Macbeth - A butcher, a savage slaughterer

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        A butcher, a savage slaughterer who is usually thpought to have no feelings of guilt or remorse. This is used Malcolm's description of Macbeth. At some points in the play "MACBETH" there are many visible examples that this definition could be applied to Macbeth. However at other points in the play, Shakespeare shows the audience how much guilt and regret Macbeth has, we are even shown some self hatred from our once proud warrior.

        Malcolm, the son of Duncan, the dead king, describes Macbeth as "this dead butcher". There are many arguements for and against this point, but I would hold the opinion that Macbeth is not a dead butcher, but he was infact trying to do the best for his country. It would not seem like this all through out the play though. When Macbeth confronts the witches at the beginning of the play, he is thought of as a good noble man, "O, valaint cousin ! worthy gentleman !" The language used here to represent Macbeth is full, proud language. All the words indicate that this is a man of truth and honour. Here at the beginnning of the play he is introduced to the witches. If used as an example against Malcolm's description, it can be taken that the actions performed by Macbeth through the play was not of his own free will but of witchcraft that has been placed on him. Later in the play we find evidence that his mind is being tampered with, "Shall draw him onto his confusion;". Infact not all the blame can be placed upon Macbeths head alone, his dear wife Lady Macbeth was a strong influence in the descision to kill Duncan. This was however the first and only murder she assisted in, the murder of the other characters was devised by only Macbeth. Even as Lady Macbeth asked the devil to take her guilt away, "Stop up the passage and access to remorse;",  she ponders her own descision. Just before the murder of Duncan, Lady Macbeth changes her mind and tries to prevent Macbeth from commiting the murder, but even his own arguement cannot sway the passage of events which he will take place in.

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        On the otherhand Malcolm does have a reason to insult the dead Macbeth. He has not heard the same things as the audience and therefore does not know the personal hell Macbeth was going through at the end of the play, "I am

sick at heart,". The evidence Malcolm has to support his view is overwelming but not complete. The main reasons Malcolm holds are the death of many people including his father, the quick decline of Scotland and the fact that Malolm originally fled from Scotland because he was under blame for the death of the King. ...

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