Bravery and Honour in Shakespeare's Macbeth Essay Example

Shakespeare first presents Bravery and Honour in act 1 scene 2 when we hear about Macbeth’s part of the Battle against Norway through reported action. Bravery is shown in Act 1 scene 2 as Macbeth is described by the captain as a courageous war hero: ‘for brave Macbeth’. The adjective ‘brave’ used to describe Macbeth is the audiences first indication of the theme of bravery that runs throughout the play. Shakespeare also uses the simile ‘like valours minion’ to imply that Shakespeare is the Servant of bravery itself which emphasizes his fearlessness and heroism. The quote ‘well he deserves that name’ not only reinforces the captain’s declaration of Macbeths bravery but also introduces the idea of honor to the play as the captain is telling King Duncan and the audience that Macbeths actions deserve honor and recognition. Honour is also portrayed in Act 1 Scene 2 when Duncan grants Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor ‘and with his formal title greet Macbeth’. This shows that Duncan respects Macbeth and wants to him to have the Honour of being Thane of Cawdor. This is Ironic because it creates the comparison between the old Thane of Cawdor ‘disloyal traitor’ and Macbeth which foreshadows Macbeth’s dishonor later in the play.

Macbeth’s act of treason in Act 2 Scene 1 introduces the duality of honor and dishonor in the play because Macbeth a man who the audience once saw as heroic and respectable commits the most disgraceful act that can be committed because not only is he betraying the King he is also betraying God through the Divine right of Kings. The duality is also seen between the characters of Macbeth and Banquo. Shakespeare uses Character foil between these two characters to present honor and bravery throughout the play, an example of that is when both Banquo and Macbeth had the option to commit treason to gain power. Macbeth chooses to kill Duncan ‘I go, and it is done…That summons thee to heaven or to hell’ which shows that he is willing to destroy his honour and loyalty in favour of getting what he wants despite the praise and Respect (Title of Thane of Cawdor) that Duncan has given him. Whereas Banquo despite being given the same opportunity decides that his honour and loyalty especially to the king is more important than his own ambition and desires. ‘Merciful powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose’ also shows us that unlike Macbeth Banquo is brave enough to resist the desire and Temptation.

Shakespeare also presents bravery through his portrayal of 17th century gender stereotypes and Lady Macbeth. When we first meet Lady Macbeth the idea of bravery shifts from bravery in battle like in act 1 scene 2 and instead presents us with a female character who is both physically and emotionally brave and goes completely against gender stereotypes. This is shown throughout the play, but one example is Lady Macbeths Soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 5. During her soliloquy Lady Macbeth demands the spirits ‘unsex me here’ which presents the idea that during the 1700s Women were seen as weak and fragile so Lady Macbeth wants to remove the feminine weakness from her being. Through this request that her femininity is removed the audience links masculine qualities like courage and strength to Lady Macbeth. This contrasts with the idea that Macbeth is ‘too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way’ as it suggests that Macbeth is weak willed and unable to commit treason out of cowardice. As well as this ‘milk’ creates a motherly tone and could suggest that Macbeth has been raised to be honorable rather than a murderer. This suggests to the audience that in the play Macbeth bravery is not confined to the stereotypical gender roles.