Related Characters in Macbeth: Key Quote Analysis
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
One of the most significant character relationships in the play is exemplified through this powerful exchange:
"My dearest love, Duncan comes here tonight." "And when goes hence?" "Tomorrow, as he purposes." "O, never shall sun that morrow see!"Note
This exchange demonstrates the immediate complicity between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, showing how their minds work in sinister harmony.
Their relationship later deteriorates, shown through contrasting quotes:
"Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" (Lady Macbeth) "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" (Macbeth)Tip
Notice how both characters use imagery of washing and cleansing, but while Macbeth's guilt is immediate, Lady Macbeth's surfaces later in her madness.
Banquo and Macbeth
Their relationship transforms from brotherhood to betrayal:
"Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none."Example
This prophecy establishes the parallel fates of Banquo and Macbeth, leading to Macbeth's paranoia:
"To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus— Our fears in Banquo stick deep"
Malcolm and Macduff
Their alliance forms through shared loss and vengeance:
"Dispute it like a man." "I shall do so, But I must also feel it as a man."
