Monday 22nd May 2017 9am English Literature Paper 1 – 1hour 45m th
Shakespeare and the 19 ‐century novel Paper 1 – Section A, Macbeth KEY FACTS
Full Title: The Tragedy of Macbeth
Genre: Tragic drama
Setting: Scotland and, briefly, England during the
eleventh century (Although written in 1606)
Climax: Macbeth's murder of Duncan
Protagonist: Macbeth
Antagonists: The Weird Sisters (Witches) Page 1 of 26
HOW SHOULD I REVISE? 1. Firstly, you need to look at some past exam questions so you know what to expect – see pages 3
and 4. Do this now. Once completed put a tick next to this first step.
2. OK, now that you’ve done that you need to understand what to write and how to write it. You’ll
find all of this information on page 7 and 8. Read and digest this information now. Once
completed put a tick next to this second step.
3. Now you need to familiarise yourself with the playwright, the play, its characters, themes, etc.
Read pages 9 – 11. Don’t forget all the class notes & discussions! Once completed put a tick
next to this third step. Happy reading. ☺
4. Now for the most important part of your revision. Create a mindmap (preferably on A3) with a few
quotes (with page numbers) for each character as well as how these quotes link to what it shows
about the characters, Shakespeare’s ideas, effect on audience(s), devices used, etc. Use colour
and images to bring it alive; your brain likes colour and images. Tick the box when done.
5. Practise answering some of the exam questions under timed conditions – 45 minutes. Although
we’ll do one in class, the more you do, the better you’ll get. Hand to me for marking/feedback.
6. As you approach the exam look at your mindmap, ensure you know where to find your evidence
and reread this booklet.
Put in the time and it will pay off. .
Good luck Year 11.
Page 2 of 26
PAST EXAM PAPERS – Macbeth Page 3 of 26
Assesment Objectives Page 4 of 26
Marking Criteria Page 5 of 26
WHAT SHOULD I WRITE? • Firstly, underline or highlight the key word(s) in the question • Then a quick intro: answer the question in one sentence; you can mention 2 or 3 of the points you’re going to make • Now write 4 or 5 detailed PEEs. • Conclusion: in one or two sentences, sum up how the writer shows…whatever the key word is. WHAT ARE THE EXAMINERS LOOKING FOR? “Examiners are encouraged to reward any valid interpretations.” Candidate clearly explains his/her point Point, evidence and explanation Candidate uses evidence to back up points made Needed for a 4 Candidate focuses on question Candidate explains writer’s use of language and/or structure and links to context (when the play is set) / themes where appropriate Candidate also provides a convincing and critical interpretation, using their own perception. 6 grade 7/8 Page 6 of 26
SO WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE? Point: What language feature has been used? Alliteration, simile, metaphor. Evidence: Give a quotation to support your point. Explain: What is the effect of this? Does it show us something about the speaker? Their personality? Effects: What’s the impact on you? How does Shakespeare want you to feel? Analyse: How does this link to the rest of the text? Is there irony in what’s being said? Does it echo something from earlier? Does it foreshadow later events? Can you make a number of points about one quotation? Include your own personal interpretation of the quote. 4 6 7 Page 7 of 26
Exemplar answer Page 8 of 26
NOTES Shakespeare William Shakespeare developed many stories into excellent dramatisations for the Elizabethan stage. Shakespeare knew how to entertain and involve an audience with fast‐
paced plots, creative imagery, and multi‐faceted characters. Macbeth is an action‐
packed, psychological thriller that has not lost its impact in nearly four hundred years. The politically ambitious character of Macbeth is as timely today as he was to Shakespeare's audience. Social Historical Context: The Elizabethans (people during that time) believed in The Chain Great Chain of being, which was a hierarchical structure. According to this idea, everything in the world had its position fixed by God. Any attempt to break the chain of being would upset the established order and bring about universal disorder. Duncan is an example of natural power and Macbeth is an example of going against god and the chain of being. During the 1600s, people believed that powers to see the future came from the devil. The witches represent evil, darkness and chaos; they are cunning yet intelligent at the same time. The power of evil takes over Macbeth, the witches play mind games on him and so he wants to hear more, we see this in the quote "Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more." This shows that Macbeth is eager to hear what the witches have to say, their prophesies drive his thirst for power. At this point in the play, Macbeth is not an evil character ‐ he's wrestling with his conscience and torn between his ambition and his loyalty. 'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare, which is about a noble soldier who goes against what he believes in to further himself in society. Macbeth was set during the 11th Centrury where the Elizabethans believed in a hierarchical structure, known as The Great Chain of Being. According to this idea, everything in the world had its position fixed by God. Any attempt to break the chain of being would upset the established order and bring about universal disorder. Page 9 of 26
