Emily Carter
In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, Macduff uses the phrase all my pretty chickens and their dam to lament the murder of his family by Macbeth's thugs. The phrase one fell swoop is used to describe the killing of Macduff's family, with Macbeth being likened to a hell-kite or a bird of prey. This phrase has become a regular part of the English language, despite the poultry metaphor not aging well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the play | Macbeth |
| Character who killed a chicken | Macduff |
| Line in which the chicken is mentioned | "What, all my pretty chickens and their dam At one fell swoop?" |
| Symbolism of the chicken | The chicken and its dam represent Macduff's wife and children, who were murdered by Macbeth |
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What You'll Learn
Who killed Macduff's chickens in Macbeth?
In Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth", Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff's family, including his wife and children. Upon hearing the devastating news from Ross, Macduff exclaims:
> "My wife kill'd too? All my pretty ones? Did you say all?—O hell-kite! All? What, all my pretty chickens and their dam at one fell swoop?"
Macduff compares Macbeth to a "hell-kite", a vicious bird of prey, that has swooped down and devoured his family in one fell swoop. The imagery of a bird of prey silently attacking its victims emphasizes the ruthless and sudden nature of the murder.
The death of Macduff's family serves as a powerful symbol in the play. Shakespeare uses bird imagery to convey the vulnerability and helplessness of the victims. Lady Macduff, before her death, also uses bird imagery to express her disappointment in her husband's departure to England, comparing him to a "wren", a small bird that would bravely defend its young against an owl.
The murder of Macduff's family is a pivotal moment in the play, highlighting Macbeth's descent into tyranny and the devastating consequences of his actions. It also adds depth to Macduff's character, as he struggles with the grief of losing his loved ones and the guilt of feeling responsible for their deaths.
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What is the significance of the poultry metaphor?
In Shakespeare's Macbeth, Macduff uses the phrase "one fell swoop" in the context of King Macbeth ordering the murder of his (Macduff's) wife, children, and servants. The phrase is used as follows:
> "My wife kill’d too? All my pretty ones. Did you say all?—O hell-kite! All? What, all my pretty chickens and their dam At one fell swoop?"
Here, Macduff compares Macbeth to a "hell-kite" (a vicious bird of prey in the falcon family) and uses the poultry metaphor of a bird attacking a hen and her chicks to describe the attack on his family. The phrase "fell swoop" refers to a bird's swift and violent attack, conveying the swiftness and brutality of the murder.
The poultry metaphor is significant because it not only emphasizes the brutality of Macbeth's actions but also highlights the vulnerability and helplessness of Macduff's family. By comparing them to a hen and her chicks, Macduff underscores the innocence and defenselessness of the victims. This metaphor also adds a layer of imagery and symbolism to the play, contributing to its poetic beauty and cultural significance.
Furthermore, the use of birds as symbols in Macbeth extends beyond this specific metaphor. Throughout the play, birds are used as omens, with their presence signifying either prosperity and peace or impending calamities. Shakespeare's utilization of bird imagery and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the play, enhancing the ambiance and providing insights into the nature of the characters and their situations.
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What other bird imagery is used in Macbeth?
In Macbeth, Shakespeare employs bird imagery to signify power, freedom, and the natural world. One of the most prominent bird images in the play is that of the eagle. Macbeth himself is compared to an eagle on several occasions. For example, after Macbeth murders Duncan and is crowned king, he reflects on his ascent to power: "I have bought / Golden opinions from all sorts of people, / Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, / Not cast aside so soon." (Act 3, Scene 1) Lady Macbeth also compares her husband to an eagle when she urges him to seize the opportunity to become king: "Your golden feathers / Do now cast an ugly shadow. Clothe yourself in the beauty and colours of the moment" (Act 1, Scene 7). These eagle imagery highlights Macbeth's power, ambition, and desire to soar above others.
Owls, which are typically associated with wisdom and knowledge, take on a more ominous tone in Macbeth. Following Duncan's murder, Macbeth hears an owl shriek, which he interprets as a sign of the disorder and chaos he has unleashed: "It was the owl that shrieked, the fatal bellman, / Which gives the stern'st good-night" (Act 2, Scene 2). The owl's presence suggests that Macbeth's actions have disrupted the natural order and that his reign will be marked by darkness and foreboding.
The imagery of a falcon is also used to convey themes of control and dominance. When Macbeth visits the witches to seek knowledge of his future, they conjure an apparition that advises him to "Be bold, be bold, and everywhere be bold" (Act 4, Scene 1). This apparition is described as "a show of eight kings, the last with a glass in his hand, and Banquo's ghost following" (Act 4, Scene 1). The falcon imagery emphasizes Macbeth's need to maintain control and assert his dominance over those around him.
