1. “Naught’s had, all’s spent,”
- Meaning: Lady Macbeth expresses that they have gained nothing despite having spent everything (effort, morality, peace of mind).
- Literary Device: Paradox – They have “everything” (the throne) but “nothing” (happiness or satisfaction).
- Theme: Ambition and dissatisfaction – Achieving power has not brought contentment.
2. “Where our desire is got without content.”
- Meaning: If they achieve their desires (becoming king and queen) but remain unhappy, the victory is meaningless.
- Literary Device: Juxtaposition – “Desire” (what they wanted) vs. “without content” (the unexpected emptiness).
- Theme: The emptiness of ambition – Having power does not guarantee happiness.
3. “’Tis safer to be that which we destroy”
- Meaning: It is better to be dead (like Duncan) than to live in constant fear and paranoia.
- Literary Device: Irony – She once feared death, but now sees it as preferable to their current state.
- Theme: Guilt and psychological torment – Lady Macbeth is starting to feel the weight of their crime.
4. “Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.”
- Meaning: Living in anxiety (after destroying Duncan) is worse than being dead. Their so-called “joy” is filled with doubt and fear.
- Literary Device: Oxymoron – “Doubtful joy” highlights the contradiction of their situation.
- Theme: Paranoia and insecurity – The Macbeths cannot enjoy their success because of their fear of being overthrown.
LADY MACBETH
“How now, my lord, why do you keep alone,
Of sorriest fancies your companions making,
Using those thoughts which should indeed have died
With them they think on?”
Lady Macbeth questions why Macbeth isolates himself, indulging in his darkest thoughts. The phrase “sorriest fancies” suggests troubling and regretful thoughts, emphasizing his paranoia. She believes he should let go of the past, as these thoughts should have died with the people they concern (such as Duncan). This line highlights the theme of guilt and paranoia, showing Macbeth’s inability to move on.
“Things without all remedy
Should be without regard. What’s done is done.”
Lady Macbeth tries to reassure Macbeth, using a fatalistic approach—what’s done cannot be changed, so there’s no use dwelling on it. The phrase “what’s done is done” is an example of aphorism (a short, impactful statement). It reflects the theme of fate vs. free will, as Lady Macbeth insists they must accept the consequences of their actions.
MACBETH
“We have scorched the snake, not killed it.”
Macbeth uses a metaphor, comparing their situation to an injured but living snake. “Scorched” (burned) suggests temporary harm rather than a permanent solution. The snake could symbolize Banquo, who is still alive and poses a threat. This also alludes to the theme of power and insecurity—Macbeth is never satisfied with partial success and fears losing control.
“She’ll close and be herself whilst our poor malice
Remains in danger of her former tooth.”
Macbeth continues the snake metaphor. The idea that the snake will “close and be herself” means it will heal and return to its full power. His “poor malice” (his weak or incomplete evil actions) still leaves them vulnerable to harm. This line reflects the theme of violence and its consequences, as Macbeth realizes their problems won’t end with Duncan’s death.
“But let the frame of things disjoint, both the worlds suffer,”
Macbeth declares that he would rather see the world fall apart than live in fear. “Frame of things disjoint” suggests chaos and disorder, linking to the theme of disruption of natural order—by killing Duncan, Macbeth has upset the balance of the world. The reference to “both the worlds” could mean both the mortal and supernatural realms, reinforcing his growing connection to dark forces.
“Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep
In the affliction of these terrible dreams
That shake us nightly.”
Macbeth expresses his growing paranoia. He contrasts physical needs (eating and sleeping) with emotional suffering, emphasizing how his guilt manifests in sleeplessness and nightmares. The phrase “shake us nightly” personifies fear, making it seem like a constant tormentor. This highlights the theme of guilt and psychological torment, showing how Macbeth’s ambition leads to suffering.
“Better be with the dead,
Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace,
Than on the torture of the mind to lie
In restless ecstasy.”
