as sparrows, eagles or the hare the lion

To remember this quote use the following mnemonic.

Note: If you want even more detailed mnemonics to remember the quote starts with "As," you could think of the sparrows being asleep (as) before the eagle swooped down. To remember it is "or," you could think of the hare using an oar (or) before the lion roared. You can always add to the mnemonics we have given. 

"As sparrows, eagles or the hare the lion," (act 1 scene 2 line 39), reports the captain to King Duncan about how great was Macbeth in the battle against Thane of Cawdor. 

Macbeth vee Thane of Cawdor:

Macbeth fighting a cawing crow with a door (Cawdor).

The captain is comparing Macbeth to an eagle who fights a sparrow, or a lion fighting a hare, this shows Macbeth is great, strong and righteous. Macbeth is fighting for his king, King Duncan. 

Sparrows and hares symbolise frailty and fear. Eagles and lions represent strength and nobility. Exploring these contrasts reflects Macbeths transformation from a noble warrior to a paranoid despot.