ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -19. Macbeth says, “Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires.” What are Macbeth’s desires? He now desires to be the king, and he realizes that something will have to be done with the present king (and his sons) before his desires can become reality.

Detailed explanation-2: -Macbeth is clearly worried by the strength of his own ambition which he refers to as black and deep desires. He knows there will be obstacles in his way but is determined to get round them. He just hopes that nobody will see what he is up to which is why he wants the stars to stop shining.

Detailed explanation-3: -“Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.” (Macbeth) This quote is by Macbeth to himself (the classic Shakespeare soliloquy) he is asking the stars to hide their light so that no one will be able to see the dark desires he has inside him.

Detailed explanation-4: -After announcing that his son is to receive the highest honor of heir to the throne, Duncan reassured Macbeth that other honors, like stars, will shine on everyone who deserves them (line 42). Here, Macbeth picks up on that simile, saying he does not want the stars to shine on him, lest they reveal his dark desires.