Quote 1
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not. (Shakespeare, Act 1, Scene 3)
This quote is from a short monologue of Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 3. The witches predict that Macbeth is the future king of the country. Although the character still wonders the reliability of the prediction after hearing it, he mentions the idea of “murder” for the first time while no one has said anything about it. Here , even though Macbeth does not realize himself, his ambition is awakened for the first time.
Quote2
The castle of Macduff I will surprise,
Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o’ the sword
His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls
That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;(170)
This deed I'll do before this purpose cool.
But no more sights!–Where are these gentlemen?
Come, bring me where they are. (Shakespeare Act 4, Scene 1)
Macbeth is speaking about the necessity of killing Macduff’s family. The witches predict that Macduff may harm Macbeth. The prediction becomes the catalyst again and makes Macbeth decide to murder Macduff’s family in order to make sure his own safety. Apparently he’s determination is continuously becoming stronger. He no longer struggles with moral justice and this is when Macbeth’s ambition reaches a climax.
Quote 3:
She should have died hereafter;
There would have been a time for such a word.
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. 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. (Shakespeare, Act 5, Scene 5)
This is the scene where Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth dies. At the present stage, Macbeth’s ambition has gained him power and has satisfied all the desires he wants. However, the blind ambition also causes Macbeth’s mental illness and his despair when facing the world. Macbeth acts bleakly after the pathetic death of his wife. I thought that this quote represented the theme very well because it shows that being overly ambitious can cause negative impact.
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not. (Shakespeare, Act 1, Scene 3)
This quote is from a short monologue of Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 3. The witches predict that Macbeth is the future king of the country. Although the character still wonders the reliability of the prediction after hearing it, he mentions the idea of “murder” for the first time while no one has said anything about it. Here , even though Macbeth does not realize himself, his ambition is awakened for the first time.
Quote2
The castle of Macduff I will surprise,
Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o’ the sword
His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls
That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool;(170)
This deed I'll do before this purpose cool.
But no more sights!–Where are these gentlemen?
Come, bring me where they are. (Shakespeare Act 4, Scene 1)
Macbeth is speaking about the necessity of killing Macduff’s family. The witches predict that Macduff may harm Macbeth. The prediction becomes the catalyst again and makes Macbeth decide to murder Macduff’s family in order to make sure his own safety. Apparently he’s determination is continuously becoming stronger. He no longer struggles with moral justice and this is when Macbeth’s ambition reaches a climax.
Quote 3:
She should have died hereafter;
There would have been a time for such a word.
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. 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. (Shakespeare, Act 5, Scene 5)
This is the scene where Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth dies. At the present stage, Macbeth’s ambition has gained him power and has satisfied all the desires he wants. However, the blind ambition also causes Macbeth’s mental illness and his despair when facing the world. Macbeth acts bleakly after the pathetic death of his wife. I thought that this quote represented the theme very well because it shows that being overly ambitious can cause negative impact.
