I bear a charmed life, which must not yield / To one of woman born.
Act V, Scene 8 · Macbeth
Context
As they fight, Macbeth tells Macduff that his efforts are useless because Macbeth cannot be killed by anyone born of a woman, according to the witches' prophecy.
Analysis
The phrase 'charmed life' collapses magical protection and destiny into a single possessive claim—something Macbeth owns and controls. His confidence rests entirely on the literal wording 'woman born,' showing how completely he has surrendered his judgment to the prophecy's surface meaning. The audience, already knowing the prophecy's trick, watches Macbeth mistake wordplay for invincibility, turning what should be his climactic boast into a demonstration of how thoroughly the witches have manipulated him.
Essay Tip
Support a thesis that Macbeth's downfall stems from his literal-mindedness—this quote captures the exact moment his faith in the prophecy's words blinds him to their meaning, making his confidence itself the trap.