To Summarise: The play is about blindly ambitious general with a strong‐willed wife who must try to cope with the guilt engendered by their murder of an innocent king in order to further their power. Shakespeare uses the character of Macbeth to show how ambition and the love of power can destroy someone and those around them. Page 10 of 26
Plot 1. While returning from a battle victory, Macbeth, a powerful lord, meets three Witches who predict that he will become King of Scotland. 2. Macbeth tells his wife of the Witches' predictions and she encourages him to murder the current king, Duncan, who is staying with them as a guest. 3. After Macduff discovers the murder, Duncan's sons flee the country, leaving the way clear for Macbeth to become king. 4. Banquo, Macbeth's best friend, becomes suspicious of what his friend has done so Macbeth has him murdered too. 5. Macbeth pays a second visit to the Witches and receives more predictions. 6. In England, Malcolm (Duncan's elder son) and his chief supporter, Macduff, plan to invade Scotland to win back the throne. An enraged Macbeth has Macduff's wife and children killed; Macduff swears revenge. 7. Lady Macbeth suffers from guilt for what she has done and eventually commits suicide. 8. Malcolm's invasion is successful and Macduff kills Macbeth. Malcolm becomes the new King of Scotland and the country counts the cost of Macbeth's short but bloody reign. Themes Page 11 of 26
Ambition Shakespeare uses Macbeth to convey the theme of power in the play. Shakespeare shows us how ambition motivates Macbeth to commit terrible deeds, it changes him from a "valiant" soldier to a "dead butcher". The play shows how ambition is dangerous because it can quickly spiral out of control. Macbeth considers the mortality of killing Duncan, but doesn't hesitate about killing Banquo, this shows us how the thirst for power and control can make people ruthless and selfish. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are eventually destroyed by their ambition, Shakespeare teaches us a lesson, and the play can be read as a warning against ambition that isn't balanced by reason or morals. Scotland is shown as a wild and savage place ruled over by a weak king (Duncan) who relies on his warrior thanes to keep control. However, through the character of Macbeth, Shakespeare goes on to show that having too much ambition and total control of power is just as bad. By the end of the play Malcolm has become King and it seems likely that he will be much fairer and treat his people justly. In Macbeth, William Shakespeare examines the good and bad aspects of ambition and power. Some of the key aspects are: •
•
•
the fatal flaw leadership greed Page 12 of 26
Who is more ambitious, Macbeth or Lady Macbeth? •
•
•
•
Macbeth has natural ambition but this is reinforced by his meeting with the Witches and by his wife's persuasive powers. Lady Macbeth is ambitious for herself but also on her husband's behalf. For Duncan's murder, most of the plan's details are created by Lady Macbeth. Macbeth carries out the actual murder but Lady Macbeth deals with the cover up. The Macbeths act very much as a single unit, though their ambitious natures and their shared guilt eventually tear their marriage apart. Shakespeare leaves the audience to decide who is more ambitious. Evil and the supernatural •
•
Witches and witchcraft were thought to be real in Shakespeare's time In Shakespeare's time, the powers of evil were thought to be absolutely real; to most people Hell was an actual place and the Devil a constant threat to their souls. In particular there was a fascination with witches and witchcraft. Hundreds of innocent people (mostly women) were executed as suspected witches. The interest Page 13 of 26
came from the very top, led by King James I himself who published a book on the subject called Demonology. Whe Shakespeare came to write his play, he knew that his audience would find the theme of evil and the supernatural very interesting indeed. How is this shown in the play? In Macbeth, William Shakespeare uses evil and the supernatural as a background to all the events which take place. Some of the key aspects are: •
•
•
wicked thoughts and actions the activities of the Witches the disruption of nature •
•
•
•
The characters are three witches
who are mysterious and
otherworldly. They speak or chant
with a particular rhythm of their
own.
The scene is set in a wild and
unruly place and the Witches are
meeting outside in the middle of a
thunderstorm.
