Examples of Macbeth's Cruelty

Examples of Macbeth's Cruelty

1. "Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond which keeps me pale!"

   • Macbeth wishes for there to be nothing to scare him/stand in his way (Banquo)

2. "But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn."

   • Macbeth becomes complacent in thinking that nothing/nobody can harm him

3. "I am in blood, stepp'd in so far that, should i wade no more, returning were as tedious go o'er."

   • Macbeth reflects that there is no turning back from his evil course

4. "Give to the edge o' the sword, his wife his babes and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line."

   • Macbeth orders for Macduff's family and friends to all be slaughtered

5. "If th'assassination could trammel up the consequences."

   • Macbeth wonders if he can kill Duncan without facing any consequences

6. "Is this a dagger I see before me, the handle towards my hand."

   • Macbeth sees the vision of the bloody dagger leading the way