Menteith's description of Macbeth portrays him as a swollen and sick individual, unable to control himself. The metaphor used by Menteith paints a vivid picture of Macbeth's physical and mental state. Just like someone who is so bloated that they cannot put a belt around themselves, Macbeth is unable to restrain his actions or govern himself effectively.
The use of this metaphor suggests that Macbeth is suffering from some sort of madness or valiant fury. It implies that he has lost control of his rationality and has become consumed by his own ambition and desire for power. This portrayal of Macbeth as swollen and unable to rule himself highlights the extent to which he has become corrupted and distorted by his own actions.
By describing Macbeth in this way, Menteith not only emphasizes the deterioration of Macbeth's character but also implies that he is in no condition to fight. Just as someone who is physically unwell would not be fit for battle, Macbeth's mental and emotional state renders him unfit to lead his troops. He is portrayed as someone who is out of control and lacking the stability needed to effectively command an army.
The choice of words used by Menteith, such as “madness” and “valiant fury,” further reinforces the idea that Macbeth is no longer in his right mind. These words suggest a level of intensity and reckless abandon in Macbeth's actions. It implies that he is driven by his own inner demons and has lost touch with reality.
Menteith's description of Macbeth paints a bleak picture of a once noble and honorable man who has succumbed to his own ambition. The metaphor of a swollen, beltless figure conveys the extent to which Macbeth has become distorted and out of control. It suggests that he is in no shape to fight, both physically and mentally. Macbeth's descent into madness and his inability to rule himself effectively serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.