Their language emphasises
disruption and that everything is
confused and chaotic (eg 'Fair is
foul, and foul is fair').
The characters, setting and
language that Shakespeare uses all
combine to create a memorable
opening scene which concentrates
on evil and the supernatural.
Page 14 of 26
Reality vs Appearance Reality and appearance This important theme is introduced in the witches' chant of "Fair is foul and foul is fair". There are frequent verbal paradoxes in the play emphasising this duality, such as "when the battle's lost and won". This suggests that something may be good for some people, but bad for others. To Macbeth, the promises of the witches seem good, but this is deceptive: actually, they will destroy him. Duncan, too, makes errors, misjudging the appearance of his thanes. He has been betrayed by the first thane of Cawdor, noting ruefully, "there's no art to find the mind's construction in the face". This is echoed by Macbeth's resolve that "False face must hide what the false heart doth know". When Duncan visits Macbeth's castle, he is deceived by the tranquil atmosphere "This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself". Banquo too is taken in by the deceptive calm and beauty of the place, sensing the presence of "heaven's breath". Lady Macbeth and Macbeth pretend to welcome Duncan affectionately while harbouring murderous thoughts. As king and queen, both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth put on a false front. At the banquet, Macbeth says he will 'play' the humble host, which is appropriate, since he is not king by right, but just performing a role. Lady Macbeth's demeanour of hard control is a pretence. When she encourages her husband to be "bright and jovial" among his guests, she had just expressed her own despair: "Nought's had, all's spent". Perhaps the clearest examples of false appearance are in the promises made by the witches' apparitions: "None of woman born shall harm Macbeth"; "Fear not, till Birnam Wood do come to Dunsinane". These promises appear to say Macbeth is invincible, but this is an illusion. Malcolm uses false appearance to test Macduff, first claiming he is thoroughly wicked to see if Macduff would support such a person. Malcolm reflects on the difficulty of deciding whether people are good or bad, and that this may lead good people to be misjudged: "angels are bright still, though the brightest fell." Page 15 of 26
Good and evil Macbeth has to choose between the two. He and Edward of England come to be the embodiment of the two extremes. The witches are the incarnation of evil, and may be seen as representing the evil in human nature. Trust and Betrayal Duncan trusts the wrong men with disastrous consequences. Macbeth trusts the witches, and ultimately they destroy him. Actions and their consequences The first Thane of Cawdor pays the penalty for his treachery; Macbeth repeats the pattern. Duncan is punished for his poor judgement. Macbeth wishes his action could be the "be‐all and end‐all" but he knows there will be consequences: he will have 'judgement' both on earth and in heaven. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth both have to suffer the consequences of their crimes. Power and the abuse of power Lust for power motivates Macbeth. However he discovers power without security is not worth having: "To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus." Lady Macbeth, too, finds she cannot enjoy her new positions "without content". Macbeth realises that although he could commit crimes with "barefaced power" he still has to consider his public image. When that is damaged beyond repair, he abuses his power by becoming a tyrant. Page 16 of 26
Language Blank Verse —Except for a few scenes, Macbeth is written in blank verse, which resembles more than any other verse form the natural rhythm of spoken English. Read parts of the play aloud to illustrate how the language flows, how punctuation is used, and how rhythm is employed. Choose a line from iambic pentameter and read it with the flow of the rhythm, the accents of the stressed syllables, and the lack of end rhyme. Varying the Verse—Shakespeare varies the verse to express meaning. For example, the language of the witches is in a choppier form of verse (IV,i), and the tension of the language used by Lady Macbeth during her famous sleepwalking scene (V,i) provides an interesting contrast to the more natural flow of rhythm in blank verse used in the greater part of the play. Rhymed Couplet ‐ Point out that the end rhyme of the rhymed couplet was used to indicate the end of a scene to an audience in a theatre without curtains. For example: Away, and mock the time with fairest show: False face must hide what the false heart doth know. (I,vii) In Act 1 Scene 7, Macbeth is trying to decide whether or not to kill King Duncan. Shakespeare uses Macbeth's language to show how confused he is, this makes the scene exciting and dramatic. Macbeth is aware of the consequence and confusion a killing will bring. Macbeth knows that the word "kill" holds the power of life and death, which is why he uses words such as "horrible deed", "bloody instructions" and "deep damnation" he does this to try and hide the truth of the murder he will