MACBETH
We will proceed no further in this business: He hath honour'd me of late; and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon. |
Earlier in the scene when Macbeth was torn over murdering King Duncan, he gave moral reasons for not going through with it, but now as he tries to convince his wife, he chooses to focus on the material benefit of bowing out. The symbol of clothing is used throughout the play for a number of reasons. At this point Macbeth feels he deserves the good opinions of powerful individuals, so the clothes are new and glossy, used as a positive symbol for his noble work. Later in the play the symbol of clothing becomes a metaphor for the way Macbeth came to power; he is wearing stolen robes and does not fit them.
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