Lady Macbeth, a central character in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” embodies ambition, power, and complexity. Her quotes reflect the darker sides of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Exploring her words can provide insight into the themes of guilt, morality, and the psychological struggles that often accompany the pursuit of power.
Top Lady Macbeth Quotes
Lady Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s most formidable characters, represents ambition and the consequences of unchecked desire for power. Her intense quotes shed light on her complex personality and the transformations she undergoes throughout “Macbeth.”
“Out, out brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow.” – Lady Macbeth
“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” – Lady Macbeth
“I have given suck, and know how tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me.” – Lady Macbeth
“When you durst do it, then you were a man.” – Lady Macbeth
“All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.” – Lady Macbeth
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” – Lady Macbeth
“Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here.” – Lady Macbeth
“What’s done is done.” – Lady Macbeth
“You must leave all the rest to me.” – Lady Macbeth
“The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan under my battlements.” – Lady Macbeth
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Lady Macbeth Quotes on Ambition and Power
Lady Macbeth epitomizes ambition and the ruthless pursuit of power. She is willing to defy conventional morality to attain her goals.
“Glamis, thou art; and Cawdor; and shalt be what thou art promised.” – Lady Macbeth
“I fear thy nature; it is too full o’ the milk of human kindness.” – Lady Macbeth
“Come to my woman’s breasts, and take my milk for gall.” – Lady Macbeth
“If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well it were done quickly.” – Lady Macbeth
“Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, till thou applaud the deed.” – Lady Macbeth
“I will be bold with it, for it lies in my power.” – Lady Macbeth
“We fail? But screw your courage to the sticking-place.” – Lady Macbeth
“Our little life is rounded with a sleep.” – Lady Macbeth
“Come, let me clutch thee.” – Lady Macbeth
“The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan under my battlements.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on Guilt and Conscience
As her ambition leads to murder, Lady Macbeth is haunted by guilt and remorse, which eventually contribute to her unraveling.
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” – Lady Macbeth
“What’s done cannot be undone.” – Lady Macbeth
“I have almost forgot the taste of fears; the time has been my senses would have cooled to hear a night-shriek.” – Lady Macbeth
“All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.” – Lady Macbeth
“These deeds must not be thought after these ways; so, it will make us mad.” – Lady Macbeth
“Naught’s had, all’s spent, where our desire is got without content.” – Lady Macbeth
“My hands are of your color; but I shame to wear a heart so white.” – Lady Macbeth
“What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account?” – Lady Macbeth
“To bed, to bed! There’s a knocking at the gate.” – Lady Macbeth
“The mind is gone, and thoughts are locked away.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on Femininity and Gender Roles
Lady Macbeth challenges traditional gender roles, expressing her desire to cast aside her femininity to gain power.
“Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here.” – Lady Macbeth
“I would, while it was smiling in my face, have pluck’d my nipple from his boneless gums.” – Lady Macbeth
“The milk of human kindness is a weak nectar.” – Lady Macbeth
“I have given suck, and know how tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me.” – Lady Macbeth
“Take my milk for gall, you murdering ministers!” – Lady Macbeth
“A woman’s heart can be harder than stone.” – Lady Macbeth
“In the spirit of ambition, I will not be held back.” – Lady Macbeth
“I will not be confined by the roles set upon me.” – Lady Macbeth
“Strength lies not in gentleness but in resolve.” – Lady Macbeth
“Fear is for the weak; I will seize my destiny.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on Manipulation and Persuasion
Lady Macbeth is skilled at manipulation, especially when it comes to influencing Macbeth’s actions. Her quotes reflect her persuasive skills and strategic mindset.
“You must leave all the rest to me.” – Lady Macbeth
“I will entreat my lord to release you.” – Lady Macbeth
“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” – Lady Macbeth
“What beast was ‘t, then, that made you break this enterprise to me?” – Lady Macbeth
“Give me the dagger!” – Lady Macbeth
“I will not fail; I will instill courage into your heart.” – Lady Macbeth
“Persuasion can be more powerful than swords.” – Lady Macbeth
“Our desire will lead us to destiny.” – Lady Macbeth
“There is no turning back; you must act!” – Lady Macbeth
“Strength is in the strategy we share.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on Grit and Determination
Lady Macbeth’s determination is one of her most defining traits. Her quotes showcase her grit and her fierce resolve to achieve her ambitions.
“When you durst do it, then you were a man.” – Lady Macbeth
“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition.” – Lady Macbeth
“What’s done is done, can’t you see?” – Lady Macbeth
“I shall push forward; nothing can stop me.” – Lady Macbeth
“I will not flinch; I will face my fears.” – Lady Macbeth
“To achieve greatness, one must be resolute.” – Lady Macbeth
“Courage will guide our hands.” – Lady Macbeth
“I am strong enough for what comes next.” – Lady Macbeth
“With determination, anything is possible.” – Lady Macbeth
“I will light the way toward victory.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on Guilt and Madness
As her ambition takes a toll, she faces the mental consequences of her actions.
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” – Lady Macbeth
“The thane of Cawdor lives; why do you dress me in borrowed robes?” – Lady Macbeth
“All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.” – Lady Macbeth
“What’s done cannot be undone.” – Lady Macbeth
“These deeds must not be thought after these ways; so, it will make us mad.” – Lady Macbeth
“I have almost forgot the taste of fears.” – Lady Macbeth
“I now have fear in every breath.” – Lady Macbeth
“I am spiraling deeper into madness.” – Lady Macbeth
“No sleep for the wicked, is it?” – Lady Macbeth
“The mind knows not what it sees.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on Strength and Vulnerability
Her complexity lies in her blend of strength and vulnerability. Her quotes reflect her resilient spirit while also hinting at her despair.
