Explication of Important Quotes from Act 3 of Shakespeare's Macbeth

Macbeth Quote Explications – Act III (3)

Theme: Gender Roles

Quote: “…Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man?” (III, IV)

Explication: At dinner, as Macbeth is having an episode, Lady Macbeth quickly interrupts her husband’s alarming behavior. Ghostly hallucinations haunt Macbeth because he has just issued his friend, Banquo, his demise. The possibility that Macbeth is actually witnessing Banquo’s vengeful soul is slim, so he is probably just folding under the weight of all the guilt he has amounted. During his outbreak, Lady Macbeth’s line, “Are you a man?” is significant because it characterizes Macbeth’s behavior as being feminine and weak. Macbeth has now killed several people and has been appointed to the throne, so he should not be frightened by what he is seeing. This quote reflects the “Gender Roles” theme because Lady Macbeth, who is a woman, is questioning Macbeth’s masculinity, as well as his dedication to their plan.

Theme: Nature

Quote: “ There the grown serpent lies; the worm that’s fled hath nature that in time will venom breed.” (III,IV)

Explication: A terrible deed has just been enacted. Banquo’s murderers return to Macbeth’s castle to inform him of their success. However, Fleance, Banquo’s son, escaped from death’s reach and is a witness to the crime. Complications remain unsettled for Macbeth; Fleance is still alive; therefore, his position in the throne lacks security, since Fleance is prophesized to become a king. This quote serves to be significant by revealing Macbeth’s feelings towards Banquo and Fleance. Serpents are seen as evil, unfavorable, and harmful creatures, so it is appropriate that he refers to them as serpents because he views them as impediments to his glory.

Theme: Light vs. Dark

Quote: “A light, a light/ Who did strike out the light?” (III, III)

Explication: The second murderer whispers “a light, a light” when he spots Banquo and Fleance on their way to the Banquet at Macbeth’s Castle. The three murderers, who were hired by Macbeth, are moments away from killing Banquo. It is important to pay close attention to the light in this situation, because it is present for several reasons. Light signifies knowledge and goodness. Taking that into consideration, one reason the light is significant can be deciphered to mean that the murderers believed they were doing a good deed for Macbeth, their King. However, the light is extinguished, surrounding them in darkness, which signifies evil and lack of knowledge in their case, so their good deed is actually backed by evil motives of which they were unaware.