commit. Imagery LAP/MAP Imagery is used a lot in Macbeth. This is when strong pictures or ideas are created in our minds. For instance, the play has lots of references to darkness, to sleep, to disease and even to blood. Imagery often describes one thing in terms of another, and there are three main ways this happens: Metaphors is when one thing is called something else. For instance, when Macbeth wants to defend his lands against others, he uses metaphors from medicine ‐ he wants to find the 'disease' in Scotland, to restore it to 'health' and to use a 'drug' against others. Personification is where something is described as if it is human, so the "Dark night strangles the travelling lamp". Similes is when a direct comparison is made (with 'as', 'than' or 'like'), so Banquo says that the witches "look not like the inhabitants o'the'earth" or Macbeth says something "moves like a ghost". Page 17 of 26
Imagery HAP Imagery is used frequently in Macbeth. This is when strong pictures or ideas are created in our minds. For instance, the play has many references to darkness, to sleep, to disease and even to blood. Imagery often describes one thing in terms of another, and there are three main ways this happens. Metaphor: a metaphor is when one thing is called something else. For instance, when Macbeth wants to defend his lands against others, he uses metaphors from medicine ‐ he wants to find the "disease" in Scotland, to restore it to "health" and to use a "drug" against others. Similarly, Caithness, a member of the invading army, uses the terms "medicine" and "purge" to indicate that it is in fact Malcolm and his supporters who will 'cure' Scotland of its illness. Towards the end of the play Macbeth metaphorically compares himself to "a poor player [i.e. actor]/That struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more". He has played a key role on the political stage in Scotland but knows he will soon be removed, just as an actor has his brief hour in the spotlights and then walks off into the shadows. The image is doubly appropriate as the person playing the role of Macbeth on stage is, of course, an actor! Personification where something is described as if it is human. When in Act Two Scene 4 Ross tells the Old Man that "Dark night strangles the travelling lamp" he uses personification to emphasise the dark, gloomy atmosphere which itself reflects the sombre mood in Scotland after Duncan's murder. Simile when a direct comparison is made (with 'as' or 'like'). Before Duncan arrives at the castle, Lady Macbeth tells her husband that he should "look like the innocent flower/But be the serpent under it." One of the best examples of the use of imagery comes in Macbeth's comment after the murder when he asks “Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand?” Here, he uses personification ‐ Neptune is the ancient god of the sea; his hands are literally covered in blood, but blood also metaphorically represents guilt; hyperbole is used as all "great Neptune's ocean" would be a very large amount of water. Finally, the whole statement is a rhetorical question ‐ we know that Macbeth means that all the waters in the world would never wash away his guilt, but his point is surely more effective when couched in imagery. Metaphorical language can thus convey a depth of meaning that ordinary, literal language does not. Contrast Macbeth's statement above with what his wife says: "A little water clears us of this deed." At Page 18 of 26
this stage in the play, she is not experiencing any deep feelings of guilt and simply makes a direct statement. Use of structure • Deliberate repetition in the soliloquy • Use of punctuation • Changes from the start to the end • Soliloquys • Repetitive questions • Exits and entrances • Lines on their own Examples: Repetitive questions The use of repetitive questions shows the tension in the dialogue between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Exits and entrances In Macbeth, the pivotal entrance of Lady Macbeth changed the course of the play. Although it appears irrelevant, this stage direction allowed Lady Macbeth to convince her husband at just the right time, to go ahead with the "horrid deed" by murdering Duncan.  Lines on their own Shakespeare wrote lines on their own to emphasise the impact they have "If we should fail?" This quote shows how Macbeth is questioning his wife, he is asking what will happen if they fail? Writing this line on its own is effective because we can really see the conflict Macbeth is experiencing. He knows he should protect his King but his 'vaulting ambition' is making him think that this isn't true; women had a love for power just as much as men. Lady Macbeth uses the quote “unsex me here” which shows us that she would like the power of a man, men were associated with bravery or murder and Lady Macbeth knows that she will not be as powerful whist she is a woman. Dramatic Devices: Foreshadowing—Macbeth provides an excellent opportunity for teaching or reinforcing the literary device of foreshadowing. The witches set the tone in Act I, scene 1 with a storm and predictions that Macbeth's life will become so confused he will find it difficult to differentiate between right and wrong (fair and foul), and their later predictions foreshadow a downfall the audience is aware of long before Macbeth is willing to accept Page 19 of 26
