MACBETH AS A POWERFUL CHARACTER Flashcards
HOW DOES SHAKESPEARE PRESENT MACBETH AS A POWERFUL CHARACTER
At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is depicted as a brave and skilled warrior.
praised for his valor in battle, having fought fiercely for his king and country. establishes him as a formidable and respected figure.
becomes increasingly ruthless in his pursuit of power.
willing to resort to violence and deceit to achieve his aims, showing a lack of moral restraint.
willingness to do whatever it takes to get what he wants underscores his power and determination.
MACBETH AS POWERFUL:MILITARY PROWESS:QUOTES
“For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name
“O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!
MACBETH AS POWERFUL:RUTHLESSNESS:QUOTES
“For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name
At least we’ll die with harness on our back.”
Thou canst not say I did it: never shake / Thy gory locks at me.”
FOR BRAVE MACBETH WELL HE DESERVES THAT NAME
reputation as a courageous and skilled warrior. He is depicted as someone who not only fights on the battlefield but does so valiantly, earning the respect and admiration of his comrade establishes Macbeth as a formidable figure in the context of warfare, highlighting his proficiency in combat and his ability to lead troops effectively.
bravery in battle is a precursor to the actions he later takes out of ambition and desire for power. His willingness to engage in acts of violence and deceit, as seen throughout the play, can be interpreted as an extension of the ruthlessness implied by his prowess on the battlefield. The admiration for his bravery can be seen as a foreshadowing of the lengths he will go to in order to maintain and consolidate his power, even if it means resorting to ruthless and morally questionable tactics.
O VALIANT COUSIN! WORTHY GENTLEMEN
spoken by King Duncan upon hearing of Macbeth’s actions in battle. It showcases Duncan’s immediate recognition and acknowledgment of Macbeth’s courage and skill on the battlefield. This highlights Macbeth’s reputation as a fearless and capable warrior among his peers and superiors.
exclamation of “worthy gentleman!” further emphasizes the respect and admiration he holds for Macbeth. By referring to him as a “gentleman,” Duncan not only acknowledges Macbeth’s noble status but also his honorable conduct and bravery in combat. This acknowledgment from the king solidifies Macbeth’s standing as a respected and esteemed figure within the military hierarchy.
At least we’ll die with harness on our back.”
reflects Macbeth’s resigned acceptance of the inevitability of death. In this context, “harness” refers to armor or military equipment. Macbeth acknowledges that death is imminent, but he resolves to face it with courage and dignity, preferring to die in battle rather than surrender or flee. This demonstrates his resolve and determination, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Macbeth reveals his comfort with violence and conflict. Despite the bloodshed and chaos surrounding him, he sees battle as a fitting end and is prepared to meet his demise in combat. This acceptance of violence as a means to an end underscores Macbeth’s ruthlessness and willingness to resort to extreme measures to achieve his goals.
Thou canst not say I did it: never shake / Thy gory locks at me.”
symbolizes the violence and bloodshed associated with Banquo’s murder. Macbeth’s defiant tone and denial of responsibility reveal his unwillingness to acknowledge his guilt or face the consequences of his actions. This demonstrates his ruthlessness in refusing to take accountability for his crimes, even when confronted with evidence of his wrongdoing.
Instead of expressing regret or guilt, he responds with hostility and indignation, further highlighting his ruthless nature. Macbeth’s inability to empathize with his victims underscores his moral degradation and descent into tyranny.
His aggressive response to the ghost suggests a fear of losing control and a determination to preserve his authority at any cost. This desperation drives Macbeth to increasingly ruthless and paranoid behavior as he seeks to eliminate any threats to his reign, demonstrating his willingness to resort to violence and deceit to secure his position.
