Macbeth Character Analysis

‘For brave Macbeth - - well he deserves that name-‘

Our first impressions of Macbeth makes is think that he is a brave soldier and well respected among his fellow soldiers this is a direct contrast to the end of the play.

‘It is too full o’ the human- kindness’

Lady Macbeth fears her husband is too kind to kill the king. White of the milk represents mildness and purity which suggests Macbeth has these qualities.

‘All of great Neptune’s ocean couldn’t clean this blood from my hand’

Macbeth has lost touch with the Christian God so he has to turn to the Roman Gods ( Neptune). The start if Macbeths guilt and downfall. He believes this deed will stay with him forever.

‘Sleep no more, Macbeth does murder sleep’

In the play sleep can be symbolised as tranquility and peace and by ‘[murdering] sleep’ Macbeth has murdered his internal peace, so he would live in fear and guilt. Duncan can represent peace and tranquility of his country so when Macbeth murders Duncan he brings Scotland into turmoil, thus murdering leave and tranquility of his country.

‘The dead butcher’

Malcom says this after the final fight. A butcher describes someone who kills showing no regret for their actions or reasons for killing. Malcom doesn’t even use Macbeths name this shows a complete loss of respect for Macbeth even in death- which would be a common superstition of the time, not to disrespect the dead.