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Figurative Language In Act 3 Scene 1 Macbeth

633 Words3 Pages

Lines 49-74, in act 3 scene 1 of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth is expressing his fears of Banquo. He talks about how it is nothing for he himself to be king if he is not safe. He is worried that he has killed the former King just for Banquo’s sons to rule, as was stated in the witches’ prophecy. At the end of the soliloquy, Macbeth states that he will challenge fate so his gain of power is not in vain.

Rather than having omniscient narrator, Macbeth himself provides the narration. This is evident when he uses “insert quotes”. The narrative is also presented in present tense. Shakespeare has written this excerpt from the perspective of someone who is part of the events of the story. Macbeth speaks in an elevated register, similar to that of a king, suggesting his ambition and determination to remain as one. When …show more content…

Many metaphors are prominent in this soliloquy, especially to represent offspring and lack thereof. Macbeth refers to “the seeds of Banquo,” meaning his children. Twice, he uses this figure of speech as a way of bringing up how he does not have children. “Fruitless crown” is symbolic of the title he has- King- that cannot be passed down to future family members. He also says “barren sceptre,” with “sceptre” representing the power and “barren” meaning no offspring to give it to. “Put rancours in the vessel of my peace” is another metaphor. Macbeth says it to represent ill, heartless feelings replacing peaceful ones so he will not be prevented from challenging fate. “Mine eternal jewel” is a metaphor for his immortal soul, and followed by “given to the common enemy of man” means being sold to the devil. Macbeth analogizes his own case of being told his fate by the witches with that of Mark Antony by Caesar. Shakespeare has used “Fate” with an uppercase “f,” referring to fate as if it is a

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