#MacbethAct1Scene2
l.1
DUNCAN: What bloody man is that? He can report,
As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt
The newest state.
This scene introduces the theme of VIOLENCE and the motif of BLOOD, in relation to notions of bravery, heroism and patriotism.
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l.1
DUNCAN: What bloody man is that? He can report,
As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt
The newest state.
This scene introduces the theme of VIOLENCE and the motif of BLOOD, in relation to notions of bravery, heroism and patriotism.
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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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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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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 recreating "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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- 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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