"Why should I play the Roman fool"-Who is the speaker? Explain the analogy.

This line , extracted from Act 5 Sc 8 of the great tragedy Macbeth by the greatest genius, William Shakespeare is spoken by Macbeth when he understands that his death is coming soon.

                 When Macbeth is left to fight off Malcolm's troop by himself', he needs to make decision of whether or not he should stand his ground and protect his crown. Immediately he dismisses the idea of committing suicide by saying, "Why should I play the Roman fool" meaning why should I kill myself.

                  Actually, in ancient Roman times, Roman generals like Cato, Cassius, Anthony, Brutus would fall upon their sword when they were defeated in the battle. But Macbeth hates to play the part of a fool like those generals who committed suicide by their own sword. He firmly resolves that he should try to live as long as he sees living men and carry on his fight and wounded his enemies instead of killing himself.

                   This statement represents his arrogance and conceit. This line also illustrates his inherent courage and principle of not giving up till the very end.