Macbeth envies the dead, believing Duncan is at peace while he suffers. The paradox of “restless ecstasy” suggests his mind is both overwhelmed and exhausted, emphasizing his turmoil. The repetition of “peace” is ironic—Macbeth sought peace through murder, but it only brought him distress. This reflects the theme of consequences of ambition, as Macbeth’s desire for power leaves him mentally unstable.
“Duncan is in his grave.
After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well.”
Macbeth contrasts Duncan’s current state (peaceful sleep) with his own restless suffering. “Fitful fever” suggests life is full of struggle and illness, reinforcing the idea that death is an escape. This also connects to the theme of death and fate, as Macbeth acknowledges Duncan can no longer be harmed.
“Treason has done his worst; nor steel nor poison,
Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing
Can touch him further.”
Macbeth reassures himself that Duncan is safe from harm. The list of threats (“steel” (swords), “poison,” “malice domestic” (internal betrayals), “foreign levy” (outside invasions)) shows Macbeth’s paranoia about political danger. The phrase “treason has done his worst” is ironic—Macbeth is the traitor, yet he fears being betrayed himself. This emphasizes the theme of betrayal and paranoia.
LADY MACBETH
“Come on, gentle my lord,
Sleek o’er your rugged looks. Be bright and jovial
Among your guests tonight.”
Lady Macbeth tries to soothe Macbeth, urging him to appear cheerful. The phrase “sleek o’er your rugged looks” suggests she wants him to smooth over his anxious expressions, hiding his true emotions. This reinforces the theme of appearance vs. reality, as they must pretend everything is fine despite their crimes.
MACBETH
“So shall I, love,
And so I pray be you.”
Macbeth agrees to put on a false front but reminds Lady Macbeth to do the same. The parallel structure (“So shall I…so I pray be you”) creates a sense of equality, though Macbeth is increasingly taking control of their plans. This marks a shift in power—Lady Macbeth was once dominant, but Macbeth is now giving her instructions.
“Let your remembrance
Apply to Banquo; present him eminence
Both with eye and tongue:”
Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth to be extra kind to Banquo, treating him with respect and flattery. “Present him eminence” suggests making him feel important. This is dramatic irony, as the audience knows Macbeth is plotting Banquo’s murder. It highlights the theme of deception and manipulation.
“Unsafe the while that we
Must lave our honors in these flattering streams
And make our faces vizards to our hearts,
Disguising what they are.”
Macbeth admits they are in danger and must continue to pretend. “Lave our honors in these flattering streams” suggests washing their reputation clean through false flattery. The phrase “make our faces vizards to our hearts” is a powerful metaphor—“vizards” (masks) represent the need to hide their true feelings. This reinforces the theme of duplicity and the cost of power.
LADY MACBETH
“You must leave this.”
Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to stop obsessing. Unlike earlier in the play, where she encouraged him to be ruthless, now she seems uneasy. This shows how their roles are beginning to reverse—Macbeth is more willing to embrace evil, while Lady Macbeth tries to move on.
MACBETH
“O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!
Thou know’st that Banquo and his Fleance lives.”
Macbeth reveals his tormented state. “Full of scorpions” is a vivid metaphor—his mind is crawling with poisonous thoughts, symbolizing his growing cruelty. The mention of Banquo and Fleance shows that his paranoia has shifted from Duncan to Banquo’s lineage. This connects to the theme of fate vs. ambition—Macbeth is obsessed with stopping the prophecy that Banquo’s descendants will rule.
Lady Macbeth: “But in them nature’s copy’s not eterne.”
- Explanation: Lady Macbeth reassures Macbeth that Banquo and Fleance are mortal (“nature’s copy” refers to their natural bodies), meaning they won’t live forever.
- Analysis: She implies that their deaths are inevitable, subtly encouraging Macbeth’s violent intentions.
- Literary Technique: Metaphor – “nature’s copy” is a metaphor for life, comparing it to a temporary document or copy that can be erased.
