Macbeth Literary Analysis

The Purpose of Prose During the Elizabethan era literature, particularly Shakespearean, was written almost entirely in unrhymed iambic pentameter. This was often used because of the proper and intelligent tone that it emits. While the majority of Macbeth is written in iambic pentameter, the play includes occasional shifts to prose or rhymed iambic pentameter from blank verse. These shifts in meter are used primarily to set a particular section of the piece apart or to illustrate the casual aura of the particular situation. The first instance where there is a change in the meter lies in Act I, scene iii, lines 14-26 when the first witch is speaking. The transition occurs from blank verse to rhymed iambic pentameter. This aids in setting the witches apart from the scene around them and re-emphasises their deviance from nature. Because Macbeth is a play and is therefore meant to be heard, the occasional rhyming of the witches speech will both set the particular lines apart and also cause their speech to sound

In addition to the porter, the letter Macbeth writes to his wife in Act I, scene v, lines 1-13 is written in prose. However, no new information is added during these lines. Macbeth is simply telling his wife that Duncan will be staying at their castle along with recounting what had happened with the three witches soon before. The primary purpose of this meter switch is to illustrate the casual aura of the situation. Macbeth is writing the letter to his own wife. There is no need for him to remain proper due to their intimate family relationship. This is the first time in the play that you hear of Lady Macbeth. Shakespeare takes advantage of this opportunity, by giving a little insight into the type of relationship the Macbeth’s shared. By allowing the Macbeths to communicate in prose on some occasions reveals that the two view each other in almost equal light. Macbeth finds no need to impress his wife, but rather to simply get the message