Everyone loves a good Shakespeare insult, but which ones come from Macbeth? There are several in Macbeth, not all of which I will include here, but below are some that are particularly hard-hitting and always manage to amuse. A few in particular stood out to me because they utilize birds in their insults, which add an extra layer of meaning. But if you’re looking for a quip for a future debate, here are a few to keep up your sleeve.

Thou cream-fac’d loon! Where gott’st thou that goose look?

Act V Scene III

What, you egg!

Act IV Scene II

I comment on both of these at the end of my book, but here is the relevant passage from it:

Some birds are mentioned just long enough to provide an insult and perhaps show the lunacy of Macbeth. Towards the end of the play, right when Macbeth is caged in his fortress and nearly all have abandoned him, he insults a servant calling him a “cream-fac’d loon” with a “goose look” (5.3.11-12). In addition to being called a little bird and son of the wren, Macduff’s son is called an egg just before he is murdered (4.2.79). While this is somewhat odd or even humorous at first glance, knowing the effort Shakespeare seems to have taken to include avian references, this little insult seems fitting. Moreover, it highlights the cowardice of Macbeth who hunts not only harmless “chickens” but even innocent and defenseless chil-dren: a little clutch of eggs in their nest that were dearly loved by their parents.

Take thy face hence.

Act V Scene III

I mentioned this one in my previous installment, but there is something quite perfect in this insult. There is no elaboration. It is elegant and scathing in its simplicity.

Ross How goes the world, sir, now?

Macduff Why, see you not?

Act II Scene IV

The original “What, are you blind?”

I fear thy nature; It is too full o’th’milk of human kindness Act I scene V

This one stings because of who speaks it. Lady Macbeth says this of her husband. She is both calling him a weak-willed milksop and a kindhearted gentleman. And he, unfortunately, is as much the former as the latter. This line does less to amuse as much as it is instructive on the character of both Macbeth and his lady. And what more can we learn from characters in a play than from what they speak? Through soliloquies, we learn a character’s thoughts; through humor, the truth can be revealed; and through insults, we can feel the surface of the heart. Our words mean something; perhaps we should try to use them as carefully as Shakespeare. Are there any quotes or insults from Macbeth that you find most striking? Leave them below! And keep an eye out: There is only one more week until you can order a copy of my commentary on Shakespeare’s Macbeth!

Blessings to you and yours,

~Madelyn Rose Craig