“I am in blood, stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er.” – Lady Macbeth
“A lady’s love is a strength; do not mistake it for weakness.” – Lady Macbeth
“There’s a darkness in me I cannot escape.” – Lady Macbeth
“In my heart lies both strength and sorrow.” – Lady Macbeth
“To love is to be vulnerable; I am both.” – Lady Macbeth
“No matter the cost, I will not falter.” – Lady Macbeth
“It takes strength to confront fear.” – Lady Macbeth
“I will stand firm, even as I tremble inside.” – Lady Macbeth
“True strength is born of vulnerability.” – Lady Macbeth
“I shall rise, despite the weight upon my heart.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on Fate and Free Will
Lady Macbeth’s actions raise questions about destiny and free choice.
“What’s done is done.” – Lady Macbeth
“Fate is but a pawn in my hand.” – Lady Macbeth
“We are the masters of our destiny.” – Lady Macbeth
“Destiny can be shaped by brave hands.” – Lady Macbeth
“To seize power is to challenge fate.” – Lady Macbeth
“The threads of fate are woven by our deeds.” – Lady Macbeth
“Ambition can defy the boundaries of fate.” – Lady Macbeth
“I will not be a mere pawn in fate’s game.” – Lady Macbeth
“We create our own fates through our choices.” – Lady Macbeth
“Fate may call, but I will answer with resolve.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on Relationships and Loyalty
Her relationship with Macbeth is foundational, marked by shared ambition and loyalty.
“My dearest partner of greatness.” – Lady Macbeth
“Together, we shall achieve greatness.” – Lady Macbeth
“Your honor means little if ambition holds no weight.” – Lady Macbeth
“I would have pluck’d my nipple from his boneless gums.” – Lady Macbeth
“Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, till thou applaud the deed.” – Lady Macbeth
“You must be ready to act when the opportunity presents itself.” – Lady Macbeth
“Trust me; my will is as strong as yours.” – Lady Macbeth
“Together we can defy the very fates.” – Lady Macbeth
“In this, we are bound by ambition.” – Lady Macbeth
“Our bond is one of shared desire.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on The Consequences of Actions
Lady Macbeth’s ambition leads to dire consequences that haunt her.
“The owl that shriek’d the fatal bellman, which gives the stern’st good night.” – Lady Macbeth
“What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account?” – Lady Macbeth
“The seeds of action bear fruits of consequence.” – Lady Macbeth
“The depths of ambition lead to dire consequences.” – Lady Macbeth
“I am in blood, stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er.” – Lady Macbeth
“One decision can alter the course of history.” – Lady Macbeth
“With ambition comes the weight of consequence.” – Lady Macbeth
“The blood that has stained my hands cannot be washed away.” – Lady Macbeth
“To act is to invite consequence; be prepared.” – Lady Macbeth
“What’s done cannot be undone.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on Deception and Illusion
She is adept at navigating deception to achieve her goals.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” – Lady Macbeth
“We must play our parts to perfection.” – Lady Macbeth
“Appearances can be deceiving; I wear a mask.” – Lady Macbeth
“Life is but a stage; we are all actors.” – Lady Macbeth
“Behind every smile lies a hidden agenda.” – Lady Macbeth
“The façade is necessary for ambition to thrive.” – Lady Macbeth
“To deceive is to control the narrative.” – Lady Macbeth
“In shadows, we hide our truths.” – Lady Macbeth
“Illusions are crafted in the name of power.” – Lady Macbeth
“Deception is the strategy of the ruthless.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on The Nature of Evil
Her ambition leads her into the realm of evil, creating a complex portrayal of morality.
“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” – Lady Macbeth
“My hands are of your color; but I shame to wear a heart so white.” – Lady Macbeth
“I would rather challenge the devil himself than do this.” – Lady Macbeth
“The darkness of ambition breeds evil.” – Lady Macbeth
“The blood that stains my hands is a mark of my ambition.” – Lady Macbeth
“Evil is but a means to an end.” – Lady Macbeth
“To take power is to flirt with darkness.” – Lady Macbeth
“In the pursuit of power, the soul may perish.” – Lady Macbeth
“If I must be evil, then let it be for a grand cause.” – Lady Macbeth
“Evil deeds require resolve and courage.” – Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth Quotes on Her Relationship with Macbeth
Their relationship is deeply rooted in ambition and manipulation.
“My dearest partner of greatness.” – Lady Macbeth
“Together, we shall achieve greatness.” – Lady Macbeth
“Your honor means little if ambition holds no weight.” – Lady Macbeth
“I would have pluck’d my nipple from his boneless gums.” – Lady Macbeth
“Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, till thou applaud the deed.” – Lady Macbeth
“You must be ready to act when the opportunity presents itself.” – Lady Macbeth
“Trust me; my will is as strong as yours.” – Lady Macbeth
“Together we can defy the very fates.” – Lady Macbeth
“In this, we are bound by ambition.” – Lady Macbeth
“Our bond is one of shared desire.” – Lady Macbeth
Final Thoughts
Lady Macbeth’s quotes encapsulate her intense ambition and the psychological toll of her actions. Her complex character illustrates themes of power, guilt, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, making her one of Shakespeare’s most memorable figures.