Introducing
Your new presentation assistant.
Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.
Trending searches
Symbolism of Clothing in Macbeth Act I and II
1,232
Symbol/Motif in Macbeth
Clothing
Quote 1
"The Thane of Cawdor lives; why do you dress me / In borrow'd robes?" (I.iii.108-9)
Significance so far...
The "borrowed clothes" are a symbol for the property and title of Cawdor. At this time, Macbeth believes Cawdor is still alive. The significance of this symbol is it paints Macbeth as uncomfortable with the idea of taking someone else's place, and by using the word "borrowed" suggests that he recognizes the title is not rightfully his. This may foreshadow his feelings towards the crown further on.
Quote II
"We will proceed no further in this business: / He hath
honored me of late, and I have bought / Golden
opinions form all sorts of people, / which would be
worn now in their newest gloss, / not cast aside so
soon." (I.vi.31-4)
Significance so far...
Clothing here symbolizes Macbeth's newly gained respect and title of "Cawdor." He believes he and Lady Macbeth should be satisified with and proud to show off this title, instead of immediately throwing it all away so quickly in order to gain something else. This quote is significant as it demonstrates Macbeth does not begin the play as overly ambitious, but rather is initially grateful and satisfied with his place and desires most of all to be noble.
Quote III
"Let's briefly put on manly readiness,
And meet i' th' hall together." (II.iii.135-6)
Significance so far...
Here, Macbeth and the others are still in their nightclothes, feeling vulnerable, and especially unnerved after finding the murdered Duncan. Macbeth's plee to the others to reconvene after donning their dayclothes, or "manly readiness," suggests he feels particularly defenseless, and needs to hide his guilt/fear of being found out, behind a manly armor.
Quote IV
"well, may you see things well done there.
Adieu,
Lest our old robes sit easier than our new!"
(II.iv.37-8)
How has the symbol/motif changed? Has it taken on new significance?
In this last quotation, Macduff uses the metaphor of "robes" to represent the "king", where "old robes" are King Duncan, and "new robes" we know will soon be Macbeth. The metaphor suggests that the new robes may not fit ("sit [easily]") the new King properly, which for the reader, begs the question of whether or not Macbeth is ready and capable of being King. The clothing motif, while consistantly used metaphorically, has be used to represent title and respect, as well as Macbeth's internal doubts, insecurities, guilt, and perhaps inability to be an effective king.