- Themes: Fate vs. Free Will – Lady Macbeth acknowledges mortality but implies they should take control of fate.
Macbeth: “There’s comfort yet; they are assailable.”
- Explanation: Macbeth finds comfort in the fact that Banquo and Fleance are vulnerable to attack.
- Analysis: This confirms that Macbeth has already decided to have them killed.
- Themes: Power and Corruption – Macbeth justifies murder to secure his throne.
“Then be thou jocund. Ere the bat hath flown / His cloistered flight, ere to black Hecate’s summons / The shard-born beetle with his drowsy hums / Hath rung night’s yawning peal, there shall be done / A deed of dreadful note.”
- Explanation: Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth to be cheerful, as before nightfall (“ere the bat hath flown”), a terrible deed will be done. He references the bat, Hecate (goddess of witchcraft), and the beetle as symbols of the approaching darkness.
- Analysis: Macbeth is speaking ominously about Banquo’s murder, emphasizing its secrecy.
- Literary Techniques:
- Imagery: The bat and beetle create a dark, eerie atmosphere.
- Personification: “Night’s yawning peal” gives the night human-like qualities, making it seem alive and menacing.
- Allusion: Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, connects Macbeth’s actions to supernatural influence.
- Themes: Darkness and Evil – Night is linked to murder and moral corruption.
Lady Macbeth: “What’s to be done?”
- Explanation: Lady Macbeth, though once the mastermind, now asks Macbeth what will happen.
- Analysis: This signals a shift in power—Macbeth is now in control of their crimes.
- Themes: Power Dynamics – Lady Macbeth, once dominant, is now following Macbeth’s lead.
Macbeth: “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, / Till thou applaud the deed.”
- Explanation: Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth to stay unaware until she can celebrate the outcome.
- Analysis: This contrasts with earlier in the play when Lady Macbeth was the one guiding Macbeth. Now, he is keeping her in the dark.
- Themes: Guilt and Secrecy – Macbeth isolates himself, choosing to bear the weight of his crimes alone.
“Come, seeling night, / Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day”
- Explanation: Macbeth calls upon night to blind (“scarf up”) the day’s innocent vision so it won’t witness his crime.
- Analysis: He is embracing darkness and evil, fully committing to murder.
- Literary Techniques:
- Personification: Night is given agency, as if it can actively “scarf up” the day’s vision.
- Symbolism: Darkness represents evil and concealment.
- Themes: Fate vs. Free Will – Macbeth actively chooses darkness over morality.
“And with thy bloody and invisible hand / Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond / Which keeps me pale.”
- Explanation: Macbeth wants night to erase Banquo’s life, which makes him fearful.
- Analysis: He sees Banquo as a threat, not just politically but to his peace of mind.
- Themes: Ambition – Macbeth sees murder as the only way to secure power.
“Light thickens, and the crow / Makes wing to th’ rooky wood.”
- Explanation: Macbeth observes that evening is approaching and the crow is flying to the trees.
- Analysis: The natural world reflects the growing darkness in Macbeth’s soul.
- Literary Techniques:
- Imagery: “Light thickens” gives a visual sense of the approaching night.
- Symbolism: The crow symbolizes death and darkness.
- Themes: Nature and the Supernatural – The natural world reacts to Macbeth’s crimes.
“Good things of day begin to droop and drowse, / Whiles night’s black agents to their preys do rouse.”
- Explanation: As night falls, evil forces awaken to do their work.
- Analysis: Macbeth acknowledges that he is among these “black agents” (murderers).
- Themes: Evil and Darkness – Macbeth fully embraces his role as a villain.
“Thou marvel’st at my words, but hold thee still. / Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.”
- Explanation: Macbeth notices Lady Macbeth’s reaction but tells her to stay silent. He justifies that once one crime is committed, more must follow.
- Analysis: He believes that he cannot stop killing now; each crime leads to another.
- Themes: Moral Corruption – Macbeth acknowledges his evil but refuses to stop.
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