Clothing Imagery in Macbeth

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Tina Mi Mrs. Thidea ENG4U1 October 4th.2012 Title Many people strive to obtain fame. They might look down on money or power, yet they will fall for the endless cycle of gaining a higher status. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth shows what people will do to obtain a higher rank in society. These ranks are like clothes that people wear, everyone wants it to be fancy and more extravagant. They are on a constant search for a better title. People know that better the titles, greater the benefits. In Shakespeare’s work, the use of the clothing imagery emphasizes the motives, the changes, and the results on getting titles that are more superior. Shakespeare uses these imageries to emphasize how Macbeth comes to break the chain of being. Ambition encourages Macbeth on the destruction of natural balance by fantasizing about the rewards that he will receive once he reaches his prophesized goal. Shakespeare connects clothes with titles, since they all can cover up flaws for the owner. It becomes a representation of what people are. This is hinted when Macbeth suggests, “Let’s briefly put on manly readiness, and meet i’th’ hall together” (Macbeth 2.3.133-134). This quote shows a sense of pride. Macbeth believes men of nobility should always be presentable and dressed according to ranks, even during urgent matters. He believes that the way a person is dressed affects their emotions and mind, just like the titles people obtain. Macbeth uses it to hide himself and to disguise him as a better person. He feels more important, more like a man with a great title. Another benefit is the feeling of appreciation and acceptance from other people’s praises. Macbeth’s fondness on positive comments is evident, when he explains to Lady Macbeth why he is hesitant on killing King Duncan. He says, “… and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people, which would be worn now in their

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