All 5 Uses of
valor
in
Macbeth
- For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name),
Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel,
Which smoked with bloody execution,
Like valor's minion, carved out his passagep. 9.7valor = courageeditor's notes: This could be paraphrased as: "Brave Macbeth, who truly deserves that name, ignored luck, and with his sword—still smoking from killing—acted like the favorite servant of courage, cutting his way through the enemy"
Valor is used as a metaphor to personify courage. Macbeth is shown as a favorite servant of Valor.
- No sooner justice had, with valor armed,
Compelled these skipping kerns to trust their heels,
But the Norweyan lord, surveying vantage,
With furbished arms and new supplies of men,
Began a fresh assault.p. 11.1valor = courageeditor's notes: This could be paraphrased as: "As soon as we bravely forced the Irish soldiers to run, the Norwegian king saw what happened and attacked us with fresh men and arms."
- Hie thee hither,
That I may pour my spirits in thine ear;
And chastise with the valor of my tongue
All that impedes thee from the golden round,p. 31.9valor = courageeditor's notes: This could be paraphrased as: "Come here quickly, so I can share thoughts, inspire, and rebuke with brave words everything that prevents you from wearing the crown."
- Art thou afeard
To be the same in thine own act and valor
As thou art in desire?p. 41.7 *valor = courageeditor's notes: Lady Macbeth's words to Macbeth could be paraphrased as: "Are you afraid to be as bold in your actions as you are in your desires?"
- 'Tis much he dares,
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,
He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour
To act in safety.p. 85.3valour = courageunconventional spelling: This is a British spelling. Americans use valor.
Definition:
exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle