Thread by @GCSE_Macbeth

I wish now I'd spent more time investigating Act 1 Scene 2 and its portrayal of violence, and use of blood, in relation to notions of bravery, heroism and patriotism.

A very underrated scene for exploring how Macbeth changes throughout the play.
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The "bloody" man -- the Sergeant -- represents the heroism of blood spilled patriotically in battle. His wounds "smack of honour". Macbeth and Banquo are also "bathed" in "reeking wounds" from the battle.

Macbeth has bloodlust of the right kind. He's good at killing.

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Things to compare:
1. Macbeth's "steel" (his sword) compared to the "daggers" he uses to murder Duncan. One is the weapon of a soldier, the other of a traitor.

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2. How Macbeth is soaked in blood now, but then after bloodying his hands on Duncan's blood he cannot bear to do violence in person again. He murders Banquo and Lady Macduff from a distance, employing henchmen.

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3. How Macbeth is described as recreting "Golgotha" in killing Macdonwald, Golgotha being the scene of Christ's crucifixion, and then when he kills Duncan the supernatural phenomena that occur are also remisiscent of those attending Christ's death.

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4. The honourable "gashes" of the Sergeant compared to:
- the "gash'd stabs" in Duncan's body (2.3)
- the "trenched gashes" that did for Banquo (3.4)
- the "gash" in Scotland due to Macbeth (4.3)

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