Macbeth - violence Flashcards
intro
In Macbeth Violence is a dominant theme and is used by Shakespeare to drive the plot forward very often.
Act 1 Scene 2
At the start of the play, Macbeth’s violence is praised. In the battle Macbeth is described as having
Phrase - “unseam’d him from the nave to th’ chaps” – visceral / organic image – signs of masculinity – praise – so loyal to Duncan and Scotland
War hero
Act 2 Scene 2
After murdering Duncan In Act 2, Macbeth is reflective of his despair and anguish and asks
metaphor – “Will all great Neptune’s Ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” – elemental imagery – reference to the gods shows an awareness of the gravity and violence of the sins committed.
Act 3 Scene 1
In Act 3, Macbeth is scheming to have Banquo killed. He tells the murderers to
“Leave no rubs nor botches in the work” command scheming - imperative - calculating manner - plosive sounds reflect his power over Scotland.
Act 3 Scene 4
This is shown to be successful as Banquo lies…
First Murderer – “Safe in a ditch he bides with twenty trenched gashes on his head” powerful alliterative image exaggerated violence - ruthlessness - brutality - unjust - sinful execution of violence.
Act 4 Scene 3
Macbeth ‘Savagely slaughter’d’ Macduff’s wife and children in act 4.
powerful sibilance - exaggerated violence - ruthlessness - brutality - unjust - sinful execution of violence - uncivilised irrational and animalistic behaviour - violence makes me beasts.
Shows Macbeths greed to hold on to the little power he has
Act 5 Scene 9
At the end of the play, Macbeth’s violence represents his guilty conscience – Macduff describes him as
“This dead butcher and his Fiend-like queen” - heinous crimes that he has committed – antithesis of kingly virtues.
Noun – butcher – brutal murderer
Noun – Fiend-like queen – evil tyrant
conclusion
Overall violence in this play is driven by Macbeth’s ambition for power – catalysed by lady Macbeth initially.
