Act 3 Scene 1 Macbeth Quote Analysis
Introduction
Act 3 Scene 1 of Macbeth is one of the most important scenes in the play. It is the scene where Macbeth's ambition starts to take over, and we see the beginning of his downfall. In this article, we will analyze some of the most significant quotes from this scene and their importance in the play.
"To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus"
This quote is spoken by Macbeth, and it shows his ambition and desire for power. He is saying that being the king is not enough; he needs to be secure in his position. This quote shows that Macbeth is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his power, even if it means killing more people.
"We have scorched the snake, not killed it"
This quote is spoken by Macbeth, and it refers to Banquo. Macbeth has just ordered the murder of Banquo, but he is not convinced that Banquo is truly dead. This quote shows Macbeth's paranoia and fear that his actions will come back to haunt him.
"Better be with the dead, whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace"
This quote is spoken by Macbeth, and it shows his guilt and remorse for the murders he has committed. He is saying that it would be better to be dead than to live with the guilt of what they have done. This quote is significant because it shows that Macbeth still has some humanity left in him, and he is not completely consumed by his ambition.
"Things bad begun make themselves strong by ill"
This quote is spoken by Macbeth, and it shows his realization that his actions have set in motion a chain of events that will only lead to more violence and bloodshed. He understands that his initial decision to kill Duncan has led to the deaths of many more people and that there is no going back.
"I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er"
This quote is spoken by Macbeth, and it shows his desperation and despair. He is saying that he has gone too far to turn back now and that going forward is just as difficult as going back. This quote shows that Macbeth is trapped in his own ambition and cannot escape the consequences of his actions.
"Oh, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!"
This quote is spoken by Macbeth, and it shows his mental state. He is tormented by guilt and paranoia, and he cannot escape the thoughts that plague him. This quote is significant because it shows how far Macbeth has fallen and how much he has changed since the beginning of the play.
"Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble"
This quote is spoken by the three witches, and it is one of the most famous quotes from the play. It refers to the witches' brewing of a potion that will allow Macbeth to see the future. This quote is significant because it shows the supernatural elements of the play and how the witches are able to manipulate the events that take place.
"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes"
This quote is also spoken by the witches, and it refers to Macbeth's arrival. The witches sense that something evil is coming, and they are referring to Macbeth's descent into darkness. This quote is significant because it foreshadows the events that will take place later in the play.
"I'll make assurance double sure, and take a bond of fate. Thou shalt not live, that I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies, and sleep in spite of thunder"
This quote is spoken by Macbeth, and it shows his determination to eliminate any threats to his power. He is saying that he will make sure Banquo is dead so that he can sleep soundly and not be haunted by fear. This quote shows Macbeth's willingness to do whatever it takes to maintain his power.
"Come, seeling night, scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day"
This quote is spoken by Macbeth, and it shows his desire for darkness and secrecy. He is saying that he wants the night to cover up the evil deeds he has done and hide them from the light of day. This quote is significant because it shows Macbeth's fear of being exposed and his desire to keep his actions hidden.
"Naught's had, all's spent, where our desire is got without content"
This quote is spoken by Lady Macbeth, and it shows her dissatisfaction with their current situation. She is saying that they have achieved their desire for power, but they are not happy or content. This quote is significant because it shows the consequences of unchecked ambition and how it can lead to a never-ending cycle of desire and dissatisfaction.
"What's done is done"
This quote is spoken by Lady Macbeth, and it shows her resolve to move forward and not dwell on the past. She is saying that they cannot change what they have done, and they must accept the consequences of their actions. This quote is significant because it shows the differences in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's characters and how they deal with guilt and remorse.
"Out, damned spot! Out, I say!"
This quote is spoken by Lady Macbeth, and it shows her guilt and madness. She is trying to wash away the imaginary bloodstains on her hands, but she cannot rid herself of the guilt she feels. This quote is significant because it shows the consequences of unchecked ambition and how it can lead to madness and despair.
Conclusion
Act 3 Scene 1 of Macbeth is a pivotal scene in the play. It shows the beginning of Macbeth's downfall and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The quotes analyzed in this article demonstrate the characters' mental states, their motivations, and their actions. These quotes are significant because they show how the characters are changing and how their decisions are affecting the events of the play.
