“Blood will have blood” says this title character, who is later told “be bloody, bold, & resolute”

The Final Jeopardy question for Wednesday, September 25, 2024, comes from the category “Shakespeare.” The clue is: “‘Blood will have blood,’ says this title character, who is later told ‘be bloody, bold, & resolute.'” The correct response to this clue is “Who is Macbeth?”

The famous quote, “Blood will have blood,” comes from William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, one of his most well-known tragedies. Spoken by the title character, Macbeth, this line reflects his growing realization that the violent acts he has committed will inevitably lead to more bloodshed. It comes after Macbeth has already murdered King Duncan to secure his rise to power. The phrase symbolizes the cycle of violence and guilt that defines Macbeth’s tragic downfall.

The Meaning Behind “Blood Will Have Blood”

In Macbeth, the line “Blood will have blood” occurs in Act 3, Scene 4, after Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo during a banquet. At this point, Macbeth is consumed by paranoia and guilt over his bloody deeds, especially after ordering the murder of Banquo to prevent him from revealing Macbeth’s treachery. The line emphasizes Macbeth’s fear that the violent acts he has committed will lead to retribution, suggesting that one violent act will inevitably demand another, creating a never-ending cycle of bloodshed.

The line is significant because it marks a turning point in Macbeth’s journey. He becomes more entrenched in his violent ways, realizing that once he has started down the path of murder and ambition, it is nearly impossible to turn back. It highlights Shakespeare’s theme of guilt and the consequences of unchecked ambition, which leads to Macbeth’s ultimate demise.

“Be Bloody, Bold, & Resolute”

Later in the play, Macbeth is told to “be bloody, bold, & resolute” by the witches, further driving his violent behavior. This line appears in Act 4, Scene 1, when Macbeth seeks out the witches once again for guidance. They deliver three apparitions to him, each giving him cryptic advice. The second apparition, a bloody child, tells Macbeth to “be bloody, bold, and resolute” and assures him that “none of woman born” will harm him. This prophecy gives Macbeth false confidence, leading him to believe he is invincible.

The witches’ words reflect the play’s central theme of fate versus free will. Macbeth’s interpretation of their prophecies fuels his reckless actions, and while he believes he is acting according to fate, he is actually making choices that lead to his downfall. The advice to be bold and resolute encourages Macbeth’s worst tendencies, pushing him further into a spiral of violence and tyranny.

Macbeth’s Transformation

As the play progresses, Macbeth undergoes a profound transformation, from a once loyal and brave warrior to a tyrant ruled by ambition and fear. The lines “Blood will have blood” and “be bloody, bold, & resolute” capture key moments in this transformation. These quotes show how Macbeth’s character is driven by a sense of inevitability and the belief that violence is the only way to secure his power.

Shakespeare masterfully portrays Macbeth’s descent into madness, illustrating the moral consequences of his actions. The lines demonstrate Macbeth’s increasing reliance on violence to maintain control, as well as his gradual acceptance of his grim fate. By the end of the play, Macbeth has become a tragic figure, whose ambition leads to his destruction.

Conclusion

The quotes from Macbeth explored in this Final Jeopardy clue offer insight into the central themes of the play: ambition, guilt, and the consequences of violence. Both “Blood will have blood” and “be bloody, bold, & resolute” underscore Macbeth’s tragic journey from a respected warrior to a tyrant consumed by his ambition and paranoia. Shakespeare uses these lines to highlight the inevitable consequences of unchecked ambition, making Macbeth a timeless exploration of human nature and the destructive power of guilt.