Macbeth V.ii.20

“Now does he feel his title / Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe / Upon a dwarfish thief.” (V.ii.20-22)

Clothing, a motif found in Macbeth, is depicted in this passage, spoken by Angusas, ill fitting in regards to Macbeth’s kingship. Here Macbeth is described as a “dwarfish thief” due to his murder of Donalbain. While Macbeth is not diminished in physical appearance he has become stunted in his role as King as a result of obtaining the crown by means of assassination of the previous King of Scotland. He wears the clothing of a giant but they do not fit him as his position of ruler does not fit him. The wrong clothing makes him seem less in his position of King. This passage alludes to the larger theme of kingship in the play, and Shakespeare’s question within the play of what makes a proper King. By displaying Macbeth in clothing which reduces him to a lower station his identity comes into question as does his classification. Macbeth’s best fitting clothing is that of armor which classifies him as a knight or warrior more so than King. It is through the use of onomastics that Macbeth’s designation as King, husband, father and/or knight comes under scrutiny from others in the play and the vehicle through which the theme of kingship comes into question.

Diana Athey