False face must hide what the false heart doth know.

Note: Doth = Do

To remember this quote use the following mnemonic.

What do you think the false face hides? What?

The false heart.

Do you know who that is?

"False face must hide what the false heart doth know." Act 1, scene 7, last line (line 83), and is spoken by Macbeth. 

Meaning

• "False face must hide" - Macbeth is telling himself that he must put on a deceptive, innocent appearance. 

• "what the false heart doth know" - His heart is already guilty because he has decided to kill King Duncan, and he must conceal this evil intention. 

Exam Advice

• Context - Macbeth has just been persuaded by Lady Macbeth to go through with murdering Duncan. He realises he must act deceitfully to hide his true intentions. 

• Theme of deception - This line reflects one of the plays key themes; appearance vs reality. Macbeth must pretend to be loyal while secretly planning treason.

• Dramatic irony - The audience knows Macbeth's true intentions, creating tension when he interacts with other characters. 

• Character development - This moment shows Macbeth's transformation from hesitant to committed to evil. 

• Foreshadowing - Macbeth's deception will not last forever, later in the play, his crimes catch up with him.