English 10h
Reading Journal
Macbeth
Macbeth 1.2-1.3
Assignment: For many students, reading Shakespeare is arduous work. Diligent students, who regularly
read, struggle with the most basic elements of the play like character and plot. Even honors students
lingering over Shakespeare’s poetic passages soon give up in favor of the quick fix of Sparknotes or the
like, but as in most things in life, contentious practice is ultimately rewarded. So, for the initial reading of
Macbeth, I would like you to read the Shakespearean text and respond to 5 of the following quotes on a
separate sheet of paper. This will provide you with the much needed practice of wrestling with
Shakespeare’s language and, hopefully, nurturing a rewarding reading experience!
Each quote analysis should address the following topics:
 A translation of the line in your own words (DO NOT SIMPLY COPY NO FEAR SHAKESPEARE)
 An explanation of what is immediately happening at the time the quote is said (Context)
 A brief analysis of the significance of the quote to the entire play thus far
SAMPLE – Let’s say you are responding to the quote “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.12)
 Translation = What is good is bad, and what is bad is good.
 Context = Three witches have gathered to discuss a future meeting with Macbeth. This
quote is said by all three witches as they depart, presumably to meet up with Macbeth
after the war is over (“when the battle is lost and won”).
 Significance = Clearly the air of act 1, scene 1 is enchanted – with witches and their
familiars evoked with possibly dubious intent. The fair is foul line itself suggests a
conjuring of sorts, which may prove to be evil, but at this earl y stage of the play is at
best ambiguous. Still the line speaks of a contradiction between what is good and what
is bad. This forebodes ironic characters and situations, for nothing in this play may be
what it appears.
Now, you give it a go as you read 1.2-1.3 [Remember, you only need to respond to 5 TOTAL!]
1.2 Quotes:
1. “Doubtful it stood,/As two spent simmers that do cling together/And choke their art.” (1.2.9-10)
2. “So from that spring whence comfort seemed to come/Discomfort swells” (1.2.29-30)
3. “What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won.” (1.2.78)
1.3 Quotes:
1. “So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” (1.3.39)
2. “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!/ All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of
Cawdor!/ All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (1.3.51-53)
3. “Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear/Things that do sound so fair?” (1.3.54-55)
4. “If you can look into the seeds of time/And say which grain will grow and which will not./Speak,
then, to me” (1.3.61-63)
5. “The Thane of Cawdor lives. Why do you dress me/In borrowed robes?” (1.3.114-115)
6. “Present fears/Are less than horrible imaginings.” (1.3.150-151)
7. “New honors come upon him,/Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mold/But with the
aid of use.” (1.3.160-162)