Language in Macbeth

By Emily stoneLanguage in MacbethWhy the Language is ImportantThere was limited theatrical materialMacbeth is mainly set at night but the production would take place during the dayTo capture the audiences attention he had to use wordsThey created the atmosphere and mood

SimilesSimile: a figure of speech that makes a comparison.As sparrows eagles, or the hare the lionIt means that Macbeth and Banquo were as troubled as an eagle would be if they were attacked by a sparrow and a lion by a hare.As cannons overcharged with double cracksLike cannons they are filled with double the explosives.

Iambic PentameterIambic Pentameter: Its a line of 5 strong beats; has 10 syllables, every second one is stressed.It was used the move his verse.It was common in Shakespeares time.An example is when Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to wash his hands after murdering Duncan.and WASH this FILthy WITness FROM your HAND.

ImageryImagery: using figurative language to represent objects, actions and ideas.There is imagery to describe blood, disguise/concealment, clothing and nature/weather/animalsIts used so that people get an idea of what is happening and can picture it.An example of blood imageryHere lay Duncan, his silver skin laced with his golden blood (Macbeth explaining the murder of Duncan)

Metaphors Metaphor: a word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing to show that they are similar.In Macbeth there are a lot of metaphors used to show how Macbeth sees his life at a point in time.Example of how dawn (seen as good) will soon break and displace the night (evil).The night is long that never finds the day

AllusionsAllusion: where the author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event or literary work; impacts meaning.And mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man Explanation: after killing Duncan Macbeth states that he deserves to give his soul to the devil (the common enemy of man).

ParadoxParadox: concepts or ideas that are contradictory to one another yet when placed together hold significant value. There are paradoxes used to enhance the themes in Macbeth.fair is foul, and foul is fairMeaning not everything is as it seems to be.

AsideAside: part of an actors lines which is not meant to be heard by the other characters only the audience.Its used so that the audience can get a better understanding. Allows us to see into the characters thoughts.An example is when Macbeth is speaking to himself about how the best is still to come.Glamis, and thane of Cawdor! The greatest is behind.(toROSSandANGUS)Thanks for your pains. (aside toBANQUO)Do you not hope your children shall be kings, When those that gave the thane of Cawdor to me Promised no less to them?

HyperboleHyperbole: exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.It has been used to emphasis what the characters are saying. An example is when Malcolm is describing that he will be a worse tyrant than Macbeth to Macduff.Black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow; and the poor state esteem him as a lamb, being compared with my confineless harms.

How this is Helpful You can write how the techniques have been used in Macbeth It helps to break down the meaning of verses as you know what language Shakespeare is usingIt can be spoke about in essays

Sample ResponseIf the questions was something like How does Shakespeare use language in MacbethOne paragraph for each main device used.Could be metaphors, imagery and allusions.The metaphors have been used by Shakespeare to help the audience understand Macbeth and the internal struggles he has to overcome. (then go on to talk about how this is done)In Macbeth Shakespeare has used imagery to help the audience create a picture of what is happening. This has been done because he cant express all the emotions by actions so he has to use words. (then expand on how its been done)Shakespeare uses allusion in the play Macbeth to draw meaning to other matters in his time period. Shakespeare constructs Macbeth to use allusions so that the meaning becomes much deeper. (use the quotes the explain)

References http://resources.mhs.vic.edu.au/macbeth/theplay/language.html

http://www.shmoop.com/macbeth/writing-style.htmlhttp://neboliterature.mrkdevelopment.com.au/drama/macbeth/macbeth-language-macbeth

http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/examine-ways-which-shaksphere-uses-language-276456

http://leavingcertenglish.net/2013/04/shakespeares-imagery-2/

Macbeth the book