In contrast to the powerful birds of prey, Shakespeare also uses songbirds to represent innocence and vulnerability. For instance, when Lady Macbeth tries to convince her husband to kill Duncan, she says: "And like a pure dove, he will mount and maintain / His silver wings on serious thoughts, till dry / With barbarous murder" (Act 1, Scene 5). Here, Duncan is likened to a dove, symbolizing his purity and innocence in stark contrast to the violent act of murder being plotted against him.
Additionally, the imagery of a sparrowhawk preying on a sparrow further emphasizes the theme of power and vulnerability. When Ross and an Old Man discuss the strange occurrences following Duncan's death, the Old Man notes: "And the sparrows, the hawks, the crows, the ravens, / Retain their natural hatred; and each / At his fellow-feeder's throat" (Act 2, Scene 4). This depiction of sparrows being attacked by sparrowhawks reflects the chaos and disorder that has befallen Scotland under Macbeth's rule.
Overall, Shakespeare's use of bird imagery in Macbeth adds depth and symbolism to the play. From the power and ambition associated with eagles and falcons to the wisdom and foreboding of owls, each bird serves a specific purpose in enhancing the themes and atmosphere of the tragedy.
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Who is the greatest chicken-killer in Shakespeare?
While it is not clear whether any chickens were killed in Shakespeare's plays, some references to chickens and birds can be found in his works. In one instance, Macduff exclaims, "My wife kill’d too? All my pretty ones. Did you say all?—O hell-kite! All? What, all my pretty chickens and their dam At one fell swoop?" Here, Macduff compares the murder of his family to the killing of a mother hen and her chicks by a bird of prey. This metaphor conveys the swiftness and brutality of the attack, as well as the vulnerability of the victims.
Another interpretation of this quote suggests that Macbeth, the play's protagonist, is the "hell-kite" and that the "pretty chickens" refer to Macduff's family. This interpretation presents Macbeth as a criminal, preying on innocent victims.
Beyond this specific reference, Shakespeare often uses bird imagery in his plays, including references to falcons, eagles, and kites. These images may symbolize power, courage, and strength, as seen in the character of Macbeth, who is described as possessing these qualities.
While the question of "Who is the greatest chicken-killer in Shakespeare?" may be posed as a joke, it is worth noting that Claudius from Hamlet is also mentioned as a contender for this title. However, the focus of Shakespeare's plays is typically on human drama and conflict, with bird references serving as metaphors or symbolic elements.
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What other animals are killed in Shakespeare's plays?
Shakespeare's plays feature a wide array of animal references, with some of these animals being killed. One of the most famous instances is in "The Winter's Tale", where Shakespeare directs a character to "Exit, pursued by a bear". This results in the bear killing Antigonus, who is described as a selfless character travelling with the exiled baby Perdita. Shakespeare's original audience would have been familiar with bears, making the scene all the more impactful.
In "The Tragedy of Anthony and Cleopatra", the asp, or viper, plays a pivotal role in the plot. Cleopatra entices an asp to bite her, choosing death by the venomous snake over capture by the Romans. The asp was a symbol of royalty in Roman Egypt, making it a fitting end for Cleopatra.
Shakespeare also alludes to the killing of chickens in "Macbeth". In one scene, Macduff laments the loss of his wife, children, and servants, ordered by Macbeth, with the line "What, all my pretty chickens and their dam/At one fell swoop?". Here, the kite, a vicious bird of prey, represents Macbeth, conveying the attack and helplessness of Macduff's family.
Other animals that are referenced or killed in Shakespeare's plays include weasels in "Cymbeline" and "2 Henry IV", hunting dogs in "The Taming of the Shrew", and a lion in "The Most Lamentable Comedy and Cruel Death of Pyramus and Thisbe". Owls are also mentioned in Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet, with the latter featuring a cockatrice.
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Frequently asked questions
In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, Macduff's children and servants are ordered to be killed by King Macbeth, who is aware of Macduff's conspiracy against him. Macduff refers to his children as "chickens" in the line, "What, all my pretty chickens and their dam/At one fell swoop?"
Macduff uses the word "chicken" to refer to his children in a metaphor that compares them to a flock of birds. This creates a powerful image of an attack and the helplessness of the victims.
The word "fell" in the phrase "at one fell swoop" means fierce or deadly. While the use of "fell" in this context is now rare, the phrase "one fell swoop" has become a common expression.
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