Childhood
1. “Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out”
A1, S7
● LM uses the imagery of a child (associated with vulnerability + innocence) to
manipulate Macbeth
● LM’s desire to have power is more than to have children - which would finally
give her significance as a woman in Jacobean society
● LM disrupts the typical qualities associated with being a mother + women
2. “For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind. For them the gracious Duncan have I
murdered “A3, S1
● Macbeth is very worried that Banquo’s children will be King - he questions
whether his actions were worthwhile - as his power will be short-lived
● Shakespeare is telling the nobles that James I has been chosen by God - as
Banquo was an ancestor of James I
3. “What, all my pretty chickens and their dam. At one fell swoop” A4, S3
● Macduff shows the binary opposition between him and Macbeth - he is both
an affectionate and loving husband + father as well as a powerful warrior -
everything Macbeth cannot be
● The sense of immense grief foreshadows him avenging this by killing
Macbeth
4. “Had I as many sons as I have hairs. I would not wish them a fairer death” A5,
S11
● When Siward learns his son has been killed in battle - he’s proud that his son
has died honourably
● Demonstrated the importance of honour + valour - which is why Macbeth had
to be killed - he lacked all these qualities
● Siward can consider it worthwhile to have lost his child - since Macbeth no
longer occupies the throne
1. “Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out”
A1, S7
● LM uses the imagery of a child (associated with vulnerability + innocence) to
manipulate Macbeth
● LM’s desire to have power is more than to have children - which would finally
give her significance as a woman in Jacobean society
● LM disrupts the typical qualities associated with being a mother + women
2. “For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind. For them the gracious Duncan have I
murdered “A3, S1
● Macbeth is very worried that Banquo’s children will be King - he questions
whether his actions were worthwhile - as his power will be short-lived
● Shakespeare is telling the nobles that James I has been chosen by God - as
Banquo was an ancestor of James I
3. “What, all my pretty chickens and their dam. At one fell swoop” A4, S3
● Macduff shows the binary opposition between him and Macbeth - he is both
an affectionate and loving husband + father as well as a powerful warrior -
everything Macbeth cannot be
● The sense of immense grief foreshadows him avenging this by killing
Macbeth
4. “Had I as many sons as I have hairs. I would not wish them a fairer death” A5,
S11
● When Siward learns his son has been killed in battle - he’s proud that his son
has died honourably
● Demonstrated the importance of honour + valour - which is why Macbeth had
to be killed - he lacked all these qualities
● Siward can consider it worthwhile to have lost his child - since Macbeth no
longer occupies the throne
