What does Macbeth say and do in Sct V that confirms the description of him given by Caithness and Angus in scene 2?

Answer 1

Caithness says: "Some say he's mad, others that lesser hate him do call it valiant fury; but for certain he cannot buckle his distempered cause within the belt of rule."

Angus says: "Now does he feel his secret murders sticking on his hands. Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach. Those he commands move only in command, nothing in love. Now does he feel his title hang loose about him, like a giant's robe upon a dwarfish thief." (what a great simile!)

Although they are both saying that Macbeth is losing his grip, they are really talking about two opposed things. Caithness is saying that Macbeth is losing the mental ability to make proper decisions, that his problem is internal. Angus is saying that Macbeth cannot command the loyalty of his followers and thus his problem is external. There is evidence of both.

The Doctor gives an example of a follower who is moving in command and nothing in love. He says, "Were I from Dunsinane away and clear, profit again should hardly draw me here." Macbeth confirms it when he says "Bring me no more reports. Let them fly all" and "Then fly false thanes and mingle with the english epicures." His inability to make a proper decision is shown by him commanding that his armour be put on when it is not yet required, and then snarling at a servant "Pull it off, I say."