Macbeth Group
Question:
princess-sno...
Student
High School - 10th Grade
In Macbeth Act 1 scene 3: What are Macbeth's desires when he says "Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires."
Answers:
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angelacress Teacher
High School - 10th GradePosted by angelacress on Monday April 9, 2007 at 10:02 AMIn this quote Macbeth is referring to his desire to usurp the throne of Scotland by any means possible.
Sources:
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jamie-wheeler Teacher
College - SophomorePosted by jamie-wheeler on Monday April 9, 2007 at 12:19 PMThis passage is important because it shows premeditation on Macbeth's part. Somewhere he suspects that his "black" heart will be revealed, and the universe (God) will know of his crimes. But he is not sure. Hedging his bets, Macbeth hopes that there is no God, and his crimes will go unpunished. Still, he does not want the "stars" to see; he does not want their light ("the fires") to illuminate either his deed or his soul. His "deep desires" are for power and the throne at whatever cost, even the cost of his immortal soul.
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cmaloney Teacher
High School - 12th GradePosted by cmaloney on Monday April 9, 2007 at 12:34 PMMacbeth is trying to hide in the darkness. this is literal and metaphoric. He doesn't want his emotions to show. The stars will only illuminate what he feels and he doesn't want his "black and deep desires" to be known or his "desires" will be known-- He is intrigued by the witches predictions, he wants to be king. He is excited by the prediction yet he must not let it show--especially to Banquo who is such a moral and uprightman.
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prhodes Teacher
High School - 10th GradePosted by prhodes on Wednesday April 25, 2007 at 5:59 AMHe refers to his ambition to be the king, and his decision to kill the rightful king, Duncan, in order to achieve this.
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fatboy65 Student
High School - 12th GradePosted by fatboy65 on Thursday September 27, 2007 at 11:43 AMHe really wants to be the king so he decides to kill the rightful king duncan to acheive being king.
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zachneef Student
High School - 12th GradePosted by zachneef on Thursday September 27, 2007 at 11:44 AMHe wants to be the king, and his decision to kill the rightful king, Duncan, in order to be the kin.
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lphillippo Student
High School - 12th GradePosted by lphillippo on Thursday September 27, 2007 at 11:49 AMMacbeth previously was musing in a soliloquy about the his gaining the cawdor-ship just as the wiches predicted. Then he began to muse about the kingship about which the wiches also spoke. He then said "hide your fires" because he was ashamed of his insatiable human desire for power and wealth. He reveals his heroic nature by quoting his desires "black" and being ashamed of them.
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britrenn Student
High School - 12th GradePosted by britrenn on Thursday September 27, 2007 at 11:55 AMdont let people see how you really are. He doesnt want anyone to see how he really is and really acts.
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spartacus Student
High School - 12th GradePosted by spartacus on Thursday September 27, 2007 at 11:56 AMi think Macbeth desires that his status and his loyal facade will hide his passion to kill Duncan and take his place as king.
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story33 Student
High School - 12th GradePosted by story33 on Wednesday March 5, 2008 at 3:44 AM