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eliza
8/9/2025
English Literature
Macbeth 10 Key Quotes!
6,167
•
Aug 9, 2025
•
Top Macbeth Key Quotes & Analysis for GCSE Success!
E
eliza
@eliza_ckum
![МАСВЕТН
QUOTES
MACBETH-" out, out, brief candle! Life's but a
walking shadow'
[Act 5, Ssehe 2]
با
you can never catch your shadow → here it](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent-eu-central-1.knowunity.com%2FCONTENT%2FtvJoejVycHiOfkdPFHsI_image_page_1.webp&w=2048&q=75)
Macbeth Quotes Analysis: Act 2 to Act 5
This section continues with important Macbeth quotes with explanations from later in the play, focusing on the consequences of the characters' actions and their psychological states.
Quote: "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" [Act 2, Scene 2]
Macbeth expresses his guilt and the indelible nature of his crime. This quote introduces the motif of blood as a symbol of guilt that recurs throughout the play.
Highlight: This quote can be linked to Lady Macbeth's later sleepwalking scene, where she tries to wash away imaginary bloodstains, showing how guilt eventually consumes both characters.
Quote: "Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow" [Act 5, Scene 5]
In this soliloquy, Macbeth reflects on the futility and brevity of life. The metaphor of life as a "brief candle" emphasizes the temporary nature of existence and power.
Analysis: This quote represents Macbeth's moment of realization about the consequences of his actions and the emptiness of his ambition.
Quote: "Full of scorpions is my mind" [Act 3, Scene 2]
Macbeth's statement reveals his tormented mental state and the poisonous effect of his actions on his psyche. The metaphor of scorpions vividly illustrates his inner turmoil.
Vocabulary: Soliloquy - A dramatic device in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud when alone, revealing their inner feelings to the audience.
The transformation of characters is a key theme in the play. Macbeth evolves from being described as "brave" in Act 1 to a "tyrant" by Act 5, illustrating the corrupting influence of power and ambition.
Lady Macbeth Quotes: Lady Macbeth's character arc is particularly striking. Her early strength and ambition, seen in quotes like "From the crown to the toe, top-full of direst cruelty" [Act 1, Scene 5], contrast sharply with her later descent into madness and guilt.
These Macbeth key quotes and analysis for GCSE provide insight into the complex themes and character development in Shakespeare's tragedy. Students preparing for their English literature exams should focus on understanding the context and significance of these quotes within the larger narrative of the play.
![МАСВЕТН
QUOTES
MACBETH-" out, out, brief candle! Life's but a
walking shadow'
[Act 5, Ssehe 2]
با
you can never catch your shadow → here it](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent-eu-central-1.knowunity.com%2FCONTENT%2FtvJoejVycHiOfkdPFHsI_image_page_2.webp&w=2048&q=75)
Macbeth Quotes Analysis: Act 1 to Act 2
This section examines key quotes from the early parts of Macbeth, providing short analysis of Macbeth quotes for GCSE students. These quotes set the stage for the play's themes and character development.
Quote: "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" [Act 1, Scene 1]
This line, spoken by the witches, encapsulates the play's central theme of moral ambiguity. It suggests that appearances can be deceiving and foreshadows the twisted morality that will unfold throughout the story.
Highlight: The quote "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" is echoed in Macbeth's first line, "So foul and fair a day I have not seen," establishing a connection between Macbeth and the witches.
Quote: "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't" [Act 1, Scene 5]
Lady Macbeth advises her husband to deceive others by appearing innocent while harboring evil intentions. This quote reveals Lady Macbeth's manipulative nature and the theme of deception in the play.
Vocabulary: Regicide - The act of killing a king.
Quote: "The instrument of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray's in deepest consequence" [Act 1, Scene 3]
Banquo warns Macbeth about the witches' prophecies, suggesting that evil forces may tell partial truths to lure people into destructive actions. This quote highlights the play's exploration of fate versus free will.
Example: The witches' prophecy that Macbeth will become king is a "truth" that leads to his downfall.
