The merciless macbeth: loyalty and violence in shakespeare's macbeth

In Act 1, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Macbeth, there is a key quote that showcases the loyalty and violent nature of the protagonist, Macbeth. The quote goes as follows:

Quote #1

"The merciless Macdonwald—

Worthy to be a rebel, for to that

The multiplying villainies of nature

Do swarm upon him...

For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name!

Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel,

Which smoked with bloody execution,

Like valor's minion carved out his passage

Till he faced the slave;

Which ne'er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him,

Till he unseamed him from the nave to th' chops,

And fixed his head upon our battlements."

This quote highlights Macbeth's loyalty to his king and his willingness to resort to violence. When Macdonwald is revealed to be a traitor, Macbeth immediately steps forward to kill him, seeking immediate retribution for his treachery against the throne. This sets up a contrast with the rest of the play, as Macbeth later turns against the very king he valiantly protects in this scene. The quote also showcases Macbeth's comfort with committing violent acts, as he unseams Macdonwald from the nave to the chops, leaving a gruesome wound. This further emphasizes the prevalent blood imagery that runs throughout the play.

Quote #2

"No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive

Our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death,

And with his former title greet Macbeth."

In this quote, King Duncan appoints Macbeth as the new Thane of Cawdor, a title that becomes vacant due to Macdonwald's treachery. It is Macbeth's own actions, specifically his execution of Macdonwald, that enable him to receive this noble title. Duncan's phrase greet macbeth echoes the witches' prophecy of Macbeth's meeting, suggesting that Macbeth's fate is set in motion and he is headed towards his own downfall.

Quote #3

What he hath lost, noble macbeth hath won.

In this quote, Duncan acknowledges that Macdonwald has lost his title of Thane, while Macbeth has won the position. However, there is a foreshadowed reversal of meaning here. Although Macbeth gains the thaneship, this marks the beginning of his undoing as he succumbs to ambition and the realization of power, which will eventually lead to his downfall.

Essay Questions:

Reflect on the scene by considering these questions:

1) How would you characterize Macbeth at this point in the play? If you were going to write a biography of Macbeth at this point, what kinds of things would you say about him?

At this point in the play, Macbeth can be characterized as a loyal and valiant warrior. He is willing to defend his king and take swift action against traitors. However, there are already hints of his propensity for violence and ambition. In a biography of Macbeth at this point, it would be important to mention his loyalty to the throne, his bravery in battle, and his execution of Macdonwald.

2) How do you think King Duncan will receive Macbeth when he sees him? Why do you think so?

King Duncan is likely to receive Macbeth with gratitude and admiration. Macbeth's swift action in executing Macdonwald demonstrates his loyalty and commitment to the kingdom. Duncan will see Macbeth as a hero and a valuable asset to his reign.

3) What do you think Macbeth is thinking at the end of this scene? Do you think he is satisfied with his being named Thane? Does his ambition to become king develop later or does it start now?

At the end of this scene, Macbeth may be feeling a mix of emotions. He is likely satisfied with being named Thane, as it is a recognition of his bravery and loyalty. However, there may also be a flicker of ambition ignited within him. The taste of power and advancement may plant the seed for his eventual desire to become king. While his ambition may develop further as the play progresses, this scene marks the beginning of Macbeth's realization of his own potential for power.

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