Before we even meet the character Macbeth within the play, we learn a lot about his personality indirectly through other characters. For example, King Duncan says, “For brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name” (1.2.16). We learn about the seemingly perfect and extremely courageous reputation that Macbeth built for himself through King Duncan and other important royal characters. The captain also described him as brave and decisive when he stated that “his brandished steel, [was] smoked with bloody execution” (1.2.17-18). These examples clearly show that Macbeth is highly regarded as noble and a worthy leader. However, the way Macbeth regards himself is remarkably contrasting to how others do. When Lady Macbeth asks him to murder King Duncan, he seems extremely reluctant and nervous, which is opposite to how others view him. “He’s here in double trust: first, as I am his kinsman and his subject”(1.7.12-13), Macbeth declares in his soliloquy as he ponders whether or not to kill Duncan. From Macbeth himself, we can learn that he is indecisive and not always as brave as he is made out to be.
Thanks for posting your response. Very effective use of quotations, which have also been seamlessly embedded. Well done! 😀