All 6 Uses of
treason
in
Macbeth
- But treasons capital, confessed and proved,
Have overthrown him.p. 23.1treasons = crime of betrayaleditor's notes: Treasons capital is a way of saying the highest or most severe form of treason.
- But I have spoke
With one that saw him die: who did report,
That very frankly he confessed his treasons,
Implored your highness' pardon, and set forth
A deep repentance. Nothing in his life
Became him like the leaving it.p. 27.0treasons = acts of betrayal
- here's an equivocator, that could swear in both the scales against either scale, who committed treason enough for God's sake,
p. 61.6treason = betrayaleditor's notes: "Committed treason enough for God's sake," could be paraphrased as: "committed acts of betrayal while claiming the actions were for God."
An alternative interpretation could read "for God's sake," as a way of emphasizing the evil of the betrayal.
- Ring the alarum bell. Murder and treason!
p. 67.3treason = betrayal against the king
- In the great hand of God I stand, and thence,
Against the undivulged pretense I fight
Of treasonous malice.p. 71.7treasonous = involving betrayaleditor's notes: This could be paraphrased as: "I stand under God's protection, and from there fight against this hidden conspiracy of evil betrayal."
- 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.p. 93.5 *treason = betrayal
Definition:
betraying someone or something -- typically betraying one's own country
(in this context, to betray is to not be loyal--often by helping enemies)
(in this context, to betray is to not be loyal--often by helping enemies)