All 6 Uses of
treason
in
Macbeth
- Whether he was combin'd With those of Norway, or did line the rebel With hidden help and vantage, or that with both He labour'd in his country's wreck, I know not; But treasons capital, confess'd and proved, Have overthrown him.†
Scene 1.3
- But I have spoke With one that saw him die: who did report, That very frankly he confess'd his treasons; Implor'd your highness' pardon; and set forth A deep repentance: nothing in his life Became him like the leaving it; he died As one that had been studied in his death, To throw away the dearest thing he ow'd As 'twere a careless trifle.†
Scene 1.4
- Faith, here's an equivocator, that could swear in both the scales against either scale, who committed treason enough for God's sake, yet could not equivocate to heaven: O, come in, equivocator.†
Scene 2.1
- — Ring the alarum bell:—murder and treason!
Scene 2.1 *treason = betrayal against the king
- Fears and scruples shake us: In the great hand of God I stand; and thence, Against the undivulg'd pretense I fight Of treasonous malice.†
Scene 2.1
- Duncan is in his grave; After life's fitful fever he sleeps well; Treason has done his worst: nor steel, nor poison, Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing, Can touch him further.†
Scene 3.2
Definition:
-
(treason) betraying someone or something -- typically betraying one's own country
(in this context, to betray is to not be loyal--often by helping enemies)