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Important Quotations

Different characteristics of Macbeth throughout the play

Macbeth: "She should have died hereafter.
There would have been a time for such a word.
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time.
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle.
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."                                                                            

Act 5, Scene 5

Macbeth shows his sensitive side here by showing that the death of his wife is the ruin of his power.  He is now very depressed and talks about there is no meaning to this life.

Macbeth: "He’s here in double trust:
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself."

Act 1, Scene 7 

Macbeth knows what a good man the King is.  He also knows that welcoming a man into your home means ensuring him protection.  This is still Macbeth's kind side that struggles with doing wrong.

Malcolm: "This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, was once thought honest: you have lov'd him well."

Act 4, Scene 3

Malcolm says that the man they once loved has greatly changed, and is now evil.

 
Duncan: "What he hath lost, noble Macbeth has won."
 
(Act 1, scene 3)

King Duncan is expressing how he thinks that Macbeth is a courageous, honorable man who is deserving of a respected title.

Lady Macbeth: "I have given suck, and know
How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me:
I would, while it was smiling in my face,
Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums,
And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you
Have done to this."   
 
Act 1 Scene 7

Lady Macbeth is portraying her husband as a coward.  She thinks that she is more man than he is and he then proves her right by pretty much doing whatever she says.

Macbeth: "I am one, my liege,
Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world
Have so incensed that I am reckless what
I do to spite the world."
 
Act 3 Scene 1

Macbeth admits that he is only one man and can't do everything alone.  Even his great ambitious can't help him achieve his ultimated goal without the help of others.

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Macbeth