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Dec 22, 2025

3 pages

Annotated Soliloquies of Macbeth

M

Matilda Fenn

@matildafenn_ikwp

Macbeth's internal battle and Lady Macbeth's manipulation are crucial turning... Show more

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MACBETH'S SOLILOQUY
doubts
knows he'll back out
If it were done when/'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination

Macbeth's Internal Struggle - The Famous Soliloquy

Ever wondered what goes through someone's mind before they commit the ultimate crime? Macbeth's soliloquy shows us exactly that - a man torn between ambition and conscience.

Macbeth knows that if he's going to assassinate Duncan, it needs to be done quickly and cleanly. He desperately wants to avoid any consequences, hoping this "one blow" will be the "be-all and the end-all" - but deep down, he knows that's impossible.

The metaphor of the "poisoned chalice" is brilliant here - Macbeth realises that violence teaches violence, and what goes around comes around. He's basically saying that if he murders Duncan, someone will eventually murder him too.

Notice how Macbeth avoids saying "murder" directly? He calls it "the deed" or "assassination" because he can't face what he's really planning. His only motivation is "vaulting ambition" - and even he admits that's not enough reason to kill a good king.

Key Insight: Macbeth's conscience is still fighting his ambition at this point - he knows right from wrong but is being pulled towards evil.

MACBETH'S SOLILOQUY
doubts
knows he'll back out
If it were done when/'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination

Lady Macbeth's First Soliloquy - The Manipulator Revealed

This is our first proper look at Lady Macbeth, and honestly, she's terrifying. After reading Macbeth's letter about the witches' prophecy, she immediately starts plotting Duncan's murder - no hesitation, no moral struggle.

Lady Macbeth fears that Macbeth is "too full o' the milk of human kindness" to do what needs doing. This metaphor shows she sees his compassion as weakness, not strength. She knows he's ambitious but lacks the ruthlessness to "play false."

Her plan is chilling - she wants to "pour my spirits in thine ear" and use her words as weapons to manipulate him. This echoes the biblical story of temptation, with Lady Macbeth as the corrupting influence who will destroy Macbeth's goodness.

What's most shocking is how quickly and confidently she jumps to murder as the solution. Whilst Macbeth agonises over the morality, Lady Macbeth sees only the practical steps needed to gain power.

Key Insight: Lady Macbeth's words are her greatest weapon - she understands exactly how to manipulate her husband's weaknesses.

MACBETH'S SOLILOQUY
doubts
knows he'll back out
If it were done when/'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination

Lady Macbeth's Manipulation Masterclass

This scene shows Lady Macbeth at her most manipulative and ruthless. Her speech to the spirits reveals the terrifying lengths she'll go to achieve her goals.

Lady Macbeth asks evil spirits to "unsex me here" and fill her with cruelty. She literally wants to remove her feminine qualities (which Jacobeans associated with gentleness) and replace them with masculine ruthlessness. She's asking to have her capacity for remorse completely removed.

When Macbeth arrives and mentions Duncan's visit, her response is immediate: "O, never shall sun that morrow see!" There's no doubt, no hesitation - just cold determination to commit regicide.

Her most famous advice uses the metaphor of appearing like an "innocent flower" but being "the serpent under't." This biblical imagery connects Lady Macbeth to the serpent that tempted Eve, positioning her as the ultimate deceiver.

Notice how she takes complete control of the situation, telling Macbeth to leave everything to her. She's recognised his weakness and stepped in as the dominant partner in their murderous partnership.

Key Insight: Lady Macbeth's manipulation works because she understands Macbeth's character better than he understands himself - she knows exactly which buttons to push.



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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?

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Most popular content: Macbeth

Most popular content in English Literature

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Students love us — and so will you.

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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

 

English Literature

196

Dec 22, 2025

3 pages

Annotated Soliloquies of Macbeth

M

Matilda Fenn

@matildafenn_ikwp

Macbeth's internal battle and Lady Macbeth's manipulation are crucial turning points in Shakespeare's darkest tragedy. These soliloquies reveal the psychological warfare happening inside both characters as they contemplate regicide and the consequences that follow.

MACBETH'S SOLILOQUY
doubts
knows he'll back out
If it were done when/'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Macbeth's Internal Struggle - The Famous Soliloquy

Ever wondered what goes through someone's mind before they commit the ultimate crime? Macbeth's soliloquy shows us exactly that - a man torn between ambition and conscience.

Macbeth knows that if he's going to assassinate Duncan, it needs to be done quickly and cleanly. He desperately wants to avoid any consequences, hoping this "one blow" will be the "be-all and the end-all" - but deep down, he knows that's impossible.

The metaphor of the "poisoned chalice" is brilliant here - Macbeth realises that violence teaches violence, and what goes around comes around. He's basically saying that if he murders Duncan, someone will eventually murder him too.

Notice how Macbeth avoids saying "murder" directly? He calls it "the deed" or "assassination" because he can't face what he's really planning. His only motivation is "vaulting ambition" - and even he admits that's not enough reason to kill a good king.

Key Insight: Macbeth's conscience is still fighting his ambition at this point - he knows right from wrong but is being pulled towards evil.

MACBETH'S SOLILOQUY
doubts
knows he'll back out
If it were done when/'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Lady Macbeth's First Soliloquy - The Manipulator Revealed

This is our first proper look at Lady Macbeth, and honestly, she's terrifying. After reading Macbeth's letter about the witches' prophecy, she immediately starts plotting Duncan's murder - no hesitation, no moral struggle.

Lady Macbeth fears that Macbeth is "too full o' the milk of human kindness" to do what needs doing. This metaphor shows she sees his compassion as weakness, not strength. She knows he's ambitious but lacks the ruthlessness to "play false."

Her plan is chilling - she wants to "pour my spirits in thine ear" and use her words as weapons to manipulate him. This echoes the biblical story of temptation, with Lady Macbeth as the corrupting influence who will destroy Macbeth's goodness.

What's most shocking is how quickly and confidently she jumps to murder as the solution. Whilst Macbeth agonises over the morality, Lady Macbeth sees only the practical steps needed to gain power.

Key Insight: Lady Macbeth's words are her greatest weapon - she understands exactly how to manipulate her husband's weaknesses.

MACBETH'S SOLILOQUY
doubts
knows he'll back out
If it were done when/'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Lady Macbeth's Manipulation Masterclass

This scene shows Lady Macbeth at her most manipulative and ruthless. Her speech to the spirits reveals the terrifying lengths she'll go to achieve her goals.

Lady Macbeth asks evil spirits to "unsex me here" and fill her with cruelty. She literally wants to remove her feminine qualities (which Jacobeans associated with gentleness) and replace them with masculine ruthlessness. She's asking to have her capacity for remorse completely removed.

When Macbeth arrives and mentions Duncan's visit, her response is immediate: "O, never shall sun that morrow see!" There's no doubt, no hesitation - just cold determination to commit regicide.

Her most famous advice uses the metaphor of appearing like an "innocent flower" but being "the serpent under't." This biblical imagery connects Lady Macbeth to the serpent that tempted Eve, positioning her as the ultimate deceiver.

Notice how she takes complete control of the situation, telling Macbeth to leave everything to her. She's recognised his weakness and stepped in as the dominant partner in their murderous partnership.

Key Insight: Lady Macbeth's manipulation works because she understands Macbeth's character better than he understands himself - she knows exactly which buttons to push.

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.

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Most popular content: Macbeth

Most popular content in English Literature

Most popular content

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