GCSE English Literature, Macbeth Character Quotes & Analysis

1. Macbeth begins to feel guilty:

“If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well It were done quickly. If the assassination Could trammel up the consequence, and catch With his surcease success; that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We’d jump the life to come. But in these cases We still have judgment here, that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague th’ inventor: this even-handed justice Commends the ingredients of our poisoned chalice To our own lips. He’s here in double trust:
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off; And pity, like a naked newborn babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven’s cherubim, horsed Upon the sightless couriers of the air, Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself
And falls on th’ other.”

The equivocation “if it were done”, shows that he is struggling to say the word murder showing he must be feeling a sense of guilt.

Macbeth reflects on the moral implications of his actions, “We’d jump the life to come,“ suggesting that by committing murder, he would risk damnation in the afterlife. This line demonstrates his awareness of the eternal consequences of his actions.

Macbeth acknowledges that committing murder would set a dangerous precedent, leading to further violence and retribution, “we still have judgment here.“ He realises that his actions could come back to haunt him, as the cycle of violence perpetuates itself.

2.Duncan’s traits:

Macbeth considers Duncan’s virtues, “faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off”– acknowledges that his murder would be especially heinous because Duncan has been a good and just king. He recognizes the moral weight of his crime and the potential consequences of killing such a virtuous leader.

Macbeth admits that his only motivation for the murder is his “vaulting ambition,” which drives him to act despite his reservations. He acknowledges the danger of unchecked ambition, which can lead to his harmatia.

Overall, this quote showcases Macbeth’s internal struggle as he grapples with the moral implications of committing regicide to fulfil his ambitions. It highlights his awareness of the potential consequences of his actions and the conflict between his ambition and his conscience.

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