Clothing In Macbeth

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Clothing references are made throughout Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, in order to show changes in social status. In the 1500s, the social ranks of people were reflected by the clothing they wore. The nobles wore more clothing made of fine fabrics, while the poor wore cotton clothing. In Macbeth, Macbeth changes clothing in order to accommodate his new status. When moving up in the social hierarchy, one must become refined and adopt new ethics. One’s rank corresponds with necessary morals. For example, it is necessary for a king to be honest, but honesty is not expected of the poor. Social classes are associated with different morals. The higher up in the social class, the higher the expectation. Macbeth journeys through the social hierarchy …show more content…
The first change in title for Macbeth is when he is named thane of Cawdor. He displays bravery on the battlefield and is given a promotion by the king. Macbeth successfully protects his fellow people and displays valor in battle. Such heroic actions deserve a reward. In Macbeth’s case, he is given a new title. Macbeth is given a new title of higher status, which is symbolized through different apparel. After being hailed as thane of Cawdor, Macbeth is confused and in disbelief. Macbeth asks, “Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?”(1.3.109). Macbeth thinks that the thane of Cawdor is still alive. He specifically uses the word “borrowed” because he knows the title is not originally his. Clothing is used to represent a person’s title because of the qualities clothing possesses. A person of higher status would wear garments made of fine fabrics. Similar to clothing, a title surrounds the wearer completely and becomes part of who they are. When Macbeth learns of his new title, he is “happy to wear what he has truly earned” (Brooks 208). Macbeth will “wear” his new title. Again, the word title is used interchangeably with clothes. He is surrounded by his good deeds and his knowledge that he has earned his new title. Macbeth’s first change in clothes is well earned and due to his heroic qualities on the battlefield, and results in a promotion of rank. It is important to note that the first clothing change Macbeth …show more content…
The witches never tell Macbeth how to proceed, or what actions to take. It is Macbeth’s own determination and his wife’s encouragement that lead to the murder of Duncan. The play becomes an internal tug of war. Macbeth’s duties and loyalty conflict with his inner desire to be king. The reader is left to examine how Duncan’s murder will affect his psychological and emotional state. Initially, Macbeth is weary and unsure of his unrighteous deed. He then struggles internally and agonizes over his decision to become a murderer. This is short-lived because he soon becomes unattached and callous. His emotional state becomes so hardened that he is not moved by the death of Lady Macbeth. He becomes a monster and a tyrant (Garber 707). Garber confirms that Macbeth goes on an emotional roller coaster, and loses his morals. After being presented with the choice to kill Duncan, Macbeth ultimately chooses to kill him in cold blood. His lust for power changes him from a noble warrior to a murderous thief. Initially following Duncan’s murder, Macbeth is an emotional wreck and even has his best friend Banquo killed. Macbeth is tortured over this heartless decision and hallucinates the ghost of Banquo. This is Macbeth’s turning point, and he represses his feelings. He becomes heartless and detached because he is suppressing all of his emotions. When Lady Macbeth dies, Macbeth does not seem devastated in the
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