Robe Motif In Macbeth
From Macbeth's question to Ross, "Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?" (1.3.108), to Angus's observation that Macbeth's robe "hang[s] loose about him, like a giant's robe / upon a dwarfish thief" (5.2.20-22), William Shakespeare adds this "robe motif" purposely in his Tragedy of Macbeth play, in order to reflect Macbeth's tragic decisions. Falling from "valiant, worthy, and noble thane" (1.2) to "hell hound" (5.8.3) due to his "vaulting ambition" (2.7.27), Macbeth tries to blame others for his mistakes, ultimately, he must take responsibility for his actions. Macbeth is a well liked character, respected by all and held in high regard. Many noblemen think highly of him such as the high ranking captain of a ship stating, "For brave
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Or art but a dagger of the mind, a false creation. (2.1.33-38)
Macbeth also see's visions of Banquo's ghost. After others realize that Macbeth "play'dst most foully" for the crown they lose their respect for Macbeth. He is called a "tyrant" by a lord, also "devilish." "Cannot buckle his distemper cause within the belt of rule." (5.2.15) This "belt" he is trying to buckle is his "borrowed" title as king that he cannot control. Macbeth may have been told he would get the crown, but does not mean he will be a good king; instead, he loses his friends and supporters. Macbeth makes a complete transformation; he no longer thinks, but acts on impulse, and "The devil himself cannot pronounce a title more hateful" (5.7.7) as the name Macbeth, he is purely evil. Macbeth's robe "hang[s] loose about him, like a giant's robe upon a dwarfish thief" (5.2.20-22); he no longer is respected and has lost all compassion, making him unfit to be king, a title he stole in the first place. He kills Banquo to protect his secret of murder, also, kills innocent lady Macduff and child.
Macduff said, "The tyrant has not battered at their peace" (4.3.178) then Ross turns around to say, "For I saw the tyrant's power afoot"
Or art but a dagger of the mind, a false creation. (2.1.33-38)
Macbeth also see's visions of Banquo's ghost. After others realize that Macbeth "play'dst most foully" for the crown they lose their respect for Macbeth. He is called a "tyrant" by a lord, also "devilish." "Cannot buckle his distemper cause within the belt of rule." (5.2.15) This "belt" he is trying to buckle is his "borrowed" title as king that he cannot control. Macbeth may have been told he would get the crown, but does not mean he will be a good king; instead, he loses his friends and supporters. Macbeth makes a complete transformation; he no longer thinks, but acts on impulse, and "The devil himself cannot pronounce a title more hateful" (5.7.7) as the name Macbeth, he is purely evil. Macbeth's robe "hang[s] loose about him, like a giant's robe upon a dwarfish thief" (5.2.20-22); he no longer is respected and has lost all compassion, making him unfit to be king, a title he stole in the first place. He kills Banquo to protect his secret of murder, also, kills innocent lady Macduff and child.
Macduff said, "The tyrant has not battered at their peace" (4.3.178) then Ross turns around to say, "For I saw the tyrant's power afoot"