their implications. Students can learn how foreshadowing is used through probing questions. For example: (a) The play opens with thunder and lightning as three witches enter. What does this tell about the mood of the play? Is this play going to be a tragedy or a comedy? (b) What do the witches mean when they say, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" (I,i)? What does this tell you about what is likely to go on during the play? (c) If you were going to stage this scene, what would your set look like? Dramatic Irony—Shakespeare's audience enjoyed being informed of events before the characters were aware of the implications. The example given above of Macbeth's lack of awareness of his new title, Thane of Cawdor, is a good illustration. Another is Duncan commenting on the pleasantness of Macbeth's castle while the audience knows the Macbeths have just planned his murder to take place there that very night (I,vi.). The most powerful examples of dramatic irony include Macbeth's acceptance of the apparitions' seeming assurances that no man "of woman born shall harm Macbeth" and that he is safe until Birnam Woods move. Macbeth continues to feel confident of his safety even though the audience, through dramatic irony, has seen the equivocations of the witches long before Macbeth realizes them. Students find irony a difficult concept to understand. To help them understand how Shakespeare employs this device, have them say one simple sentence to express different feelings. For example: "What a beautiful day?" The students can say this as if it is a beautiful day or as if the day is rainy and cold. Or, they can say it as if they have been asked to the prom by the football hero or as if the prom queen has just rejected an invitation for a date. This shows students how the meaning of a simple sentence changes depending on its context. Shakespeare uses this device to show irony. Soliloquies Soliloquies enable the dramatist to develop his characters in depth, and allow the audience particularly to empathise with them. In Macbeth, it is Macbeth himself to whom Shakespeare gives the greatest number of soliloquies. This adds greatly to our audience experience as we can share in his fears, agonies and torments over the various dilemmas which face him. In Act One Scene 7, for example, tension is built up as we see how close he comes to resisting the blandishments of the witches. However, soliloquy also reveals the darkness and evil in Macbeth, as for example he bitterly reflects in Act Three Scene 1 on how Banquo is the better man and how the murder of Duncan may have been to Banquo's benefit rather than his own. This soliloquy prevents us seeing Macbeth too sympathetically as a simple soldier acting on his wife's commands. Lady Macbeth's soliloquies are thrilling dramatically, particularly the one where she prays to the spirits of evil to 'unsex' her. However, they also reveal her underlying lack of real ruthlessness. Her short despairing soliloquy in Act Three Scene 2: "Nought's had, all's spent…" is poignant as it contrasts with her briskness when she tries to encourage Page 20 of 26
Macbeth. The soliloquy has revealed to the audience she is not as confident as she pretends. Banquo's short soliloquy in Act Three Scene 1 reveals him to be an ambitious character also, as he is "set up in hope", but also builds tension as he voices his suspicions of Macbeth's guilt. Notice that Shakespeare does not give soliloquies to Macduff or Malcolm, although they have significant roles. This means the audience always maintains a certain emotional distance from them, which prevents our interest in the main characters from being diluted. Key Quotes with explanations 1. “Yet do I fear thy nature, It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.” – Lady Macbeth (Act I, Scene V) This line is said by Lady Macbeth after she reads a letter from her husband informing her of the prophecy of the witches which say that Macbeth would be King. She is excited by the letter but fears that Macbeth is too ‘full of the milk of human kindness’ or of too good a nature, to take the shortest route to the crown which would be to eliminate the king and seize the throne. 2. “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under ‘t.” – Lady Macbeth (Act I, Scene V) This line is said by Lady Macbeth during a speech in which she is convincing her husband to pretend like a perfect host when King Duncan visits them to hide their true purpose of murdering Duncan. Hence she tells Macbeth to look like an innocent flower but be like the serpent which hides underneath it. 3. “Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.” The ‘bloody child’ is the second of the three apparitions that the witches conjure for Macbeth and it is perhaps the most famous. It tells Macbeth to be confident and without fear, for no person who is born of a woman can harm him. This convinces Macbeth that he is invincible as he would never be killed by another man. He chooses to neglect the first apparition which warned him of Macduff and doesn’t realize that the ‘bloody child’ is in fact the infant Macduff covered with the blood of the untimely ripped womb of his mother. Page 21 of 26
