Thou tremblest, and the whiteness in thy cheek Is apter than thy tongue to tell thy errand

Thou tremblest, and the whiteness in thy cheek Is apter than thy tongue to tell thy errand

In William Shakespeare's works, particularly in his tragedies, the use of language to convey emotions and inner turmoil is a common theme. One of the most famous lines that exemplifies this is from the play Macbeth, where Lady Macbeth says to her husband, "Thou tremblest, and the whiteness in thy cheek Is apter than thy tongue to tell thy errand." This line is spoken by Lady Macbeth as she observes her husband's reaction to the news of King Duncan's murder.

The use of imagery in this line is striking, as it vividly describes Macbeth's physical reaction to the news. The trembling in his body and the paleness of his face speak volumes about his guilt and inner turmoil, even before he can articulate his thoughts and feelings. This line highlights the power of non-verbal communication and the ability of the body to betray one's true emotions.

Lady Macbeth's observation also serves to underscore the theme of deception and manipulation in the play. Throughout Macbeth, characters use language to deceive and manipulate others, often masking their true intentions and feelings. Lady Macbeth herself is a master manipulator, using her words to goad her husband into committing regicide. In this particular instance, she is able to see through Macbeth's facade and discern his true emotions, despite his attempts to conceal them.

Furthermore, the line also speaks to the theme of guilt and conscience in Macbeth. Macbeth's physical reaction to the news of Duncan's murder is a clear indication of his guilt and inner turmoil. The whiteness in his cheek symbolizes his fear and shame, while his trembling body betrays his unease. This line foreshadows the psychological torment that Macbeth will experience as he grapples with the consequences of his actions.

Overall, Shakespeare's use of language in this line is masterful in its ability to convey complex emotions and themes. Through the simple observation of a physical reaction, Lady Macbeth is able to reveal the inner turmoil and guilt that plague Macbeth, setting the stage for the tragic events that will unfold in the play.