Theme Of Loyalty In Macbeth

In the year of 1606 William Shakespeare released his well-renowned play, The Tragedy of Macbeth, with the backdrop of Scotland during the 11th century. Throughout this play there are various themes, but the most prominent is honor vs. disloyalty, which is shown through the interactions of characters. Honor can be defined as one exhibiting honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions were as disloyalty could be defined as a violation of allegiance or duty to someone.

To introduce the theme of honor vs. disloyalty in, The Tragedy of Macbeth, one can understand the characteristics displayed by both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, which represents the prominent ideas of distinction vs. infidelity. The personality of Macbeth in the first act can be noted as courageous and chivalrous.

Characteristics of his loyalty are evident when Macbeth vanquished the deceitful Thane of Cawdor, while risking his life for King Duncan and Scotland (Act I, Scene ii, Lines 63-65). These aspects are examples of honor vs. disloyalty and allow the reader to catch a glimpse of how Macbeth is a confidant and noble man which in turn assists the theme. Once the reader is allowed to experience the revolting soliloquy of Lady Macbeth, the temperament can be characterized as persuasive and lustful for power. After the letter arrives stating Macbeth’s prophecy, Lady Macbeth allows her dark side to show; praying for her heart to be made hard and her blood to be thick because she knows for her husband to be king, she must do the most sinful act (Act I, Scene v, Lines 40-54). This evidence allows one to obtain the treachery and distastefulness associated with Lady Macbeth and develop the idea that she is disloyal to her country and her husband by reason of her thoughts that he is not “man” enough to carry out the malicious deed. After discussing the characteristics of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, one can understand the theme honor vs. disloyalty and the reasons for the character’s behaviors and actions which are well displayed in the play.
Throughout this play the theme, honor vs.

disloyalty, can be displayed by the actions of two adverse characters, Macbeth and Malcolm. As shown in the play, the events exhibited by King Duncan’s eldest son, Malcolm, present his loyalty to not only his father, but also to his country, Scotland. For example, when Malcolm raises an army in England and desires to overthrow King Macbeth, he uses his actions to demonstrate honor to his country and father, which adds to the theme honor vs. disloyalty (Act IV, Scene iii, Lines 236-240). However, the reader can see when Macbeth orders the death upon Banquo, he himself changes from the man he was in the first act (Act III, Scene i, Lines 140-142). Displayed by his behavior, Macbeth has shown disloyalty to his companion because he has not only murdered his closest confidant to quiet him, but also betrayed his only true friend he possessed. These aspects and actions of Macbeth’s life, not only display his inability to be loyal, but also his malicious intent to become king, whatever the cost. One can see the theme, honor vs. disloyalty, develop as the breakdown of Macbeth and Malcolm’s actions are discussed during the length of the

play.
To conclude the theme, honor vs. disloyalty, the reader can see the significance that quotes have on this play and how this affects the theme of dignity vs. treason. For example, the quote spoken by Lennox states “Macduff is fled to England.” (Act III, Scene vi, Line 141), displays that Macduff does not fully agree with King Macbeth’s way of rule and wishes to rise against him with the help of England’s King Edward. Also, it shows his loyalty and honor to his country and to the late King of Scotland, which aligns with the theme honor vs. disloyalty. When the reader experiences the full wrath of Macbeth, one can see how he impacts the main theme of the story, especially when Macbeth says “The castle of Macduff I will surprise; Seize upon the fife; give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line.” (Act IV, Scene i, lines 150-153). This quote alone stands for the disloyalty Macbeth has towards Macduff and his family because he ordered the assassination of his family to attract Macduff back to Scotland. For example, the murder of civilians shows Macbeth has refused to follow the chivalric code for innocent bystanders to be left out of a conflict and not used as pawns. These quotes help to provide insight into the actions of Macbeth and Macduff and where they are both emotionally and physically from the beginning to the end of the play.
Throughout this play many themes appear, however honor vs. disloyalty is a theme of abundance that occurs most often which is constructed by using characteristics, actions, and quotes. Once the reader has established the knowledge of this play, it will be easier to understand the demeanor of the characters, and how vital intercommunication is to the definition of honor and disloyalty.