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All Site ContentMacbethAct 3Scene 4
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"human"
Wordplay
Act 3,
Scene 4
Lines 79-80

An explanation of the multiple meanings of the word “human” in Act 3, Scene 4 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Macbeth

Blood hath been shed ere now, i' the olden time,
Ere human statute purged the gentle weal.

In this moment of wordplay, “human” can be read two ways:

  • man-made, as in, it was man-made laws which civilized man.
  • humane, as in the laws which reduced violence in society were humane, tolerant and benevolent.