What does Lady Macbeth mean by look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it?
Language device: Symbolism The serpent is a symbol used to represent treachery. Lady Macbeth warns her husband to 'look like the innocent flower,/But be the serpent under't' (I. 5.63–4). Effect. The symbolism here shows that Lady Macbeth wishes her husband to appear well-meaning and gentle to hide his deceit.
What act is look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it?
act 1, scene VLook like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it, Macbeth, act 1, scene V [graphic] / V.W. Bromley, pinxt ; G. Goldberg, sculp.
Is look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under t a metaphor?
Look like th' innocent flower, But be the serpent under 't. In this simile, Lady Macbeth exhorts her husband to conceal his murderous intentions with innocent behavior, similar to a snake lurking beneath a harmless flower.
Is innocent flower a metaphor?
"Look like the innocent flower" is a simile, and "be the serpent" is clearly a metaphor. But (most importantly, i think) the whole thing is also an example of literary antithesis -- that is, of setting up two things as opposites.
When did Lady Macbeth say look like the innocent flower?
Quote of the Week: “Look Like Th' Innocent Flower, But Be The Serpent Under 'T” This quote is one of most memorable from Macbeth (and it's one of QuickLits' personal favourites). It's often used as evidence of Lady Macbeth's ambitious, evil nature and comes from Act I, Scene V.
What does a serpent snake symbolize?
Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. The ouroboros is a symbol of eternity and continual renewal of life.
Who said look like the innocent flower?
Lady MacbethIn the scene with Lady Macbeth that follows, Macbeth again echoes her previous comments. She told him earlier that he must “look like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under't” (1.5. 63–64).
What four metaphors does Macbeth use to express life?
"And all our yesterdays have lighted fools / The way to dusty death." "Out, out, brief candle!" "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more." "It is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing."
What metaphors does Macbeth use for life?
In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses an extended metaphor in the final act to compare life to a shadow. Macbeth proclaims, ''Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player/ That struts and frets his hour upon the stage/ And then is heard no more. It is a tale/ Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/ Signifying nothing.
What is Macbeth irony?
There is irony in the words of Macbeth when he expresses to Banquo that they would have been more hospitable to the King and Banquo, if they would have been aware of it. There is dramatic irony in Macbeth's speech in the royal banquet scene, as well as in his conversation with Banquo's ghost.
What are the 5 themes in Macbeth?
ThemesThe Corrupting Power of Unchecked Ambition. ... The Relationship Between Cruelty and Masculinity. ... The Difference Between Kingship and Tyranny. ... Ambition. ... Guilt. ... Children.
What is an example of a paradox in Macbeth?
In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, there are several paradoxes. Some are made by the three witches: 'When the battle's won and lost,' meaning Macbeth will be victorious but each victory will lead to more losses. They also say, 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair. ' While many see the witches as evil, they do not.
What act does Lady Macbeth say unsex me here?
Act 1, Scene 5 is a soliloquy spoken by Lady Macbeth after she has read her husbands letter, and when she knows from the messenger that the king will be arriving that night.
What act is is this a dagger I see before me?
Act 2 Scene 1'Is This A Dagger Which I See Before Me' Spoken by Macbeth, Act 2 Scene 1. Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.
What are the 5 themes in Macbeth?
ThemesThe Corrupting Power of Unchecked Ambition. ... The Relationship Between Cruelty and Masculinity. ... The Difference Between Kingship and Tyranny. ... Ambition. ... Guilt. ... Children.
What do serpents symbolize in literature?
It can represent death, destruction, evil, a penetrating legless essence, and/or poison. In the Christian tradition, Satan (in the guise of the serpent) instigated the fall by tricking Eve into breaking God's command. Thus the serpent can represent temptation, the devil, and deceit.