Figurative Language In Macbeth

Language has a significant role in success of a literary piece. For a writer it is important what he wishes to write but it is also noteworthy how the writer expresses it. To communicate effectively, it is not sufficient to have well structured ideas expressed in complete and coherent sentences but one must also pay heed to the style, tone and clarity of his/her writing. The compactness and lucidity of style speaks about the greatness of the writer and also attracts attention of literary giants. William Shakespeare is such an eminent writer whose works are in the annals of great writings even in the 21st century. There is only one reason why Shakespeare’s plays are still alive and read 400 years after they were written; his mastery over clear

Macbeth is such exemplar of Shakespeare’s well constructed tragedy which is considered as a tragedy of ambitions. It presents an interesting amalgam between natural and supernatural. The witches in Macbeth are key characters that serve as the impetus of Macbeth’s ambition and his eventual decision to commit murder. As the story fore ahead the reader witness complicity in plot as well as in style. The impactful use of figurative language enhances the tinge of splendor and mystery to the play. Shakespeare’s frequent use of metaphors comparing something to other things is quite noticeable throughout the play. Remarkable examples occur when Lady Macbeth refers to “the milk of human kindness,” and Macbeth, in the end of play talks philosophically about life as “a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage (MB 5.5.24-25).” Although Shakespeare does not use similes as often as metaphors, they are a regular feature in this play. An instance of a simile appears when Macbeth calls pity “like a naked newborn babe (MB 1.7.21).” Further the fight of two warriors is described as “as two spent swimmers that do cling together (MB 1.2.9).” Apart from these, many more examples of simile and metaphors can be found in almost every page of this play. Personification is another weapon which is willingly used to dive deep into human imagination. Personification is used when Macbeth spells that “sleep ... knits up the raveled sleeve of care... chief nourisher in life’s feast (MB