Angela Bour Mrs.

Macelroy AP English 21December 2011 Clothing Imagery in Macbeth Shakespeare employs the use of many images in his writing. In Macbeth, for example, he uses clothing to give the reader a feel for what he tries to convey. Shakespeare implies that clothing metaphorically represents power in Macbeth. This idea introduced first by Macbeth, who, when addressed by the witches as Thane of Cawdor, asks them, Why do you dress me in borrowed robes? He really asks why they address him with a title, and by extension, power, that belongs not to him. Later, when revealed that Macbeth became Thane of Cawdor, Banquo says, Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mold, but with the aid of use. When told the king gave him that title, Macbeth became nervous about it. Banquo basically tells Macbeth that the clothes fit not now, but with time clothes begin to fit him. Later, when Macbeth becomes a tyrannical king, Caithness describes Macbeth by saying that He cannot buckle his distempered cause within the belt of rule. Caithness here basically says that Macbeth acquired no ability to control his own kingdom. He also implies that under the leadership of Duncan the kingdom stabilized. Soon after, Macbeth puts on his armor, although he requires it not at that time. Through this action, he prepares himself to defend his kingship and power. He, of course, failed to defend his title, but Shakespeare succeeded in his use of clothing s imagery for power.