You are here

All Site ContentMacbethAct 2Scene 2
Back to the Play
"quenched"
Wordplay
Act 2,
Scene 2
Lines 1-2

An explanation of the many meanings of the word “quench” in Act 2, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

 [Macbeth castle, near the bedrooms. Enter Lady Macbeth]

Lady Macbeth

That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold;
What hath quenched them hath given me fire. Hark, peace.

“Quenched” has three senses in this line:

  • satisfed a thirst. The servants’ desire for a drink has been satisfied.
  • destroyed. The servants’ unconsciousness ensures their death.
  • extinguished a flame. What put out the fire that is the servants’ lives has lit a fire in Lady Macbeth.