answersLogoWhite

0

Macbeth needs to look innocent, but underneath his fake appearance, he needs to be bold, determined, and deadly. Lady Macbeth is also telling Macbeth to pretend to be a friend, when he is actually the enemy, or to act like he is honest, when he is actually deceitful. When Lad Macbeth says, "But be the serpent underneath it", Lady Macbeth might be referring to herself, that she is the serpent under Macbeth, and that Macbeth is the mask, or screen, which diverts attention from Lady Macbeth.

It shows how Macbeth needs to be the nice to Duncan to prove his innocence even though he has agreed to kill him- appearances can be deceiving.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How honest is lady Macbeth's welcome to the king?

Not very honest. She is living up to her own advice: "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it".


Look like the innocent flower but be the serpent undert'?

Please rephrase your question it does not make sense


What is an example of an oxymoron in Macbeth?

One example of an oxymoron in Macbeth is when Lady Macbeth says, "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it." This phrase juxtaposes the imagery of a harmless flower with that of a dangerous serpent, creating a sense of contradiction and ambiguity.


What is so surprising about the way Lady Macbeth treats the king when he arrives at her castle in Act 1 Scene 6?

Nothing. She has told Macbeth in the previous scene that the plan is to "look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it". Her welcome of Duncan is 100% innocent flower, which is what we should expect.


How is Lady Macbeth's response to Macduff 'What in our house' an error in judgment?

It is a selfish and superficial remark. The king has just been stabbed and she's worried about how hard it is to get bloodstains out of the carpet. If she is planning to look the innocent flower while being the serpent under it, she should have showed more shock and concern over the fact that the king, the beloved Duncan, was dead.


What do serpents and snakes represent at different times in Macbeth?

They represent dangers in the quotation "we have scotched the snake not kill'd it" and in Macbeth's remark "there the grown serpent lies". When Lady M says to look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it, she also means to look innocent but to be dangerous. Snake meat is also added to the witches' brew ("fillet of a fenny snake") but that is probably just to add protein.


What is lady macbeths advise to her husband to do in order not to arouse suspicion?

Lady Macbeth advises her husband, Macbeth, to act innocent and welcoming when King Duncan visits their castle. She tells him to appear normal and hide their true intentions of murder. Lady Macbeth suggests that Macbeth should make sure their plan is executed swiftly and confidently to avoid suspicion.


Was Macbeth a hypocrite?

Yes, Macbeth was a hypocrite. A hypocrite may be defined as someone who makes a show of virtue, religious devotion, or benevolence. Such may be said of Macbeth's misbehavior when King Duncan was his house guest. Macbeth indeed followed his wife's hypocritical advice: '...look like th' innocent flower,/But be the serpent under 't' [Act 1 Scene 5 Lines 63-64]. It was hypocritical and treacherous to have welcomed the King only to kill him.


What quotes show indirect characterization in the tragedy of Macbeth?

One example of indirect characterization in "Macbeth" is when Lady Macbeth says, "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it." This quote reveals Lady Macbeth's cunning and manipulative nature. Another example is when Macbeth says, "I am in blood, stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er." This quote shows Macbeth's guilt and the point of no return he has reached in his ruthless ambition.


What is Shakespeare's best saying on the subject of deceit?

Well, "best" is a matter of opinion but how about this: "To beguile the time, look like the time; bear welcome in your eye, your hand, your tongue; look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't. (Macbeth, I v)


What does it foreshadow when the Witches say fair is foul and foul is fair hover through fog and filthy air?

The words "fair is foul" foreshadow Macbeth's opening line "So foul and fair a day I have not seen" Also in a deeper sense we are given a clue that in this play nothing will be what it seems to be. People will look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it. The apparent murderers (the grooms) will actually be victims. Woods will move, and men not born of women will appear, which seems impossible.


What is the symbolism and metaphor when lady Macbeth says to Macbeth to hid his emotions ad actions?

Lady Macbeth's instruction for Macbeth to "hide" his emotions and actions symbolizes the theme of deception and manipulation in the play. It reflects how characters in the play often conceal their true intentions and feelings in order to achieve their goals. It also serves as a metaphor for the darkness and corruption that can arise when individuals suppress their true selves for the sake of ambition and power.