Macbeth Group

Question:


fannyy90
Student
High School - 12th Grade

Why does Macbeth speak of playing "the Roman fool"?

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Posted by fannyy90 on Saturday October 27, 2007 at 7:55 PM and tagged with act 5 scene 8, macbeth, roman fool.

Answers:


  1. malibrarian Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Macbeth is demonstrating his resolve not to take his own life - to fall upon his own sword as a "Roman fool" would do out of despair.  He is determined to fight to the bitter and bloody end.  The link below will give you additional information about the character of Macbeth.  Good luck!

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/macbeth-character-analysis

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    Posted by malibrarian on Saturday October 27, 2007 at 8:08 PM


  2. bmadnick Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Macbeth is alluding to the old Roman idea of the dignity of committing suicide. Obviously, he has considered suicide, but he decides that the Romans were fools to consider suicide to be a more dignified death than dying in battle.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com

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    Posted by bmadnick on Saturday October 27, 2007 at 8:21 PM