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Questions and Answers
Shakespeare initially casts Macbeth as a ______ and valiant soldier
skilful
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
metaphors
The verb “______” suggests a seamstress’s artistry
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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”
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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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Description
Explore Shakespeare's portrayal of Macbeth as a valiant soldier and hero in the first two acts of the play. Analyze how Shakespeare uses epithets and metaphors to introduce Macbeth's character. Test your understanding of Macbeth's initial characterization and its significance in the play.
