Macbeth Quotes

Duncan: "...I have begun to plant thee, and will labour "To make thee full of growing..."

Banquo: "There if I grow, "The harvest is your own..." (p. 10)

In context, this exchange between two of Macbeth's noblest characters is merely expressing the reciprications between favor and reward. In a broader sense, however, the quote resonates with this Biblical principle: "A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7b). Noblemen such as Siward, Macduff, and Malcolm pursued justice and righteousness for the throne, and their suffering and conquest were rewarded with Macbeth's death and hope for prosperity in Scotland once again. Macbeth's

..." (p. 30)

This quote outlines how the evil in Macbeth's heart was stirred and brought to light. Generals Macbeth and Banquo had been alike in their courageous service to the king and their country, but the witches' prophecy provoked an ambition in Macbeth that made him act against his noble nature. Instead, Macbeth's life became consumed with deceit and murder, dooming him to guilt and horror.

Banquo: "O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! "Thou mayst revenge..." (p. 40)

Banquo's last words seemed to describe the heart of Macbeth, and are relevant to all of its important characters. Macbeth and his wife ran from the guilt they had lain on themselves, and were driven to more murders in their ways of revenge and deceit. Even though they were innocent, Malcolm and Donalbain fled Scotland to escape suspicion and possibly their own assassinations. Malcolm joined forces with the discontented Scottish nobles and with England's armies to cast revenge on Macbeth and claim the throne. Macduff hastened to England to confer with her leaders and gather an army against Macbeth; his final motive for slaying Macbeth was revenge for his wife's and children's