Meaning: The quote "It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood" is from William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, which is one of his most famous and enduring tragedies. The line is spoken by Macbeth himself, the protagonist of the play, in Act 3, Scene 4. This quote reflects the central theme of the play, which revolves around the consequences of ambition, guilt, and the cycle of violence.

In this particular scene, Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of his former friend, Banquo, whom he had murdered in order to secure his position as king. The line "It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood" is a manifestation of Macbeth's guilt and paranoia, as he begins to realize that his actions have set off a chain of violent events that will inevitably lead to more bloodshed. The repetition of the word "blood" emphasizes the inevitability and cyclical nature of violence and retribution.

Shakespeare's use of the motif of blood throughout the play serves as a powerful symbol of the characters' guilt and the moral decay that accompanies their ambitious pursuits. Blood is not only a physical manifestation of violence and death but also a metaphor for the psychological and emotional turmoil that plagues Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth.

The quote also encapsulates the idea that once a violent act has been committed, it sets off a chain of events that ultimately lead to more violence and destruction. In the context of the play, Macbeth's initial murder of King Duncan sets off a series of betrayals, murders, and battles that culminate in his own downfall and death. The quote serves as a warning about the consequences of succumbing to one's darkest impulses and the inability to escape the cycle of violence once it has been set in motion.

Furthermore, the quote also highlights the fatalistic worldview of the characters in the play, who believe that their actions are predetermined and that they are powerless to change the course of their destinies. This fatalism adds to the sense of inevitability and doom that permeates the play, as the characters are trapped in a web of their own making, unable to break free from the cycle of violence and retribution.

Overall, Shakespeare's quote "It will have blood, they say; blood will have blood" encapsulates the central themes of guilt, ambition, and the cyclical nature of violence in Macbeth. It serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the inevitability of retribution in the face of moral transgressions. Shakespeare's enduring exploration of these timeless themes continues to resonate with audiences and readers, making Macbeth a timeless and compelling work of literature.