question archive "Out, damned spot! Out, I say! [
"Out, damned spot! Out, I say! [
Subject:EnglishPrice: Bought3
"Out, damned spot! Out, I say! [...] What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our pow'r to accompt? Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?" Lady Macbeth
What is the nature of Lady Macbeth's guilt? What is the "spot" she is speaking of? Who is the "old man"? What is her state of mind?
"The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now? What, will these hands ne'er be clean?" Lady Macbeth
What emotion is Lady Macbeth experiencing regarding Macduff's wife? Does this suggest she knew about Macbeth's plan to have her and her children murdered? How has her character changed since Act I?
"Now does he feel His secret murders sticking on his hands Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach. Those he commands move only in command, Nothing in love. Now does he feel his title Hang loose about him, like a giant's robe Upon a dwarfish thief." Angus
Identify the simile in Angus' line. What does Angus suggest about Macbeth?
"Let them fly all! Till Birnam Wood remove to Dunsinane, I cannot taint with fear. What's the boy Malcolm? Was he not born of woman?" Macbeth
What is the reason behind Macbeth's arrogance/confidence?
"My way of life Is fallen into the sere, the yellow leaf; And that which should accompany old age, As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends I must not look to have; but, in their stead, Curses not loud but deep, mouth-honor, breath Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not." Macbeth
Does Macbeth realize what his choices have cost him? Explain?
"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." Macbeth
What are Macbeth's thoughts on life at this stage in the play? In what ways are his words prophetic?
"Of all men else I have avoided thee. But get thee back! My soul is too much charged With the blood of thine already." Macbeth
Why does Macbeth avoided Macduff? Does Macbeth feel guilt? Does this change your opinion of him?
"Yet I will try the last. Before my body I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff, And damned be him that first cried 'Hold, enough!'"
What do Macbeth's final words tell us about his character?
