Macbeth Blood Quotations Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who says, 'Make thick my blood'?

Macbeth
The Witches
Banquo
Lady Macbeth (correct)

What does Macbeth ask regarding Neptune's ocean?

Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?

What does Lady Macbeth mean by 'Out damn spot; out, I say'?

Referring to a physical spot
Summoning spirits
Expressing her guilt over the murders (correct)
Indicating a need for cleanliness

What is the significance of blood imagery in Macbeth?

Blood symbolizes the guilt that sits like a permanent stain on the consciences of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

In Act 3 Scene 4, what does Macbeth mean when he says, 'I am in blood Step't in so far...'?

He feels trapped in his actions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does blood symbolize in Macbeth?

Consequences of overreaching ambition and guilt towards murders. Signup and view all the answers

The line 'What bloody man is that?' is spoken in Act 1 Scene 2.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth's description of his steel being 'smoked with bloody execution' signify?

It illustrates Macbeth's savage warrior techniques and valor. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Blood as a Symbol of Guilt in Macbeth

In Macbeth, blood symbolizes deep guilt. Lady Macbeth wants to suppress her conscience, saying, "Make thick my blood." It foreshadows her desire for ruthlessness.

Macbeth's Guilt and the Question of Cleansing

The quote, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" highlights Macbeth's intense guilt after killing Duncan. He realizes he can't escape the consequences.

Banquo's Ghost and Macbeth's Guilt

The haunting vision of Banquo's ghost, with blood on his head, symbolizes Macbeth's growing guilt and the tormenting consequences of his actions.

Macbeth's Irreversible Path of Violence

Macbeth's realization, "I am in blood Step't in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er," shows his commitment to his violent path. There's no turning back.

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Blood as a Symbol of Valor in Warfare

In the play, blood can also be seen as a symbol of bravery in warfare, a gauge of valor. Think of the lines, "What bloody man is that?"

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Macbeth's Initial Honor and Bloody Execution

Macbeth's initial honor is shown through his prowess in combat, described as "brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution." But his descent into evil changes his meaning.

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Study Notes

Blood Quotations Overview

Lady Macbeth expresses a desire to "Make thick my blood," indicating a wish for strength and resolve, foreshadowing her ruthless ambitions.
A haunting reflection on blood and guilt occurs as Macbeth contemplates the vision of blood in Act 2 Scene 1, revealing his psychological torment and the link between murder and madness.
Macbeth's rhetorical question, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" signifies profound guilt and horror over his actions after Duncan's murder.
In Act 5 Scene 1, Lady Macbeth states, "Here's the smell of blood still," showcasing her inability to escape the haunting memories and consequences of her deeds.
The phrase "Out damn spot; out, I say... who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?" highlights Lady Macbeth's deep-seated guilt, suggesting her hands will never be clean of the bloodshed she facilitated.
Blood serves as a prominent symbol of guilt for both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, representing a stain on their conscience that leads to their eventual downfall.

Guilt and the Blood Motif

Macbeth's declaration, "Never shake Thy gory locks at me," illustrates his guilt manifested as a spectral vision of Banquo's bloody appearance, showcasing the weight of his conscience.
Macbeth's acknowledgment, "I am in blood Step't in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er," conveys a sense of irreversible commitment to his violent path.
The blood motif embodies the repercussions of unchecked ambition and the heavy burden of guilt imposed by the human conscience.

Blood in Warfare

The inquiry, "What bloody man is that?" introduces blood as a means to gauge bravery, ironically celebrating violence portrayed through the soldiers' valor after a brutal battle.
Macbeth's commendation for his "brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution" establishes his warrior prowess, marking his initial honor before the descent into tyranny and murder.

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Description

Explore powerful quotations from Shakespeare's Macbeth that revolve around the theme of blood. This quiz covers key lines that reflect the characters' guilt and ambition throughout the play. Test your knowledge of these iconic phrases and their significance in the story.