ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -In extent Malcolm is referring to Macbeth as the “dead butcher” and to Lady Macbeth as “his fiend-like queen.” A butcher in the use of this play is a person who kills showing no regret for their actions or reason for the killings.

Detailed explanation-2: -Macbeth is described as a “butcher” by Malcolm. In many parts of the play, Macbeth has manifested a butcher-like attitude. A butcher can be interpreted as someone who kills for no valid reason. In the play, Macbeth goes on a killing spree as he kills Duncan, Macduff’s family, Banquo and attempts to kill Fleance.

Detailed explanation-3: -Malcolm describes Macbeth as ‘black Macbeth’ while he describes King Edward, who is another threat to Macbeth, as ‘full of Grace’. AO2-Dramatic irony when Macduff talks about the horrors of Macbeth’s reign, but decides not to act against him, when he is not aware of the brutal murder of his family.

Detailed explanation-4: -When Malcolm refers to Macbeth as a “dead butcher” (V. ix. 35), the point is clear: the events of the play have been created and undertaken by a man with a driving blood lust and lack of respect for propriety.

Detailed explanation-5: -As Malcolm and Macduff reason in Act 4, scene 3, Macbeth’s is the worst possible method of kingship. It is a political approach without moral legitimacy because it is not founded on loyalty to the state.