Bloody Daggers
LADY MACBETH:
“My husband?”
- Explanation: She asks this not just to confirm his presence but also to check if he has completed the task.
- Analysis:
- The short question shows tension.
MACBETH:
“I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?”
- Explanation: Macbeth confirms that he has killed Duncan, but he is paranoid and asks if Lady Macbeth heard anything.
- Analysis:
- “The deed” – He avoids saying “murder,” showing his guilt.
- Themes:
- Guilt & Paranoia – Macbeth already regrets what he has done.
LADY MACBETH:
“I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry.”
- Explanation: Lady Macbeth heard nature reacting to Duncan’s murder.
- Analysis:
- The screaming owl is a symbol of death.
- Themes:
- Fate & Supernatural – Even nature knows something is wrong.
MACBETH:
“Did not you speak?”
LADY MACBETH:
“Now.”
MACBETH:
“As I descended?”
LADY MACBETH:
“Ay.”
- Explanation: Macbeth thinks he heard voices, but Lady Macbeth assures him she just spoke now.
- Analysis:
- Macbeth’s short, nervous questions show his paranoia.
- Themes:
- Guilt – He is already haunted by what he did.
MACBETH:
“Hark!—Who lies i’ th’ second chamber?”
LADY MACBETH:
“Donalbain.”
- Explanation: Macbeth fears someone is awake, but Lady Macbeth reassures him that Duncan’s son Donalbain is in the second room.
- Themes:
- Fear & Suspicion – Macbeth already worries about being caught.
MACBETH:
“This is a sorry sight.”
Explanation:
Macbeth looks at his blood-covered hands and calls them a “sorry sight,” meaning a terrible or pitiful thing to see. The blood symbolizes guilt, horror, and the consequences of his crime.
Analysis:
- Theme of Guilt: Macbeth immediately regrets the murder and recognizes its gravity.
- Imagery: The sight of blood is a powerful visual symbol of his crime and conscience.
LADY MACBETH:
“A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.”
Explanation:
Lady Macbeth dismisses his feelings, calling them “foolish.” She believes that feeling guilty or remorseful is useless.
Analysis:
- Theme of Power and Control: Lady Macbeth tries to control the situation and Macbeth’s emotions.
- Contrast: Macbeth feels guilt, while Lady Macbeth sees the murder as a necessary step toward their ambition.
MACBETH:
“There’s one did laugh in ’s sleep, and one cried ‘Murder!’
That they did wake each other. I stood and heard them.
But they did say their prayers and addressed them
Again to sleep.”
Explanation:
Macbeth recalls hearing someone laughing in their sleep, while another person cried “Murder!” He fears that someone might have sensed his crime. However, they prayed and went back to sleep.
Analysis:
- Foreshadowing: The cry of “Murder!” suggests that his crime will be discovered soon.
- Guilt & Paranoia: Macbeth is extremely anxious, interpreting ordinary sounds as evidence of his wrongdoing.
- Contrast: The people praying calmly contrast with Macbeth’s inner turmoil.
LADY MACBETH:
“There are two lodged together.”
Explanation:
She simply states that two people are sleeping in the same room. This suggests she is trying to be practical and focus on the plan rather than Macbeth’s emotions.
Analysis:
- Cold, Pragmatic Tone: Lady Macbeth is more concerned about the logistics of their crime than about morality.
MACBETH:
“One cried ‘God bless us’ and ‘Amen’ the other,
As they had seen me with these hangman’s hands,
List’ning their fear. I could not say ‘Amen’
When they did say ‘God bless us.’”
Explanation:
Macbeth is disturbed that when he heard the men say “God bless us,” he was unable to say “Amen” in response. He believes this is because of his guilt—he has distanced himself from God.
Analysis:
- Religious Imagery: Macbeth’s inability to say “Amen” suggests divine punishment.
- Theme of Guilt & Consequence: His crime has separated him from God and peace.
- Metaphor: “Hangman’s hands” refers to executioners, reinforcing his role as a killer.
LADY MACBETH:
“Consider it not so deeply.”
Explanation:
She tells Macbeth not to dwell on these thoughts, believing that overthinking will only weaken him.
Analysis:
- Contrast: Lady Macbeth remains practical, while Macbeth is consumed by guilt.
- Irony: Later, she will be the one obsessing over the murder when she sleepwalks and tries to “wash” imaginary blood from her hands.
MACBETH:
“But wherefore could not I pronounce ‘Amen’?
I had most need of blessing, and ‘Amen’
Stuck in my throat.”
Explanation:
Macbeth is deeply disturbed that he could not say “Amen” when he needed God’s blessing the most. He feels spiritually cursed.
Analysis:
- Symbolism of Speech: The inability to say “Amen” symbolizes Macbeth’s moral corruption.
- Religious Theme: Macbeth believes that his soul is now damned.
LADY MACBETH:
“These deeds must not be thought
After these ways; so, it will make us mad.”
Explanation:
She warns Macbeth that if he continues to dwell on these thoughts, he will go insane.
Analysis:
- Foreshadowing: Ironically, she will later become the one who cannot stop thinking about the murder, leading to her own madness.
