Who Is Young Siward In Macbeth

The first character who has died an honourable death is Young Siward. While he is not in the play for a very long time, the audience does gets the sense that he will take after his father, Siward, being noble and serving his country to his full capacity. Young Siward bravely confronts Macbeth believing that there will be a chance where he can strike and finally eliminate the threat Macbeth is imposing over his realm. During their small confrontation, Young Siward expresses his distaste about what Macbeth has done and how the devil himself would not speak Macbeth’s name without being repulsed. Young Siward and Macbeth fight to the death until Macbeth eventually slays the Young Siward. Later on in the play, Ross informs Siward that Macbeth has killed his son.
Although this is sad news to Siward, he states that “Had I as many sons as I have hair,/ I would not wish them to a fairer death:/ And so his knell is knoll’d.” (Shakespeare V.
IX. 17-19). Siward is explaining that even though his son has been killed by Macbeth, it was still honourably and he died fighting for the betterment of his country. No one should feel sad about what has happened but they should be proud of Young Siward for daring to take a stand against Macbeth. This scene would add to the animosity of the play because Young Siward had only been introduced in the play for not even half of a scene before he had been killed. He was not there throughout the rest of the play to have been a direct part in Macbeth’s tirade where he would have gained a complete understanding. Young Siward knew that Macbeth had to be stopped and if he got the chance, even if it meant dying, he was willing to take that chance. Siward is also not the only one who recognizes Young Siward’s death as being noble, once Ross makes the announcement he
says,

“Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier’s debt:

He only lived but till he was a man;

The which no sooner had his prowess confirm’d,

In the unshrinking station where he fought,

But like a man he died.” (Shakespeare V. IX. 5-9)
Ross also acknowledges that the way Young Siward was murdered was honourable but wishes to pay a little more tribute to him besides just being proud. Ross believes there should be some sorrow in remembering Young Siward. After this incident though, it is revealed that Macbeth has been killed by Macduff. This death would be one of the dishonourable deaths that occurred during the play.