Macbeth revision

Macbeth revision

1. Fair is foul , foul is fair

   • this is a warning for Macbeths future deeds.
   • Ambiguous. multiple intepretations
   • shows Macbeth is about to enter a world he cannot trust

2. we have scotch'd the snake not killed it

   • shows lack of morality
   • scotch'd means injured
   • sibilance, shows whispering, reflects secrecy

3. better be with the dead whom we to gain our peace have sent to peace

   • macbeth would prefer to be dead.
   • macbeth think we only the dead get peace
   • signs of regret
   • troubled by his actions.

4. treason has done his worst

   • personification
   • betrayal against royalty

5. restless ecstasy

   • oxymoron
   • restless - tired
   • paradise , hyper activity

6. My worthy cawdor

   • ducan says this when macbeth becomes thane
   • ironic / foreshadowing as macbeth becomes disloyal and commits regicide
   • Duncan says this as previous thane was disloyal

7. never shake thy glory locks at me

   • this reflects Macbeths guilt about killing baquo
   • represents Banquo shaking his head in disappointment at how macbeth has become

8. out damned spot

   • lady Macbeth feels guilty about her and her husbands actions
   • she cannot wash the blood off her hands

9. Macbeth is described as a tragic hero

   • this is when a character has an imperfection which leads to their downfall
   • macbeths imperfection is his ambition