- Theme of Control: She still tries to control Macbeth’s emotions.
MACBETH:
“Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more!
Macbeth does murder sleep’—the innocent sleep,
Sleep that knits up the raveled sleave of care,
The death of each day’s life, sore labor’s bath,
Balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course,
Chief nourisher in life’s feast.”
Explanation:
Macbeth imagines a voice crying out that he has murdered sleep, meaning he will never sleep peacefully again. He describes sleep as something that heals the mind and body.
Analysis:
- Personification: Sleep is personified as something innocent and nurturing.
- Metaphor: Sleep is compared to a “knitted sleeve” (repairing daily worries), a “bath” (relieving exhaustion), and a “feast” (essential for survival).
- Theme of Guilt & Punishment: Macbeth believes he will suffer eternal restlessness as a consequence of his crime.
LADY MACBETH:
“What do you mean?”
Explanation:
She doesn’t understand why he is obsessing over sleep and a voice that no one else heard. She remains focused on practical matters.
Analysis:
- Theme of Reality vs. Hallucination: Lady Macbeth questions whether Macbeth’s fears are real or imagined.
MACBETH:
“Still it cried ‘Sleep no more!’ to all the house.
‘Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor
Shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more.’”
Explanation:
Macbeth continues to hear the imaginary voice, saying that since he, as “Glamis” (his former title), has murdered sleep, “Cawdor” (his new title) will never sleep again.
Analysis:
- Repetition: The phrase “Sleep no more” emphasizes Macbeth’s growing paranoia and mental torment.
- Identity Crisis: Macbeth refers to himself by his titles rather than his name, suggesting his transformation into a murderer.
- Foreshadowing: He will indeed suffer from sleeplessness, and Lady Macbeth will later be tormented by sleepwalking.
LADY MACBETH
“Who was it that thus cried?”
- She asks who made the noise Macbeth heard. She dismisses it as unimportant.
“Why, worthy thane, you do unbend your noble strength to think so brainsickly of things.”
- She calls Macbeth a “worthy thane” (title of nobility) but criticizes him for overthinking things.
- “Unbend your noble strength” suggests that his courage is failing him.
- “Brainsickly” means he is making himself sick with fear and guilt.
Analysis:
- She is belittling Macbeth’s emotions, reinforcing her role as the dominant force in their relationship.
- Shakespeare uses contrast—Macbeth is deeply shaken, while Lady Macbeth remains composed.
Lady Macbeth Gives Instructions
“Go get some water and wash this filthy witness from your hand.”
- She tells Macbeth to wash the blood off his hands.
- “Filthy witness” refers to the blood, which is evidence of the crime.
Analysis:
- She sees blood as a temporary problem that can be washed away.
- Water is used symbolically—Macbeth later believes that no amount of water can clean him.
Lady Macbeth Notices the Daggers
“Why did you bring these daggers from the place? They must lie there.”
- She is frustrated that Macbeth took the murder weapons with him.
- The daggers were supposed to be left at the crime scene to frame the guards.
Analysis:
- This shows Lady Macbeth’s practical thinking—she focuses on covering up the murder, while Macbeth is lost in guilt.
Lady Macbeth Orders Macbeth to Fix His Mistake
“Go, carry them and smear the sleepy grooms with blood.”
- She commands Macbeth to return the daggers and make it look like the guards killed Duncan.
Analysis:
- Her imperative tone (“Go, carry them”) shows she is taking control.
- She is unemotional and treats the murder as a task that needs to be completed.
Macbeth Refuses
MACBETH
“I’ll go no more.”
- Macbeth refuses to go back.
- He is too afraid to look at what he has done.
“I am afraid to think what I have done. Look on ’t again I dare not.”
- He cannot even think about his crime, let alone see the body again.
Analysis:
- Macbeth is overwhelmed by guilt and fear.
- Shakespeare uses short sentences to show his panic and hesitation.
Lady Macbeth’s Harsh Response
LADY MACBETH
“Infirm of purpose!”
- She insults Macbeth, calling him weak-willed.
- “Infirm” means lacking strength or determination.
Analysis:
- She belittles him to push him into action.
- This highlights gender role reversal—Macbeth, the warrior, is scared, while Lady Macbeth is fearless.
Lady Macbeth Takes Action
“Give me the daggers.”
- She takes control, deciding to plant the daggers herself.
“The sleeping and the dead are but as pictures.”
- She compares the dead to paintings—lifeless, harmless.
- This metaphor suggests that Macbeth’s fear is childish.
“’Tis the eye of childhood that fears a painted devil.”
- She says only children are scared of images of demons.
- She mocks Macbeth’s fear, calling him childish.
Analysis:
- Shakespeare uses imagery of paintings and devils to show Lady Macbeth’s cold, fearless attitude.
Lady Macbeth Leaves to Frame the Guards
“If he do bleed, I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal, for it must seem their guilt.”
- “Gild” means to cover something in gold, but here it means covering the guards’ faces in blood.
- She will use Duncan’s blood to make it look like the guards are guilty.
Analysis:
- Shakespeare uses dramatic irony—the audience knows the guards are innocent.