4. “There’s daggers in men’s smiles. The near in blood, The nearer bloody.” – Donalbain (Act II, Scene III) This line is said by the younger son of King Duncan in a conversation with his elder brother after their father’s murder. Donalbain suspects that the people who surround them and are acting kindly contain among them the person who murdered their father. He says that daggers are present in men’s smile probably referring to the canines which show when one smiles and implying that not everyone who acts friendly is a friend. ‘The near in blood, the nearer bloody’ implies that beware of the ones who are in the closest‐relation with you as they are most likely to betray and murder you. 5. “Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests; I bear a charmed life, which must not yield to one of woman born.” – Macbeth (Act V, Scene VIII) This line is spoken by Macbeth when Macduff challenges him. He says that let your blade fall on chests that are vulnerable or fight with someone who can be defeated. He adds that he leads a charmed life which can’t be ended by anyone born of a woman. Macbeth gets this illusion of being invincible due to the second apparition which states that “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.” Macduff then states that he was not born but cut out of his mother’s womb before she could bear him naturally. This quote gave rise to the famous phrase ‘charmed life’. Though charmed meant magical in Shakespeare’s times, the phrase was extended to mean anyone who was lucky and escaped danger narrowly. 6. “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” – The Witches (Act I, Scene I) Among the last lines in Scene I of Act I, this famous quote is said by the witches and sets the tone of the play. It could be simply deciphered as what is fair or pretty will become foul or ugly and vice versa, i.e. things would be opposite to what they appear. It could be also interpreted as suggesting that Macbeth’s world will become upside down and he will do things he considers foul or unfair disregarding what appears fair to him. This line is among the most important in Macbeth and can be considered closest to describing the theme of the play. Page 22 of 26
7. “To know my deed, ’twere best not know myself.” – Macbeth (Act II, Scene II) This famous quote is spoken by Macbeth in the scene where he returns after killing Duncan in his sleep. Macbeth is stating that it would be better if he was completely unaware of himself than to be conscious and think of the crime he had committed. He doubts whether he knows the man who committed the crime. The quote reflects that although Macbeth chooses to realize his ambition by unethical means, he is also aware of his wrongdoing. 8. “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.” – Macbeth (Act V, Scene V) This quote is from one of the most famous soliloquies in Macbeth. It is spoken by Macbeth after he hears that his wife has committed suicide and he also knows that armies are marching against him. He says that days on this world are short, a ‘brief candle’ and ultimately one is enveloped in darkness. He compares life to an unimportant actor, a ‘walking shadow’ for the character he plays. This insignificant actor “struts and frets his hour upon the stage” or is proud and anxious for the small part he has to perform on stage and then he is heard no more. He then compares life to the tale told by a director which is full of noise and passion but ultimately it signifies nothing. Comparing life to theatre, Shakespeare not only questions the purpose of life but also gives a reminder of the illusionary nature of theatre. 9. “Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. “ – Lady Macbeth (Act V, Scene I) This line is from the famous sleepwalking scene after which Lady Macbeth commits suicide off‐stage. It is part of what is considered one of the greatest passages capturing guilt in English literature. Lady Macbeth is traumatized and guilt‐ridden and she says that she cannot get rid of the smell of blood from her hands, not even if all the Page 23 of 26
perfumes of Arabia are applied to it. This is in sharp contrast to her statement to Macbeth when he murdered Duncan where she said “a little water clears us of this deed”. Knowing that she was the prime force that led Macbeth to this murderous path, her guilt dominates her thoughts and she is unable to turn away from what she now considers sins. 10. “Things without all remedy should be without regard: what’s done, is done.” – Lady Macbeth (Act III, Scene II) Lady Macbeth says these lines to her husband in an effort to make him get over the guilt and fear he is experiencing due to the murder he has committed. She says that things which cannot be remedied should not be given regard to or you shouldn’t think about things which you can’t rectify. She adds “what’s done, is done” implying that “there’s no changing the past, so forget about it and move on.” Although Shakespeare didn’t coin the phrase “what’s done, is done” but Macbeth remains one of the first recorded use of it and it definitely made the phrase popular. Page 24 of 26
Page 25 of 26
Page 26 of 26