Costume Design in Macbeth Essay Example

Medieval kings often wore appropriate and stereotypical attire, to be distinguishable to other royals, nobility and the common people. To achieve this kings wore highly rare and expensive materials, however these items were used by kings fellow royals and nobles. Therefore they over accessories to be distinguishable and symbolic to the entire population. I chose to follow the generic attributes of King, however throughout my design I significantly emphasised the personality features of King Duncan himself.  

Firstly Macbeth is set in the Medieval period (1300’s, 1400’s) In this period of history royals wore expensive silks, fur, jewels, complex patterns etc. Which set their easily distinguishable prestige and royalty. A clear aspect of distinction for royals compared to the 

common people wear jewelry. As the margin of social status increased so did the need for distinction. The upper class resorted to  jewels as such jewels were expensive; this was the ideal manner to be seen as prestigious. Throughout the medieval period trade increased with the east, west and Africa, Europeans were exposed to more significant things that included rare gems. This was not commonly seen in Europe, therefore the high demand and low supply made these gems exclusively for the upper class.  

During the medieval period fatness to the peasants was envied as it denotes that they are prosperous and a part of the nobles. This is because those over weight, were overweight because of their excess amount of food consumed, which is contrary to lower class citizens who had to save food to survive. This aspect is not clear in modern day, however I believe it is a crucial and unfortunate way to truly represent the gap in society subtly. 

Hair was an important aspect of men during the medieval period. Having no hair was humiliating. Royals and nobility maintained their hair long as it symbolised authority. In my judgement I believe it was kept long because throughout history peasants/slaves' hair was shaved for distinction, which holds the same truth but opposite for royals and nobility. Similar to long hair to royals, facial hair also followed the same symbolic meaning. However beards did not hold the same value as head hair for the same amount of time in history.

Most importantly, religion during the medieval period was especially significant because of the great power it held over people. Due to the great power it represents, a cross on Kings cloths was often seen to symbolise the power and protection they obtained. In King Duncan's costume crosses are seen throughout the costume, additionally a cross is seen on his  crown which implies that god is protecting him at the most important area of his body, his head. It can also be interpreted that the cross is above him which implies that god is above him. 

Similar to all noble attire, it was necessary to stand out to the common people. Materials included were primarily leather. However compared to other pieces of the nobles attire their shoes had pointed fronts. Due to the inefficient point in the shoe it symbolised to the common people that pointed shoes were not for physical labor or practicality, but for leisure (status and wealth). 

The most recognisable part of a king is their crown. This is because crowns symbolise dignity and supreme authority. It also represents the great history a King must carry on. Precious jewels and metals were used to distinguish it. Additionally crowns were only worn by the head power, adding to a king’s distinction to other nobles and royals. 

In conclusion, the purpose and symbolic meaning I strived to go for, was the social distinction, between the common people and royals. King Duncan's costume is arguably the most important, as Macbeth desires to be king; it was key to emphasize the characteristics and distinctions of a King. With the intention for viewers to understand the value of being king. Furthermore the costume represents his gullible character, while also providing a royal and king like portrayal.