Monday, October 12, 2015

What are some connotations of the word "thane" in Macbeth?

Connotation is the idea or feeling that a word gives somebody in addition to its primary meaning.  


A "thane" is a feudal lord.  That immediately brings to mind some related connotations.  For one, I first think of a male.  Most feudal rulers were male.  I also think of power and nobility.  A lord rules over people, so they must somehow be powerful enough to do that.  A feudal ruler is also most likely a blood title.  Those kinds of titles aren't normally earned.  They are handed down from generation to generation because of nobility.  I also connote honor in the word thane.  It makes me think of a person filled with kindness and dignity, because I can't help but associate King Arthur with feudal rulers.  Of course Macbeth is nothing like King Arthur, despite the fact that Macbeth is a thane. 

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