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Nathan Nguyen
Besseling
European Literature
15 December 2014
Act 1 Quotes
The quote "Fair is foul, and foul is fair, Hover through the fog and filthy air" is spoken by
the three witches who are talking among each other. The literal meaning of this phrase is that
both fair and foul are grouped together. One of the two is the other; vice versa. The significance
of this meaning is the paradox of good and bad. It means that no good human or bad human
exists; the two coexist as a whole. This could possibly be seen in Macbeth as he becomes more
cynical after hearing the witches' prophecy. This quote is seen in Act One, Scene 1: Line 12.
"Stay you imperfect speakers. Tell me more. By Sinel's death I know I am Thane of
Glamis, But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives..." is spoken by Macbeth. The audience
whom he is speaking to is the witches. The meaning, when viewed in a literal perspective, is that
Macbeth wants the witches to stay and to greater inform him of his prophecy. He knows that he's
Thane of Glamis by inheriting it from his father, but does not know how he is Thane of Cawdor.
The Thane of Cawdor is still alive. The significance of this quote is seen though mood.
Macbeth's words causes a tense mood, creating suspense for the reader. It emphasizes Macbeth's
curiosity of this mystery. The quote is found in Act 1, Scene 3: Line 70.
The quote "The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step/ On which I must fall down or else
o' erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep
desires" is spoken by Macbeth. He is speaking not to an audience, but to himself. The literal
meaning of this quote is that he must overcome the Prince and for his desires to remain hidden.

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The significance of is seen through the literary device, aside. As Macbeth speaks to himself, he
realizes that he must kill the Prince or to find another solution; he hopes that nobody will be able
to discover his devious scheme. It is found on Act 1, Scene 4: Line 48.
"Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be/ What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy
nature; It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness/ To catch the nearest way" is spoken by Lady
Macbeth. She is reading a letter out loud to herself; she is the audience. The literal meaning is
that Macbeth is Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, as promised. She fears for his personality because
he is filled with human kindness. Shakespeare uses the literary device, soliloquy, to contribute to
the significance. Soliloquy allows Lady Macbeth to express her thoughts and feelings to the
reader and herself. It shows that she is concerned of Macbeth; she thinks Macbeth may not be
able to kill the prince because he is too kind. . This quote is found on Act 1, Scene 5: Line 12.
"Come, you spirits/ That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the
crown to the toe top-full/ Of direst cruelty" is spoken by Lady Macbeth. The audience is herself
(or supposedly the spirits). The literal meaning of this is that Lady Macbeth is calling for spirits
to fill her with cruelty. Shakespeare uses the literary device, symbol, to contribute to the
significance of this quote by using the concept of witchcraft. She is calling for evil spirits to take
away her lady-like features so she is able to kill the Prince for Macbeth. This quote is found on
Act 1, Scene 5: Line 37.
"To beguile the time, Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye, Your hand, your
tongue. Look like th' innocent flower, But be the serpent under't" is spoken by Lady Macbeth.
She is speaking to Macbeth. The literal meaning of this quote is to enchant the time, look like the
time, and to appear welcoming. He tells him to look innocent, but to be a serpent under it.
Shakespeare uses the literary device, metaphor, to contribute to the figurative meaning. The

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actual meaning is for Macbeth to deceive his guests; he is to appear innocent and normal, with
his malevolent intentions still intact. This quote is found on Act 1, Scene 5: Line 60.
"We will proceed no further in this business. He hath honored me of late, and I have
bought/ Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest
gloss, Not cast aside so soon" is spoken by Macbeth. The audience is Lady Macbeth. The literal
meaning of this quote is that Macbeth will no longer continue with his plans. He cannot get
himself to kill Duncan because has honored him and is too kind. The literary device that
Shakespeare uses is rising action. A complication is caused due to Duncan's kindness. This
device is used to show that Macbeth is now hesitant and does not know if he can get himself to
kill the King. This quote is found on Act 1, Scene 7: Line 33.