Yet do I fear thy nature. It is too full o'th' milk of human kindness

To remember this quote use the following mnemonic.

Yeti, do I fear thy nature?

It is too full of anger. 

I know, I will give it milk with human kindness.

"Yet do I fear thy nature. It is too full o'th' milk of human kindness." Act 1, scene 5, line 15. 

Meaning

• In this quote Lady Macbeth is talking to herself saying that Macbeth is not a murderer by nature. Her belief is that his kind nature will prevent him from committing murder. Milk suggests a motherly, pure and compassionate person.

Exam Advice

• Theme of Ambition vs Morality - Lady Macbeth knows her husband wants power, but she thinks he is too honourable to do evil deeds. 

• Theme of Manipulation and Influence - This moment shows Lady Macbeth's intention to push and persuade Macbeth to act more ruthlessly. 

• Gender Roles - She sees kindness as weakness, suggesting that to succeed, Macbeth must reject traditional virtues.

• Theme of Conflict Within Macbeth - The line foreshadows Macbeth's inner struggle between his ambition and conscience.