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Techniques In Macbeth

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William Shakespeare uses several language techniques and stylistic features to engage readers of both of his time and of today in his plays. These techniques effectively highlight the issues developed by Shakespeare in each of his plays which are relevant both today and in Shakespeare’s time. In Macbeth, contrast and imagery are used in the play to engage the audience and highlights the key issue of betrayal, whether that be of friends, morals, or of a nation.

Betrayal is arguably the most significant issue discussed in Shakespeare’s play. In the play, the plot is prompted by the Thane of Cawdor’s betrayal of Scotland in joining Norway, causing Macbeth to become the new Thane of Cawdor, confirming the witches’ riddles. Macbeth’s betrayal …show more content…

Blood is often used to represent guilt as seen in Act 5 Scene 1 where Lady Macbeth frantically attempts to wash the imaginary blood off her hands in her sleep. Clothing is used to represent positions of power and expectations hence Macbeth’s words, “Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?” in Act 1 Scene 3 and in Act 2 Scene 4 where Macduff says, “Lest our old robes sit easier than the new!” implying that Scotland is now worse off than it was with Duncan as its reigning monarch. Night acts as a means to hide the actions of those who are behaving immorally. In Act 1 Scene 5, Lady Macbeth is seen praying for night to hide her actions and in Act 2 Scene 1, Banquo is shown commenting on the particular darkness of the night after Duncan is murdered. Animals are mentioned several times during the play such as in Act 1 Scene 5 where Lady Macbeth instructs her husband to, “look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it,” suggesting that Macbeth should put on an innocent façade but act as a deadly serpent. Other instances of animal imagery include the reversal of nature in regards to the mousing owl killing the falcon on the day of Duncan’s murder and the barbarity of the normally tame horses mentioned in Act 2 Scene 4. The witches also mention many animals in their chants and dialogue, particularly whilst brewing their potion in Act 4 Scene

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Use Of The Word Night In Macbeth

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When Lady Macbeth uses the word “night”, it was always associated with the subject of murder. Also, when other characters in the play used the word, it was used to show sorrow or grief for the deaths that occurred or used for its literal sense. Macbeth was reluctant to kill Duncan because it was immoral

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A prominent theme in Act One of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is that appearances cannot be trusted. The first example of this theory is demonstrated through the actions of the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. After receiving news of the Thane of Cawdor’s betrayal, king Duncan is deeply troubled. He remarks,

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