Macbeth Quotes Part 2

Question

Below are 5 quotes from Act 1, beginning to end. Identify the speaker, who the person is speaking to, and what it means in context of the play. Try not to restate the quote and explain it in your own words. The quotes are not in chronological order.

1) "Bring forth men-child only, 

For thy undaunted mettle should compose

Nothing but males."

2) "Prithee, peace:

I dare do all that may become a man:

Who dares do more is none."

3) "We shall proceed no further in this business."

4) False face must hide what the false heart doth know."

5) "From this time

Such I account thy love."

Answer 1

1. Macbeth is speaking to Lady Macbeth. He tells her that he possesses so many qualities of a man that if she ever had a female child, she would surely not nurture her properly. Her cruel nature shows a complete absence of feminism, so she would be a better fit to be a mother of boys, especially boys who could grow into men in a position to rule. Macbeth does not possess the same ruthless, masculine qualities attributed to his wife at this point in the play.
2. Again, Macbeth is speaking to his wife. He is calling his manhood into question at this point because he goes to her and tells her that they are not going to go through with their plan to murder King Duncan. She calls him a coward, and here, he lets her know that he's the "manliest man" there is, and no one is braver than him. She knows how to push his buttons to get what she wants out of him. She wants them to rise to power at any cost, and killing Duncan is the fastest way to ensure that. Because he changes his mind and does not want to follow through, she knows the only way to get him to do what she wants is to call his manhood into question. His pride takes over, and he does just as she wishes.
3. Again, Macbeth is speaking to Lady Macbeth. Here is where he tells her the plan to kill Duncan is off. They are not going forward.
4. Macbeth is speaking in an aside. He says that he can't give the plot to kill Duncan away through the way he appears. He has to look and act as if nothing is going on in his head or heart. Duncan, not anyone else for that matter, can suspect that he is plotting anything. The fakeness in his face needs to match the fakeness found in his heart.
5. Lady Macbeth is speaking to King Duncan as she "graciously" welcomes him to her humble home. She is basically telling him how fortunate that she is to fall under his favor. She is his true and loyal subject, and she could not be happier to have him at her how. IRONY!!! She's SUPER happy he's there because she's made a plan to ensure that "never shall sun that morrow see," and he's going to die there.

I would like to take a moment to revel in my memory! All of these answers came off the top of my head without reference or research...including the quote! I haven't taught the play in about 3-4 years, but I taught it so much, I can still remember it like the back of my hand!

I am happy to help if you need further assistance. I do online tutoring if you're interested!