FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHT POET AND OTHERS
MACBETH
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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we won the battle not the war
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we did the job we set out to do
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bad things happen to bad people
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beware of what’s coming
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Detailed explanation-1: -What does the quote “We have scorched the snake, not killed it” mean in Macbeth? We have scotch’d the snake, not kill’d it. Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth that, by killing Duncan, they have not put the matter of the throne to rest.
Detailed explanation-2: -By scorching the snake but not killing it, Macbeth means that they still have threats to face, even with Duncan out of the picture. He also references that they have put Duncan to rest in peace, while they must still suffer through challenges so long as they are alive.
Detailed explanation-3: -Yet, despite his displays of fearlessness, Macbeth is undeniably beset with guilt and doubt, which he expresses in his reference to the “scorpions” in his mind and in his declaration that in killing Banquo they “have scorched the snake, not killed it” (3.2.15).
Detailed explanation-4: -Study focus: Scorching the snake In telling Lady Macbeth that they have scorched the snake (line 13), Macbeth indicates that the ‘snake’ is wounded but is still dangerous and despite their weak attempt to kill it off, it will threaten them in the future.
Detailed explanation-5: -When talking about death, what can Lady Macbeth and Macbeth agree on? They would both rather be dead. What is “We have scotch’d the snake, not kill’d it” a metaphor for? Duncan, and his sons becoming kings.