Good/Macbeth Flashcards
“like Valour’s minion”
Macbeth is referred to with the simile “like Valour’s minion”, portraying him as the epitome of courage and chivalry. “Valour” refers to a demonstration of courage in the face of danger, especially in battle, while “minion” suggests a loyal follower. This implies Macbeth can be trusted because he will always show courage in battle, and is dedicated to victory in the face of defeat. He is a saving grace for Scotland. Alternatively, “minion” connotes a slave or an unimportant servant. This would mean Macbeth is the inferior servant of a greater power, in this case “Valour”. This implies he will blindly turn to violence and conflict, and foreshadows his vicious and brutal ambition.
“brave Macbeth”, “Bellona’s bridegroom”, and “Valour’s minion”
At the start of the play Macbeth has the ideal qualities of a noble king. The Captain calls him “brave Macbeth”, “Bellona’s bridegroom”, and “Valour’s minion” (1.2), proving how admired and impressive Macbeth is. “Brave” and “valour” both imply that he has a strength of character beyond being good in battle which would be ideal as a leader. This makes it ironic that he later commits the cowardly act of murdering Duncan in his sleep.
