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.
