Macbeth Act 1 Quotes
Fair is foul, and foul is fair (Act 1, Scene 1) – The opening line of the play suggests that appearances can be deceiving.
Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it (Act 1, Scene 4) – This quote describes the noble and graceful way in which the Thane of Cawdor faced his own execution.
This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good (Act 1, Scene 3) – Banquo questions the witches’ motivations and whether their prophecies can be trusted.
There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face (Act 1, Scene 4) – Duncan reflects on the difficulty of discerning a person’s true thoughts or intentions.
Come you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here (Act 1, Scene 5) – Lady Macbeth calls upon supernatural forces to strip her of her feminine qualities in order to commit evil deeds.
Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t (Act 1, Scene 5) – Lady Macbeth advises her husband to appear innocent and loyal, while plotting their vile deeds in secret.
I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition (Act 1, Scene 7) – Macbeth admits that his only motivation for murder is his overwhelming ambition.
But screw your courage to the sticking place, and we’ll not fail (Act 1, Scene 7) – Lady Macbeth encourages her husband to gather his courage and follow through with their plan.
Stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires (Act 1, Scene 4) – Macbeth wishes for darkness and secrecy to conceal his wicked ambitions.
The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’erleap (Act 1, Scene 4) – Macbeth contemplates the obstacles in his path to becoming king.
I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares do more is none (Act 1, Scene 7) – Macbeth questions his masculinity and whether he is capable of carrying out their ambitious plan.
All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter! (Act 1, Scene 3) – The witches’ prophecy ignites Macbeth’s ambition and sets the events of the play in motion.
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs (Act 1, Scene 3) – Macbeth questions why he is entertaining thoughts of murder if the prophecy is truly good.
Yet do I fear thy nature; it is too full o’ the milk of human kindness (Act 1, Scene 5) – Lady Macbeth worries that her husband is too kind and compassionate to carry out their plan.
False face must hide what the false heart doth know (Act 1, Scene 7) – Macbeth realizes the need to hide his dark intentions behind a false mask of loyalty and innocence.
Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? (Act 2, Scene 1) – Macbeth sees a hallucination of a floating dagger, a manifestation of his inner turmoil and guilt.
Go, bid thy mistress, when my drink is ready, she strike upon the bell (Act 1, Scene 7) – Macbeth orders a servant to notify Lady Macbeth when his drink is prepared, signaling the start of their plan.
Thou marshall’st me the way that I was going, and such an instrument I was to use (Act 1, Scene 7) – Macbeth sees himself as a tool of fate, being guided towards the path of murder and destruction.
The labour we delight in physics pain (Act 1, Scene 6) – Lady Macbeth believes that the joy they will experience as a result of their actions will offset any pain or guilt they may feel.
Doubtful it stood; as two spent swimmers, that do cling together and choke their art (Act 1, Scene 2) – The Captain describes the tense battle between the Scottish army and the rebels, emphasizing the closeness of the fight.
If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me (Act 1, Scene 3) – Banquo challenges the witches’ ability to see the future, questioning the reliability of their prophecies.
The multiplying villainies of nature do swarm upon him (Act 1, Scene 3) – The Captain describes Macbeth’s bravery in battle, but also notes the darkness that will soon consume him.
Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here (Act 1, Scene 5) – Lady Macbeth calls on supernatural forces to remove her feminine qualities and replace them with ruthless determination.
This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses (Act 1, Scene 6) – King Duncan admires the beauty of Macbeth’s castle, unaware of the evil that awaits him.
Welcome hither. I have begun to plant thee, and will labor to make thee full of growing (Act 1, Scene 4) – Duncan welcomes his new Thane of Cawdor and expresses his desire to help him flourish.
I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters (Act 2, Scene 2) – Banquo shares his dream of the witches with Macbeth, unknowingly foreshadowing the events that will unfold.
We will proceed no further in this business (Act 1, Scene 7) – Macbeth initially decides not to go through with the plan to kill Duncan, but is ultimately swayed by Lady Macbeth.
What are these, so withered, and so wild in their attire, that look not like the inhabitants o’ the earth? (Act 1, Scene 3) – Banquo questions the witches’ otherworldly appearance.
I’ll be myself the harbinger and make joyful the hearing of my wife with your approach (Act 1, Scene 6) – Macbeth plans to share the news of Duncan’s impending arrival with Lady Macbeth, preparing her for their plan.
Why do you dress me in borrowed robes? (Act 1, Scene 3) – Macbeth questions the witches’ prophecy that he will become king, as he currently holds no title of his own.
Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth (Act 4, Scene 1) – The second apparition assures Macbeth that no man born of a woman can harm him.
Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him (Act 4, Scene 1) – The third apparition informs Macbeth that he will not be defeated until the forest moves towards his castle.
By th’ clock ’tis day, And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp (Act 2, Scene 4) – Ross describes the unnatural darkness that has fallen on the night of Duncan’s murder.
Yet I do fear thy nature; it is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness (Act 1, Scene 5) – Lady Macbeth doubts Macbeth’s ability to be ruthless and cruel, believing that his compassionate nature will hinder their plans.
I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing to those that know me (Act 5, Scene 3) – Lady Macbeth reveals her guilt and madness, confessing to her doctor without giving away specific details.
Infected minds to their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets (Act 5, Scene 1) – Lady Macbeth’s doctor comments on the unconscious confessions that troubled minds often make while sleeping.
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage (Act 5, Scene 5) – Macbeth reflects on the fleeting nature of life, comparing it to a meaningless performance.
The devil himself could not pronounce a title more hateful to mine ear (Act 5, Scene 7) – Macduff expresses his hatred for Macbeth, refusing to acknowledge him as king.
I am in blood, stepped in so far that, should I wade no more (Act 3, Scene 4) – Macbeth realizes the extent to which he has immersed himself in violence and bloodshed.
Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble (Act 4, Scene 1) – The witches chant a famous spell, foreshadowing the chaos to come.
Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it (Act 1, Scene 5) – Lady Macbeth instructs Macbeth to appear innocent and harmless, while harboring evil intentions.
By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes (Act 4, Scene 1) – The witches sense Macbeth’s approach and comment on his sinister nature.
Well, may you see things well done there: adieu! (Act 2, Scene 3) – Macduff bids Duncan farewell before discovering his murder.
There’s daggers in men’s smiles (Act 2, Scene 3) – Donalbain reflects on the danger he and his brother face, realizing that even those who appear friendly may have nefarious intentions. 45. The worm that’s fled Hath nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for th’present (Act 3, Scene 4) – Macbeth speaks metaphorically about Fleance, Banquo’s son, as a potential threat in the future. 46. Now, if you have a station in the file, not i’ th’worst rank of manhood, say ‘t (Act 1, Scene 3) – Macbeth questions Banquo’s loyalty and willingness to support his ambitions. 47. The instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles (Act 1, Scene 3) – Banquo reflects on the witches’ ability to tell a mixture of truths and lies, leading them down a treacherous path. 48. Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player (Act 5, Scene 5) – Macbeth laments the brevity and meaninglessness of life, comparing it to a fleeting candle. 49. Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? (Act 2, Scene 1) – Macbeth hallucinates a dagger, reflecting his troubled state of mind. 50. To know my deed, ’twere best not know myself (Act 2, Scene 2) – Macbeth acknowledges that dwelling on his guilt will only lead to self-destruction.