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Questions and Answers
Shakespeare initially casts Macbeth as a ______ and valiant soldier
Shakespeare initially casts Macbeth as a ______ and valiant soldier
skilful
Shakespeare uses ______ to introduce Macbeth as a lauded and celebrated hero in 1.2
Shakespeare uses ______ to introduce Macbeth as a lauded and celebrated hero in 1.2
epithets
Shakespeare’s use of ______ to describe Macbeth’s sword tells audiences of his violence
Shakespeare’s use of ______ to describe Macbeth’s sword tells audiences of his violence
metaphors
The verb “______” suggests a seamstress’s artistry
The verb “______” suggests a seamstress’s artistry
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Macbeth has “______” an enemy “from the nave to th’chaps”
Macbeth has “______” an enemy “from the nave to th’chaps”
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Shakespeare’s audience would likely applaud Macbeth’s actions and think they “______ of honour”
Shakespeare’s audience would likely applaud Macbeth’s actions and think they “______ of honour”
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Shakespeare’s patron was ______ I
Shakespeare’s patron was ______ I
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Study Notes
Macbeth's Initial Characterization
- Shakespeare portrays Macbeth as a skilled and valiant soldier, whose ruthless violence is applauded by the audience due to its loyal service to the rightful king.
- The use of epithets such as "brave Macbeth", "valiant cousin", and "worthy gentleman" in 1.2 introduce Macbeth as a celebrated hero before the audience meets him in 1.3.
- Metaphors describing Macbeth's sword, such as "smok'd with bloody execution", convey his violent nature.
- The verb "unseamed" implies Macbeth's skill and artistry in violence, as it suggests a seamstress's work.
- The report of Macbeth "fix'd his head upon our battlements" uses violent imagery to bring his ruthlessness to life.
Historical Context
- In Shakespeare's time, the audience would likely applaud Macbeth's actions as they are committed in loyal service to a rightful king, such as James I, Shakespeare's patron.
- The actions would be seen as "smack of honour" due to their context.
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