Student Question

Where in "Macbeth" is "false face must hide what the false heart doth know" found?

Quick answer:

The line "false face must hide what the false heart doth know" is found in act 1, scene 7 of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Macbeth speaks this line to Lady Macbeth, instructing her to act as a perfect hostess to King Duncan while hiding their murderous intentions. This scene is crucial as it shows Lady Macbeth convincing Macbeth to proceed with their plan.

Expert Answers

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That particular line is the final line of act 1, scene 7 of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The line is spoken by Macbeth to Lady Macbeth. He is telling her to go and act the perfect hostess to their esteemed guest, King Duncan. Macbeth wants her face to be bright and cheery in order to hide the evil thoughts that her mind and heart have conceived about Duncan's eventual murder. This particular scene is important to the overall play because this is the scene where Macbeth tells his wife that he can't go through with the plan. She insults and browbeats him until he changes his mind, and she ensures him that they will not be caught because nobody will suspect them since they will be mourning just as vigorously as everybody else.

Who dares receive it other,
As we shall make our griefs and clamor roar
Upon his death?

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