So, who is Ross from Macbeth? Ross is a vital character in the Shakespearean tragedy “Macbeth”. He is known for his clever remarks like,
“Let not your ears despise my tongue forever,”
Ross is a Scottish nobleman and a messenger. He is a fascinating character in Macbeth who often goes unnoticed. He navigates the treacherous political landscape of Scotland with loyalty and moral integrity. Shakespeare uses him to link key events and with him the play goes through the transition from one action to another. His role in different matters reflect the restlessness in the Scottish nobility during the reign of Macbeth. This article will talk about who is Ross in Macbeth and his role in the entire play.
Who is Ross from Macbeth?
Ross is cousin to Macduff and he serves as a messenger. He delivers important news to characters and plays a significant role in developing the story of the play. Ross is distressed by the murder of King Duncan as he was loyal to him. He also acts as the commentator of unnatural events that happen after the killing of Duncan. In the end he supports Malcolm as he thinks Malcolm is the rightful heir to the throne.
Key Messages Delivered By Ross
Duncan’s victory
At the end of a fierce battle against the alliance of Norwegian army and rebellious Thane of Cawdor Ross arrives at Duncan castle and delivers the victory news to King Duncan. He reports that Macbeth and Banquo fought with bravery. To depict the heroism of Macbeth he says,
“Bellona’s bridegroom, lapped in proof,
Confronted him with self-comparisons.”
Bellona is a Roman goddess of war and he compares Macbeth’s heroism to the goddesses. The second line of the quote mentions how Macbeth confronts Macdonwald with equal strength. This prompts Duncan to reward Macbeth with the title, “Thane of Cawdor”.
Declaring Macbeth’s Kingship
After the murder of Duncan, Ross discusses the unnatural event that happened in Scotland. He thinks it is the disorder created by regicide. He mentions the incident of Duncan’s horses going mad and eating each other and confirms the coronation of Macbeth by saying,
‘’He is already named, and gone to Scone
To be invested.”
His announcement set up the play’s focus from the murder to the political chaos. He is awry about the future of Scotland because of the unnatural deed committed by Macbeth.
Macduff’s take off
To save his life, Macduff leaves for England and Ross visits her to inform that her husband has left, leaving her children vulnerable. He believes Macduff did this for he thinks it is the best thing to do,
“He is noble, wise, judicious, and best knows
The fits o’ the season.”
The message delivered by him to lady macbeth is vital, as it adds urgency to the situation. Lady Macduff and her entire family are in danger which shows how Scotland is under chaos and fear.
Massacre of Macduff Family
Perhaps the most emotional message conveyed by Ross is the news of the Macduff family murder. He travels to England to deliver heartbreaking news to Macduff about the brutal death of his wife and entire family. He is hesitant to give the message to Macduff but eventually he declares,
“Your castle is surprised; your wife and babes
Savagely slaughtered.”
This message is the turning point for Macduff, as he is now full with vengeance and wants revenge. The incident also shows how Macbeth rules with tyranny.
Preparation for the battle
Macbeth loses his allies and the Scottish nobles prepare to join Malcolm forces against Macbeth. Ross confirms the shifting allegiance and talks about how ready the troops are. He reports the gathering about the shifting support for Macbeth,
“Near Birnam wood
Shall we well meet them; that way are they coming.”
This message sets the action for the final battle and informs us about the Macbeth’s imminent ill fate which will seal the fate for him and the natural order will be restored.
Ross’s Interaction with Major Characters
With Macbeth
At first Ross was loyal to Macbeth, he brings the heroics of Macbeth on the battlefield to Duncan’s ear which results in Macbeth gaining more power. However, when Macbeth’s oppression intensifies his loyalty wavers and he actively starts working against Macbeth. Ross is only loyal to Scotland and he is not a servant to any individual.
With Macduff
Later, he becomes attached to Malcolm and Macduff, as he thinks that Malcolm is the rightful ruler of scotland. He travels a great distance to convey the tragic news of the murder of the Macduff family which heightens the sympathy in the audience for Macduff. The murder of his entire family transformed Macduff’s grief into a burning desire for vengeance. He laments by saying,
“All my pretty ones?
Did you say all? O hell-kite! All?”
This incident propels the play to its climax as Macduff now has to kill Macbeth to avenge the murder of his family. Ross;s interaction with Macduff is very symbolic as this scene symbolizes the impact of Macbeth’s rule in Scotland and also shows a war is going to start against Macbeth.
Symbolic Roles of Ross
Represents the Common man
Shakespeare uses symbols in most of his plays like the symbol of the bird in Macbeth. Ross also plays a symbolic role in the play. Ross is the man who appears to be mostly affected by the political turbulence. He belongs to the broader class of Scottish nobles. Actually he is neither at the top level of power hierarchy nor at the very bottom. He is an ideal lens through which we view the power struggle. Ross masterfully navigates the dangerous landscape of loyalty and betrayal. Various interactions with characters like Macbeth, Macduff and Malcolm by Ross shows the restlessness of this period in the play.
His perspective on different matters
Ross is deeply concerned about the moral corruption in Scotland under Macbeth’s rule. In his conversation with the Old Man he seems to be very concerned about the events that have happened. In his view the social order is completely shaken. While talking with Lady Macduff he comforts her but mentally has no trust in the social order. All these facts are vital to identify who is Ross in Macbeth and what his intentions are.
Furthers the Theme of the Play
Loyalty: Ross is at a loss in the face of ever turning situations. At first, he is loyal to Duncan. Later, he becomes supportive to Macbeth, showing his loyalty to the crown. When he realizes that Macbeth is turning evil like a gothic villain, Ross’s loyalty shifts to Malcolm. He is truly a good man with no evil intention.
Betrayal: Macbeth’s act of betrayal is a stark contrast to that of Ross’s loyalty. Macbeth kills innocent subjects while, as a king he was supposed to protect them. Ross is loyal to his country’s goodness, while Macbeth kills people who he swore to protect.
Outcome of Ambition: Ross realizes that Macbeth is blinded by ambition and this flaw in his character will eventually lead to his death. The moral with ruthless ambition are the reasons that play a significant role in the fall of Macbeth.
Undeniable impact by Ross
Ross is all in for the good. He actively participates to overthrow the tyrant Macbeth. He joins Macduff and the other nobles to defeat Macbeth once and for all. His involvement shows his commitment in restoring order in Scotland. Even in the battle he never forgets his role as a messenger. He brings the news of young Siward’s death to his father.
Conclusion
We now have the answer to Who is Ross from Macbeth. Ross, the messenger, plays a vital role restoring justice to his country. He develops from a loyal messenger to an active rebel contributing to the overall theme of the play. Ross’ firm stand represents the collective efforts that people of Scotland put forward to bring peace to their land.
