Lady Macbeth Convinces Macbeth To Kill Duncan Quote
William Shakespeare's Macbeth is a tragedy that tells the story of a brave Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become the King of Scotland. Blinded by his ambition, Macbeth is persuaded by his wife, Lady Macbeth, to kill King Duncan, the current king of Scotland. In this article, we will explore Lady Macbeth's convincing words to Macbeth that led him to commit the heinous act of regicide.
"Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it."
One of the most famous quotes from Lady Macbeth is, "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it." This quote exemplifies Lady Macbeth's manipulative nature and her ability to convince Macbeth to commit the murder. Lady Macbeth is telling Macbeth to act innocent in front of King Duncan but to be ruthless and cunning underneath. This quote sets the tone for the rest of Lady Macbeth's convincing arguments.
"Are you a man?"
Another persuasive argument used by Lady Macbeth is questioning Macbeth's masculinity. Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth's manhood by asking him if he is a man. She is essentially saying that if he doesn't kill Duncan, he is not a real man. This challenge to his masculinity is a powerful motivator for Macbeth to commit the murder.
"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."
One of the most chilling quotes from Lady Macbeth is when she says that she would kill her own baby if she had promised to do so. This quote shows the extent of Lady Macbeth's ambition and her willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve it. She is using this quote to convince Macbeth that killing Duncan is necessary for their success.
"We fail? But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we'll not fail."
When Macbeth expresses his fear of failure, Lady Macbeth tells him to "screw [his] courage to the sticking-place." This quote means that Macbeth needs to be brave and resolute in his decision to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth is reassuring Macbeth that they will not fail as long as he is brave and determined enough.
"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."
Lady Macbeth uses the same quote twice in the play to emphasize the importance of their plan. She is telling Macbeth that just like she would kill her own baby, they need to follow through with their plan to kill Duncan. This quote is a reminder to Macbeth that they have sworn to do this and must follow through with it, no matter the consequences.
"What's done cannot be undone."
After Macbeth kills Duncan, he becomes consumed by guilt and regret. Lady Macbeth tries to console him by telling him, "What's done cannot be undone." This quote means that they cannot go back in time and change what has happened. Lady Macbeth is trying to convince Macbeth to focus on the present and not dwell on the past.
"A little water clears us of this deed."
When the guilt becomes too much for Macbeth, Lady Macbeth tells him that "a little water clears us of this deed." This quote means that they can wash away the evidence of their crime and move on. Lady Macbeth is trying to convince Macbeth that they can get away with the murder if they are careful and meticulous.
"Out, damned spot! Out, I say!"
One of the most famous quotes from Lady Macbeth is when she is sleepwalking and exclaims, "Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" This quote shows how guilt and regret have consumed Lady Macbeth. She is trying to wash away the imaginary bloodstains on her hands, but the guilt of their crime is a stain that cannot be washed away.
"I fear thy nature; It is too full o' the milk of human kindness."
When Macbeth expresses doubts about killing Duncan, Lady Macbeth tells him that he is too kind and compassionate. She says that his nature is too full of the "milk of human kindness" to commit such a heinous act. This quote is a reminder to Macbeth that he needs to be ruthless and cunning to achieve his ambition.
"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!"
One of the most powerful quotes from Lady Macbeth is when she calls upon the spirits to "unsex" her and fill her with "direst cruelty." This quote shows how Lady Macbeth is willing to sacrifice her femininity and morality to achieve her ambition. She is essentially asking to become a man so that she can be ruthless and cunning like one.
"When you durst do it, then you were a man; And, to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man."
In this quote, Lady Macbeth is telling Macbeth that he was a man when he killed Duncan. She is saying that by committing the murder, Macbeth has become more than just a man. This quote is a reminder to Macbeth that his ambition has given him power and authority.
"I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on the other."
When Macbeth is contemplating killing Duncan, he is hesitant because he has no reason to do so. Lady Macbeth tells him that his only motivation is his ambition, which is enough to justify the murder. This quote shows how Lady Macbeth's ambition has blinded her to the immorality of their actions.
"False face must hide what the false heart doth know."
When Macbeth is about to meet with the lords after killing Duncan, Lady Macbeth reminds him that he needs to put on a false face to hide his guilt. This quote means that they need to pretend that they are innocent and have no knowledge of the murder. Lady Macbeth is reminding Macbeth to be careful and not reveal their guilt.
"All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand."
In this quote, Lady Macbeth is expressing her guilt over the murder. She is saying that no amount of perfumes can wash away the guilt and regret she feels. This quote is a reminder that even though they have achieved their ambition, the cost is too high.
"What, will these hands ne'er be clean?"
When Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking, she is haunted by the guilt of their crime. She repeats the words, "What, will these hands ne'er be clean?" This quote shows how guilt and regret have consumed Lady Macbeth. She is unable to wash away the imaginary bloodstains on her hands, which symbolize the guilt of their crime.
"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."
When Macbeth learns of Lady Macbeth's death, he delivers this famous soliloquy. This quote means that life is short and meaningless. Macbeth is saying that life is like a play, full of sound and fury, but ultimately signifying nothing. This quote is a reminder that their ambition and pursuit of power have led to their downfall.
Conclusion
Lady Macbeth's convincing words to Macbeth that led him to commit the murder of King Duncan are a testament to her manipulative nature and ambition. She uses persuasive arguments, questions Macbeth's masculinity, and reminds him of his ambition to convince him to commit the heinous act of regicide. However, their ambition and pursuit of power ultimately lead to their downfall. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's guilt and regret consume them, and they realize that the cost of their ambition is too high. The tragedy of Macbeth is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of our actions.