Act 1, Scene 7

Macbeth decides not to kill the king. His wife calls him a coward. He changes his mind.

This scene in five words

LadyMacbethshamesMacbethintomurder

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The quotes

11 big quotes in this scene.

If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly

Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · ambition · guilt

Macbeth wishes the murder could be over as soon as it is done. He knows it will not be.

His virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off

Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · kingship · guilt

The king is such a good man that heaven will cry out when he dies. Macbeth knows it.

I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on th' other

Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · ambition

Macbeth has no good reason to kill. Only wanting more. Wanting more jumps too far and falls.

We will proceed no further in this business

Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · ambition · gender and manhood

Macbeth says no. He will not do it. His wife changes his mind in forty lines.

Was the hope drunk Wherein you dressed yourself?

Lady Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · gender and manhood · ambition

She asks if his courage was only drunk talk. She is making fun of him.

When you durst do it, then you were a man

Lady Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · gender and manhood · violence

She says a real man would do it. He believes her.

I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares do more is none

Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · gender and manhood · violence

Macbeth says a real man knows when to stop. He loses this fight.

I have given suck, and know How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me

Lady Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · gender and manhood · violence

She says she would kill her own baby before she broke a promise. This is how far she will go.

But screw your courage to the sticking place And we'll not fail

Lady Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · ambition · gender and manhood

Hold your nerve tight, like a bow string. Then we will not fail.

Bring forth men-children only

Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · gender and manhood

He gives in. He says a woman this hard should only have sons.

False face must hide what the false heart doth know

Macbeth · Act 1, Scene 7 · appearance and reality · guilt

Show a false face. Hide what you really feel. The murder plan is set.