What Does Clothing Symbolize In Macbeth

“Behind every beautiful thing, there’s some kind of pain”(Bob Dylan). Macbeth is a story following a short span of a man from the medieval times. Macbeth is one of the most well respected men in Scotland, defeating the rival armies single handedly. Macbeth hides behind his crown while his respect shrinks with each kill he makes. At the end everyone close to Macbeth has either been murdered or has left him and joined the English armies to defeat and take back Scotland.Throughout the story there are many instances of imagery, one that stuck out was clothing. There aren’t very many instances of clothing being used as imagery but there’s a deeper meaning behind clothing. Clothing throughout the story is symbolized as the truth being hidden, resembling the theme that no matter how hard you try to hide the truth it will be revealed. Towards the beginning of the play in act one scene three Macbeth is confused when he finds out he is being given the title Thane of Cawdor. He didn’t yet know that the original thane had betrayed the king and joined the rival armies Macbeth had defeated. Macbeth goes on to say “Why do you dress me in borrowed

Macbeth knows that Banquo is suspicious of Macbeth’s secrets and decides that he must be killed. Macbeth orders two men to murder Banquo as he rides because Macbeth knows Banquo is going to find Malcolm and Donalbain. If these two are found Macbeth would lose his crown and the truth would be revealed. Macbeth asks Banquo all these questions about his ride out and tell Banquo of the Banquet. Macbeth says “ Tonight we’re having a ceremonial banquet, and I want you to be there”(III.i.15-16). Macbeth uses this ceremonial banquet and its ornate clothing to hide the murder of Banquo. Who can blame a King dressed up at a feast. This use of imagery isn’t directly about clothes, but Macbeth uses this to hide the