Words are the basic elements of the English written language. With words, one can say precisely what one wants to say, a skill that Shakespeare has mastered. In Macbeth, he carefully chooses each word so as to say exactly what he wants to say, and often leaves these words open to the readers interpretation. One such carefully chosen word is the word slave, a simple word meaning someone entirely under the dominion of a person or an influence (Random House, 674). Although this word appears only four times within the play, its importance should not be underestimated. Every time that Shakespeare chooses to use the word slave he is using it to show a slave of ambition, an important symbol within the play. The first use of slave in the play comes when a war-wounded soldier comes to deliver the message to the king of Macbeths defeat over Macdonwald. He refers to Macdonwald as the slave, which is the perfect name for him (Shakespeare, Macbeth I.ii.20). One would have to be a slave of ambition if he thinks that it is acceptable for him to try to overthrow his very own king and center. Furthermore, it is extremely ironic how Macbeth is the one who defeats this slave in act one, but then becomes one himself in act two. After performing a heroic deed and making what was foul (Macdonwalds rebellion), fair, Macbeth goes and makes what is fair (Duncans Kingship), foul; thus making him a slave like Macdonwald(I.i.11). Also, in using this word, the reader comes to learn much about Macdonwald. We first of all learn that he cares mainly about his own personal gain, for he desires kingly power. We also learn that if he had actually succeeded in stealing the throne, he would not have made a good king, for a good king can never be selfish or stray from the center the way that he does. In using the word slave Shakespeare actually puts into the readers mind a concept that runs throughout the entire play; you cannot be selfish or stray from the ...