- Blood is a recurring symbol of guilt in the play.
Macbeth’s Guilt Overwhelms Him
MACBETH
“Whence is that knocking?”
- He hears knocking and panics.
- The knocking represents the outside world creeping in—justice is coming.
“How is ’t with me when every noise appalls me?”
- He realizes that he is so afraid that even small noises terrify him.
Analysis:
- This shows his paranoia—he is already feeling the consequences of his crime.
Macbeth’s Famous Blood Imagery
“What hands are here! Ha, they pluck out mine eyes.”
- Macbeth stares at his bloody hands and feels horrified.
- He says it is as if his own hands are punishing him by blinding him.
Analysis:
- Imagery—blood symbolizes guilt, and his hands symbolize the crime.
- The reference to eyes links to the theme of sight vs. blindness—he cannot escape what he has done.
The Ocean Metaphor
“Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?”
- Macbeth wonders if the entire ocean could wash away his guilt.
“No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red.”
- Instead of cleaning his hands, his guilt is so great that it would turn the entire ocean red.
Analysis:
- Hyperbole—exaggeration to show overwhelming guilt.
- Contrast—Lady Macbeth believes water will wash away the crime, but Macbeth feels his guilt is permanent.
- The color imagery (green vs. red) highlights innocence vs. guilt.
Lady Macbeth Returns
LADY MACBETH
“My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white.”
- She now has blood on her hands too, but she is not ashamed like Macbeth.
- “White” symbolizes cowardice, while “red” symbolizes guilt and violence.
Analysis:
- Symbolism—she shares Macbeth’s crime (blood on her hands) but not his guilt (white heart).
- This foreshadows her later breakdown—she cannot escape guilt forever.
Lady Macbeth Tries to Calm Macbeth
“I hear a knocking at the south entry.”
- The knocking continues, reminding them that they are still in danger.
“Retire we to our chamber.”
- She tells Macbeth to go to bed and act normal.
“A little water clears us of this deed. How easy is it, then!”
- She insists that washing their hands will solve everything.
- She thinks guilt can be washed away just like blood.
Analysis:
- This contrasts with Macbeth’s belief that his guilt is eternal.
- Irony—later, Lady Macbeth will obsessively try to wash away imaginary blood.
Final Line
“Your constancy hath left you unattended.”
- She tells Macbeth that he has lost his resolve (his “constancy”).
Analysis:
- She is frustrated with Macbeth’s weakness.
- She is still focused on the practical side, while Macbeth is lost in guilt.
Lady Macbeth:
“Hark, more knocking.”
- “Hark” means “listen,” so Lady Macbeth is telling Macbeth to pay attention to the sound of knocking at the door.
- The knocking represents the outside world beginning to intrude on their crime. It creates suspense and tension.
🔹 Language Device: Sound Imagery – The repeated knocking builds tension, making it seem as if justice is coming for them.
“Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us and show us to be watchers.”
- Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to put on his sleeping clothes (nightgown) so that if someone sees them, they will look like they were asleep the whole time.
- “Lest occasion call us” means in case someone comes looking for them and finds them awake.
- “Watchers” refers to people who are awake at an unusual hour, which would make them seem suspicious.
🔹 Theme: Appearance vs. Reality – They must act innocent to avoid suspicion, showing how deception is necessary for them to get away with murder.
🔹 Language Device: Imperative Command – Lady Macbeth is giving direct instructions, showing her dominance over Macbeth in this moment.
“Be not lost so poorly in your thoughts.”
- She tells Macbeth to stop looking so guilty and distracted.
- “Lost in thoughts” means being deep in worry or guilt.
- “So poorly” suggests that he looks weak and pathetic, which she disapproves of.
🔹 Theme: Masculinity & Weakness – Lady Macbeth criticizes Macbeth for his emotional response, reinforcing the idea that men should be strong and composed.
Macbeth:
“To know my deed ’twere best not know myself.”
- Macbeth means that if he truly understands what he has done (his deed—killing Duncan), then he will no longer recognize himself.
- “’Twere best not know myself” means he wishes he could separate himself from his crime.
🔹 Theme: Guilt & Conscience – Macbeth already feels disconnected from himself, showing how guilt is consuming him.
🔹 Language Device: Paradox – Macbeth suggests that knowing the truth about his actions means losing his identity.
(Knock.)
- The knocking continues, increasing Macbeth’s paranoia. It reminds him that the real world has not stopped just because he has committed murder.
🔹 Theme: Fate & Justice – The knocking could symbolize divine punishment approaching.
“Wake Duncan with thy knocking. I would thou couldst.”
- Macbeth bitterly wishes the knocking could wake Duncan from the dead.
- “I would thou couldst” means “I wish you could.”
- This shows his immediate regret—he already wishes he could undo what he has done.
🔹 Theme: Regret & Consequences – Macbeth realizes too late that killing Duncan was a mistake.
🔹 Language Device: Irony – No amount of knocking can wake Duncan now because Macbeth has murdered him.
Exit
- Macbeth and Lady Macbeth leave the scene, returning to their chamber to maintain the illusion that they were asleep the whole time.
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