Macbeth Quotes and Meanings

Fair is foul, and foul is fair. – This quote implies that appearances can be deceptive and that things are not always as they seem.

Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? – Macbeth sees a dagger floating in the air before him, symbolizing his temptation to commit the murder of King Duncan.

Stars hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires. – Macbeth wishes to hide his evil intentions and keep them secret to avoid detection.

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble. – This line is spoken by the witches and indicates the brewing of a sinister plan.

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. – Macbeth reflects on the brevity and meaninglessness of life after learning of Lady Macbeth’s death.

Yet do I fear thy nature; it is too full o’ the milk of human kindness. – Lady Macbeth expresses her concern that her husband is too kind-hearted to carry out the murder of King Duncan.

By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. – The witches sense the evil presence of Macbeth approaching.

Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him. – The witches prophesize that Macbeth will not be defeated until the forest of Birnam Wood marches against him, which seems impossible.

It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. – Macbeth reflects on the meaninglessness of life and the empty promises of ambition.

Out, damned spot! Out, I say! – Lady Macbeth obsessively tries to wash her hands clean of the guilt and blood of the murders she has been involved in.

All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. – Lady Macbeth realizes that no amount of washing can remove the guilt she feels from the murders she has committed.

When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain? – The witches plan to meet again in a stormy and chaotic atmosphere.

There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face. – Duncan recognizes that appearances can be deceiving and that one’s true nature cannot be determined solely by their outward appearance.

What’s done is done. – Lady Macbeth counsels Macbeth to let go of his guilt and focus on the future, as they cannot change what they have already done.

I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er. – Macbeth realizes that he has committed so many murders that there is no turning back, and he must continue his bloody path to maintain his position.

I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. – Banquo’s ghost haunts Macbeth, symbolizing his guilty conscience and the consequences of his actions.

Screw your courage to the sticking place. – Lady Macbeth pushes Macbeth to be brave and resolute in carrying out their plan.

What’s fair is foul, and foul is fair. – This quote echoes the opening lines of the play and suggests the presence of deception and ambiguity throughout the story.

False face must hide what the false heart doth know. – Macbeth realizes that he must hide his true intentions and put on a false face to deceive others.

A little water clears us of this deed. – Lady Macbeth believes that washing away the physical evidence of their crimes will absolve them of guilt.

There’s daggers in men’s smiles. – Macbeth recognizes that people can hide their true intentions behind false smiles and friendly gestures.

To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus. – Macbeth desires not only to be king but also to maintain his power and rule without threats or challenges.

Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it. – Lady Macbeth advises Macbeth to appear innocent and harmless on the outside while secretly plotting his evil deeds.

A deed without a name. – Macbeth and Lady Macbeth refer to the murder of King Duncan, suggesting that it is so heinous it cannot be named.

Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow. – Macbeth reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the insignificance of individual existence.

Fair is foul, and foul is fair. – This line signifies the inversion and confusion of normal moral boundaries in the play.

Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here. – Lady Macbeth asks for supernatural assistance to rid herself of feminine weakness and nurture her ruthless ambition.

Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? – Macbeth wonders if any amount of cleansing can atone for the guilt of his actions.

What, you egg! – This insult is hurled by a murderer to provoke Macbeth into action.

By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. – The witches sense the impending arrival of evil, suggesting Macbeth’s approach.

All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!- The witches deliver a prophecy to Macbeth, setting in motion the events of the play.

Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under ‘t. – Lady Macbeth advises Macbeth to appear innocent and trustworthy on the outside while hiding his dangerous intentions.

I bear a charmed life. – Macbeth believes he is invincible due to the witches’ prophecies, leading to his downfall.

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage. – Macbeth reflects on the transitory nature of life and the insignificance of individual existence.

None of woman born shall harm Macbeth. – The witches predict that Macbeth cannot be killed by anyone born of a woman, giving him a false sense of security.

Out, damned spot! Out, I say! – Lady Macbeth obsessively tries to wash away the guilt and blood from her hands.

Fair is foul and foul is fair. – This line emphasizes the themes of deception and appearance versus reality in the play.

It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. – Macbeth reflects on the meaninglessness of life and the emptiness of ambition.

Yet I do fear thy nature. It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness. – Lady Macbeth doubts Macbeth’s ability to carry out their murderous plans due to his inherent kindness.

So foul and fair a day I have not seen. – This line reflects the confusion and chaos that pervades the world of the play.

Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased, pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow, raze out the written troubles of the brain?- Macbeth desperately asks for someone to help relieve his troubled mind and remove the guilt from his conscience.

Duncan is in his grave. After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well. – Macbeth reflects on the peacefulness of death compared to the turmoil of life.

Methought I heard a voice cry, ‘Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep’. – After murdering King Duncan, Macbeth is haunted by guilt and unable to find restful sleep.

It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood. – This line reflects the cycle of violence and revenge that Macbeth believes he is caught in.

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble. – The witches chant this line as they perform a mystical ritual, foreshadowing the chaos and destruction to come.