Question

What was Macbeth's attitude toward the upcoming fight? (Act V, Sc. 5, Lines 33-52)

Answer 1

Answer: Macbeth is frightened about the fight, and comforts himself by stating that he will at least die in a battle.

Explanation:

Shakespeare's Macbeth is a play about a man's ambition to become a king. He eventually does achieve his goal, but at a cost: having killed both King Duncan and Banquo, Macbeth is consumed with guilt.

In Act V, Scene V, Macbeth has just found out that his wife is dead, when a messenger informs him that the trees of Birnam Wood are are advancing towards Dunsinane. Shocked by both news, Macbeth remembers the witches' prophecy that he would not die until Birnam Wood came to Dunsinane. This makes him even more terrified.

It seems that, at this point, Macbeth is ready to die. Although afraid, he tells his men that they will at least die 'with our armor on.'