In Act 1 of Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," several significant quotes are introduced that foreshadow the events to come and reveal the characters' motivations and desires. These quotes serve as important pieces of the puzzle that help to build the overall theme and plot of the play.
One such quote is spoken by the witches, who declare "fair is foul, and foul is fair" (1.1.10). This statement not only reflects the twisted nature of the witches, but also foreshadows the theme of appearance versus reality that runs throughout the play. The phrase suggests that things are not always as they seem, and this theme is evident in the characters' actions as they deceive and manipulate others in order to achieve their own ends.
Another significant quote in Act 1 is spoken by Macbeth himself, after he receives news that he has been named Thane of Cawdor. He says, "Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor. The greatest is behind" (1.3.123-124). This quote reveals Macbeth's ambitious nature and his desire for power. It also foreshadows his eventual murder of King Duncan, as he sees the throne as the next step in his climb to the top.
Lady Macbeth is also introduced in Act 1, and one of her most famous quotes is "unsex me here" (1.5.40). This statement reveals Lady Macbeth's desire to be rid of her femininity and the societal expectations that come with it in order to be able to carry out her plan to murder Duncan. It also foreshadows her own descent into madness later in the play as she struggles with the guilt of her actions.
Overall, the quotes in Act 1 of "Macbeth" serve to introduce the themes and characters of the play, and to set the stage for the events that will unfold. They provide insight into the motivations and desires of the characters, and hint at the consequences of their actions.
Macbeth ââŹâ Quotes Act 1&2
So foul and fair a day I have not seen. When I burned in desire to question them further, they made themselves air, into which they vanished. This guest of summer, The temple-haunting martlet, does approve, By his loved mansionry, that the heaven's breath Smells wooingly here: no jutty, frieze, Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird 440 Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle : Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed, The air is delicate. She doubts that he will be able to do what needs to be done in order for him to gain power. When you durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man. To the Greeks, such arrogance in human behavior was punishable by terrible vengeance.
Think upon what hath chanced, and, at more time, The interim having weigh'd it, let us speak 270 Our free hearts each to other. Macbeth If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs against the use of nature? Liars faking sorrow and suspect relatives. This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good. We are sent 205 To give thee from our royal master thanks; Only to herald thee into his sight, Not pay thee. What are these So wither'd and so wild in their attire, 140 That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth, And yet are on't? An example of a quest is in the movie, Shrek. Your face, my thane, is as a book where men may read strange matters. Silenced with that, In viewing o'er the rest o' the selfsame day, He finds thee in the stout Norweyan ranks, Nothing afeard of what thyself didst make, Strange images of death.
Context: Lady Macbeth is kindly welcoming Duncan and greeting him with respect, and her tone and word choice make it seem as though nothing is wrong. Duncan What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won. Thou'rt mad to say it: Is not thy master with him? Duncan The service and the loyalty I owe in doing it pays itself. Away, and mock the time with fairest show. As thick as tale Can post with post, and every one did bear Thy praises in his kingdom's great defense, And poured them down before him. Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? Whence camest thou, worthy thane? We will proceed no further in this business : He hath honour'd me of late; and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, 510 Not cast aside so soon.
Macbeth. Significant quotes and their meanings from Acts 1
To motivate him, she talks about nursing her child and the joy it gave her. This signals that Macbeth is now a favoured general with the king. Lady Macbeth Give me your hand. Macbeth Who was the Thane lives yet, but under heavy judgment bears that life which he deserves to lose. Malcolm Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it. Macbeth Was the hope drunk wherein you dressed yourself? In thunder, lightning, or in rain? It is the shortest of Shakespeare 's tragedies, and has a very fast pace. Where's the thane of Cawdor? If the assassination of the king could work like a net, preventing any consequences, then the murder would be the end of the whole affair.
Lady Macbeth This castle hath a pleasant seat. From hence to Inverness , And bind us further to you. I am Thane of Cawdor. As whence the sun 'gins his reflection Shipwrecking storms and direful thunders break, 45 So from that spring whence comfort seem'd to come Discomfort swells. Banquo See, see our honored hostess! He is full so valiant, and in his commendations I am fed: is it a banquet to me. If the witches prediction about him becoming Thane of Cawdor is correct, does this also mean he will become king? To alter favor ever is to fear. Also, this doubt shows their relationship to be weak from the outset, which explains why he reacts so emotionlessly to her eventual death.
Cousins, a word, I pray you. Macbeth's admiration for his wife's strength of will is expressed in gender related termsâany children she bears must surely be male, so strong and cruel is her character. Life's but a walking shadow; a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. When you durst do it, then you were a man; and to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man. Your servants ever Have theirs, themselves and what is theirs, in compt, To make their audit at your highness' pleasure, 465 Still to return your own.
Hath he ask'd for me? For the Jacobeans who frequently witnessed executions by beheading, the prisoner pledging loyalty at the last minute was frequently rewarded with pardon. . It also hints at the percariousness of life and patronage in feudal systems. She knows her husband's weaknesses intimatelyâprobably better than does Macbeth himselfâand is determined to overcome them so that Macbeth's destiny is fulfilled. They have made themselves, and that their fitness now Does unmake you.
Ross We are sent to give thee from our royal master thanks, only to herald thee into his sight, not pay thee. First Witch He shall live a man forbid. Malcolm Doubtful it stood, as two spent swimmers that do cling together and choke their art. To beguile the time, look like the time. Duncan What a haste looks through his eyes! Do you not hope your children shall be kings when those that gave the Thane of Cawdor to me promised no less to them? She is only concerned about his advancement of power, and how it pertains to her advancement of power. As the play goes on, several internal The Character of Macbeth The Character of Macbeth The play 'Macbeth ' is a portrait of one man, Macbeth, showing how he changes. Fair and noble hostess, We are your guest to-night.
He has just honored me, and I have earned a good opinion from everyone. My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of man that function is smothered in surmise, and nothing is but what is not. Death in infancy was much more common in Shakespeare's time than it is now. Only I have left to say, more is thy due than more than all can pay. Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. He has almost supp'd: why have you left the chamber? Not so happy, yet much happier. Lady Macbeth's superhuman strength of will is to the fore here as she continues to criticise her husband's lack of resolve and even question his manhood.
Macbeth Quotes: 60 Significant Quotes From Macbethâď¸
This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself Unto our gentle senses. Lady Macbeth Only look up clear. Again, this illustrates his mental deterioration. Here, he wishes that the murder of Duncan would by itself propel him to the throne, without any other repercussions. Two truths are told, 240 As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme.
