Explication of Important Quotes from Act 1 of Shakespeare's Macbeth

Macbeth Quote Explications – Act I (1)

Theme: Fair and Foul

Quote: “There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face: he was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust.” (I, IV)

Explication: King Duncan says this to Malcolm after he learns of Cawdor’s death. The reader can infer that King Duncan previously had a close, trusting relationship with the Thane of Cawdor, before he joined the rebellion. Cawdor can also be characterized as a deceitful person. This quote also foreshadows another situation in which King Duncan is betrayed by another person, who is close to him, such as when Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plot to kill him to gain the throne. This quote relates to the theme of “fair and foul” because King Duncan is deceived by someone whom he perceives as fair. He was fooled by Cawdor’s impression because he was not aware of his true character.

Theme: Dark vs. Light

Quote: “Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires: the eye wink at the hand; yet let that be which the eye fears, when it is done, to see.” (I,IV)

Explication: Macbeth says this to himself after he has been announced as the Thane of Cawdor and Malcolm has been named The Prince of Cumberland by his father, King Duncan. Macbeth whispers this quote to himself almost as if he is annoyed that he has to overcome another obstacle in order to gain the throne. Significantly, this quote serves to show Macbeth is afraid of his prophecy, but at the same time enthralled by it. He is frightened by his desire to be King, because it means that King Duncan, who he is loyal to, must die, most likely by his hands. Light vs. Dark related to this quote because is directly symbolizes characteristics of Macbeth; the light represents his goodness and loyalty to King Duncan, while the dark is symbolic of his dark desires.

Theme: Gender Roles

Quote: “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full of direst cruelty!” (I, V)

Explication: Lady Macbeth says this to herself after a messenger informs her that King Duncan is coming to visit her and Macbeth at their castle. She sees an opportunity to get rid of King Duncan, so that Macbeth can take the throne, and she does everything in her power to follow through with it. This quote serves to characterize Lady Macbeth as selfish, merciless, and inconsiderate. She is an evil person, who is seeking power and wealth, as well as a negative influence on her husband. Macbeth eventually comes to his senses and realizes the magnitude of the crime he might commit, but Lady Macbeth brainwashes him into doing it by telling him he will do it if he is man. This quote relates to the theme because Lady Macbeth says she would kill King Duncan herself if she were not restricted by being a female. She also questions Macbeth’s masculinity, arguing that he should take control and kill King Duncan since he is the man.