Quote: "Let not light see my black and deep desires" [Act 1, Scene 4]
This line reveals Macbeth's inner conflict and his awareness of the immoral nature of his ambitions. The metaphor of light represents God, morality, and public scrutiny.
Definition: Patriarchy - A system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it.
The play explores the dangers of patriarchy, as seen in Lady Macbeth's manipulation of Macbeth's masculinity to spur him to action.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Top Macbeth Key Quotes & Analysis for GCSE Success!
E
eliza
@eliza_ckum
Macbeth is a tragic play by William Shakespeare that explores themes of ambition, power, and guilt. The story follows the titular character's descent into madness and tyranny after he murders the king to fulfill a prophecy. Key quotes in Macbeth... Show more
Macbeth Quotes Analysis: Act 2 to Act 5
This section continues with important Macbeth quotes with explanations from later in the play, focusing on the consequences of the characters' actions and their psychological states.
Quote: "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" [Act 2, Scene 2]
Macbeth expresses his guilt and the indelible nature of his crime. This quote introduces the motif of blood as a symbol of guilt that recurs throughout the play.
Highlight: This quote can be linked to Lady Macbeth's later sleepwalking scene, where she tries to wash away imaginary bloodstains, showing how guilt eventually consumes both characters.
Quote: "Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow" [Act 5, Scene 5]
In this soliloquy, Macbeth reflects on the futility and brevity of life. The metaphor of life as a "brief candle" emphasizes the temporary nature of existence and power.
Analysis: This quote represents Macbeth's moment of realization about the consequences of his actions and the emptiness of his ambition.
Quote: "Full of scorpions is my mind" [Act 3, Scene 2]
Macbeth's statement reveals his tormented mental state and the poisonous effect of his actions on his psyche. The metaphor of scorpions vividly illustrates his inner turmoil.
Vocabulary: Soliloquy - A dramatic device in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud when alone, revealing their inner feelings to the audience.
The transformation of characters is a key theme in the play. Macbeth evolves from being described as "brave" in Act 1 to a "tyrant" by Act 5, illustrating the corrupting influence of power and ambition.
Lady Macbeth Quotes: Lady Macbeth's character arc is particularly striking. Her early strength and ambition, seen in quotes like "From the crown to the toe, top-full of direst cruelty" [Act 1, Scene 5], contrast sharply with her later descent into madness and guilt.
These Macbeth key quotes and analysis for GCSE provide insight into the complex themes and character development in Shakespeare's tragedy. Students preparing for their English literature exams should focus on understanding the context and significance of these quotes within the larger narrative of the play.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Macbeth Quotes Analysis: Act 1 to Act 2
This section examines key quotes from the early parts of Macbeth, providing short analysis of Macbeth quotes for GCSE students. These quotes set the stage for the play's themes and character development.
Quote: "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" [Act 1, Scene 1]
This line, spoken by the witches, encapsulates the play's central theme of moral ambiguity. It suggests that appearances can be deceiving and foreshadows the twisted morality that will unfold throughout the story.
Highlight: The quote "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" is echoed in Macbeth's first line, "So foul and fair a day I have not seen," establishing a connection between Macbeth and the witches.
Quote: "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't" [Act 1, Scene 5]
Lady Macbeth advises her husband to deceive others by appearing innocent while harboring evil intentions. This quote reveals Lady Macbeth's manipulative nature and the theme of deception in the play.
Vocabulary: Regicide - The act of killing a king.
Quote: "The instrument of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray's in deepest consequence" [Act 1, Scene 3]
Banquo warns Macbeth about the witches' prophecies, suggesting that evil forces may tell partial truths to lure people into destructive actions. This quote highlights the play's exploration of fate versus free will.
Example: The witches' prophecy that Macbeth will become king is a "truth" that leads to his downfall.
Quote: "Let not light see my black and deep desires" [Act 1, Scene 4]
This line reveals Macbeth's inner conflict and his awareness of the immoral nature of his ambitions. The metaphor of light represents God, morality, and public scrutiny.
Definition: Patriarchy - A system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it.
The play explores the dangers of patriarchy, as seen in Lady Macbeth's manipulation of Macbeth's masculinity to spur him to action.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user