Macbeth wears robes that do not belong to him, and this symbol is continuously represented throughout the play. Macbeth feels uncomfortable in the clothes, “New honours come upon him, like our strange garments, cleave not to their mould, but with aid of use” (A1, S3). Shakespeare really emphasizes that Macbeth is wearing an undeserved dignity, and it is this ironic and contrasting point that helps to explain Macbeth’s true inner character. There is an old expression, “Mould grows in the dark”. In human culture, there are many reflections of dark being bad and sinister, and light being good and virtuous.
This perhaps leads to the notion that Macbeth is uncomfortable in them because he is continually conscious of the fact that he is not the rightful owner. Below we can see the way in which that Macbeth's new honors sits ill upon him, like loose and badly fitting garments, which in essence belongs to someone else: "New honours come upon him, Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mould, But with the aid of use. "(Act I, iii: 144) Specifically the use of the word 'strange' allows the reader to see how he fills uncomfortable in what he is wearing and therefore the role that he is performing. In a Shakespearean tragedy, he is known to create a unique t... ... middle of paper ... ...contrast to moments with less detailed subtext. These depths of meanings are vitally important within Macbeth as it signifies not only character intention but plot devises that manipulate the lives we see on stage.
He is reluctant however, as Macbeth states, "I have bought / Golden opinions from all sorts of people, / Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, / Not cast aside so soon" (I, VII, 32-35). Macbeth compares being recently named the Thane of Cawdor to a new set of clothes. He believes that he his not ready to be king, and thus not ready for a new set of clothes. He states that the clothes that they have should be worn for a little while longer. However, Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth otherwise, and he proceeds, and murders King Duncan.
In Macbeth, Shakespeare shows us that things are not always as they appear to be. This is shown through the duplicity of Macbeth and his wife, the kings sons and the servants being blamed for Duncan's death and King Duncan's inaccurate opinions. In the beginning of the play Macbeth is a well respected hero who appears to be a great guy. However, by the end of the play it is clear that Macbeth is a selfish, troubled man with a conscience that seems to serve no purpose. In lines 81-82 on page 240, Macbeth tells how he must mislead the world and hide his dark side from it.
Macbeth infers that the clothes of the previous Thane of Cawdor, the traitor, do not fit him. Shakespeare uses this symbolism throughout the play to show how Macbeth evolves into a greedy and murderous monster. Toward the final scenes of the play, Macbeth realizes what he has become. While Macbeth requests to be put into his armor for his last battle, Angus makes a comment about him to Menteith, Caithness, and Lennox, “Those he commands move only in command, nothing in love. Now does he feel his title hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief” (5.2.19-22).
In order to capture the recurring theme of dishonesty, William Shakespeare uses the death of King Hamlet to force a façade of security and responsibility on the major characters in his play, Hamlet. Although King Claudius fails in comparison to his late brother King Hamlet, he still tries to portray king like traits and exemplify king like deeds. However, we quickly find that he is weak and faulty king not truly fit to rule. His character embodies irony to the fullest. Hamlet even refers him as a joke compared to his father.
Darcy’s proposals help to manifest his personal growth by showing the difference in his manner, rationale, and result. His haughty words and actions are the crux of his indifference towards the feelings of others in the beginning of the novel. Although Mr. Darcy is ignorant of his own highfalutin attitude at first, the rejection of his proposal by Elizabeth is just the tocsin he needs to salvage the small amount of respect she still had for him. Through her rejection, he comes to terms with his own pride and prejudice against Elizabeth and her family. Also, he realizes that she is not one to marry for money or social status, but she wants to marry a man that she truly loves, which is a surprise to him.
In Act 1 Scene 3 Macbeth is greeted by three weird sisters who name him Thane of Cawdor and King hereafter. Their prediction strikes an idea in his head. 'To be King / Stands not within the prospect of belief' Act 1 Scene 3 Lines 71 - 72 His eagerness to believe the witches shows that he is ambitious to be more than what he is and that it is not the first time this thought has crossed his mind. Macbeth's loyal and trustworthy friend Banquo is more suspicious of the Witches and warns him that they will only lead to bad things. 'Things that do sound so fair' Act 1 Scene 5 Line 50 This means Banquo has the ability to see the Witches for what they are, which is contrasted by Macbeth's clouded thoughts caused by his ambition.
It would seem that Shakespeare wanted him to be seen as being corrupt towards the audience because he would dress the actor playing Macbeth in creepy and dark costumes. “…Macbeth would wear a scarlet cloth (symbolizing blood), over a dark costume (symbolizing evil)…” (Ross 28). Shakespeare would also use tone and effects to hint at Mac...
Imagery and Symbols in Macbeth Shakespeare uses many forms of imagery in his plays. Imagery, the art of making images, the products of imagination. In the play Macbeth Shakespeare applies the imagery of clothing, darkness and blood. Each detail in his imagery contains an important symbol of the play. These symbols need to be understood in order to interpret the entire play.