Loyalty in the Play Macbeth

        Loyalty is an important concept in the play Macbeth.  How is loyalty discussed in Act I?  Having read the scene summaries in the Introduction, how do you think loyalty will play a role in the play as a whole?  What do you think Shakespeare is saying about the importance of loyalty?

        Loyalty is a predominantly important theme in Macbeth. The plays storyboard is largely based upon the portrayal of explicit themes such as betrayal and its inevitable revenge, or on the other hand its controversy in the form of loyalty. While reading the play the use of symbolism, soliloquies, and dramatic irony is obvious, and also very important for the establishment of the mood, the atmosphere and the theme. Act 1 includes evident examples of text and action based upon loyalty and human morality.  From reading the text it becomes obvious that loyalty plays an important role in the primary scenes but also in the play as a whole.

         Shakespeare cleverly uses loyalty as a dramatic device, numerously the text incorporates the concept of ‘absolute trust’. It seems clear that both Macbeth and King Duncan greatly value loyalty and pure morality. In the beginning of Act 1 Macbeth is portrayed as a loyal, valiant warrior, it seems he would do anything for his King and his Country. “Till he faced the slave; which ne’er shook hands, nor bade him farewell to him, till he unseamed him from the nave to th’ chops, and fixed his head upon our battlements.” The quote found in scene II establishes and explains Macbeth’s loyalty toward the King Duncan and his homeland. The extract suggests on Macbeth’s inner strengths and morality as he is ready to put his life on the line to go fight in the battle against the enemy Macdonwald, as described in the text Macbeth fights with honor and admiration. Betrayal seems to be the grievest crime for him.

        Although, after encountering the three witches Macbeth’s morality and human values are triggered. The circumstances lead to a series of changes in his character which, with the help and persuasion of his wife Lady Macbeth, leads to King Duncan's death . “Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye, your hand, your tongue: look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” Here Lady Macbeth is advising her husband to lie and act to his own interest, in fact to commit a sin disregarding any religious commandments and moral obligations accepted in the society . She uses her strength over Macbeth and tells him to act appropriately in the occasion and he gives in . Lady Macbeth wants her husband to first warmly welcome and honor the king but after become a serpent and kill him. Basing on this quote it is obvious that Lady Macbeth has no values in loyalty, she is clearly driven with the desire to seek power at all costs. 

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