There's daggers in men's smiles

To remember this quote use the following mnemonic.

Over there is a strange sight, daggers in men's smiles.

"There's daggers in men's smiles." Spoken by Donalbain, King Duncan's son, after Duncan is found murdered, act 2, scene 3, line 136.

Meaning

• "There's daggers in men's smiles" - People may appear friendly on the outside, but they can be hiding dangerous intentions. 

• Overall interpretation - Donalbain doesn't trust anyone. He knows that someone close to them has committed the murder and is pretending to be innocent. 

Exam advice

• Context - Duncan has just been murdered. Macbeth is pretending to be loyal and shocked, even though he is the killer. 

• Theme of deception - This line reflects one of the play's key themes; appearance versus reality.

• Imagery - The metaphor of "daggers in men's smiles" shows how kindness can be a mask for violence and betrayal. 

• Tension and suspicion - It shows how trust has broken down. Even family members now fear each other. 

• Foreshadowing - Donalbain and Malcolm flee because they sense danger. Their suspicion is justified, and this decision saves them.