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The Six Motifs In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

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William Shakespeare uses a total of six motifs in The Tragedy of Macbeth, but three of the six motifs were used significantly. For example; the Natural World, the Blood and the occurrences of supernatural tendencies is presented more than the other three which are; The juxtaposition between Light and Dark, Sleep and Paradox. Shakespeare is known for his poems to contain; life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder and mystery. So, therefore, the motifs he presents gives an insight of the style of writing Shakespeare chooses to use. All in which presents a message to the reader. The Natural World is understood to be references to nature. For example, animals are an example of the Natural World, along with the weather, plants, water
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In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the manhood motif is a concept that is tossed around. Manhood is shown in many different aspects no matter what character you look at. The actions of the men in this book are all relative to a true man, but I think the honorable man is determined by how strongly he remains true to himself when he is faced with adversity. “An honorable person is someone who believes in truth and doing the right thing-.”

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There are many factors that determine how people behave in their daily lives. We are run by a number of rules and regulations that influence the way we behave, talk and live. In Lord of the Flies, William Golding shows that without the influence of a civilized society and law and order, people’s characteristics can change drastically. Similarly in Macbeth, Shakespeare represents the loss of morality of a leader as his hunger for power clouds his judgement. Both pieces of literature present how both writers view the breakdown of morality through the breakdown of civil behaviour.

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In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the motif of eyes and sight is used to convey that while one can hide their sins from others, they can never truly deceive themselves. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth receives a prophecy that he will be king. As the current King, King Duncan, is thanking Macbeth for his service, Macbeth begins to conspire against him, believing this is the only way for him to become King. As he thinks, he remarks: “The eye wink at the hand, yet let that be /Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see” (1.4.59-60).

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“Things are not always as they seem; the first appearance deceives many”. This quote was written by a Roman poet, named Phaedrus around 370 BCE, long before Shakespeare’s time. Thousands of years later, Shakespeare incorporates many deceiving motifs in Macbeth that put the words of Phaedrus into action. The use of ill-fitting clothes, sleep, and bloodshed is all examples of imagery used to illustrate that not everything that looks genuine is so. Just as clothes appear to fit well, they can be very uncomfortable at the same time.

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593 Words | 3 Pages

William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, follows the narrative of Macbeth’s tragic degradation. In Act 5 Scene 8.5, it is revealed that Malcolm, who is expected to fill the footsteps of his father as king, had committed many gluttonous actions that eventually resulted in his banishment. Act 5 Scene 8.5 would be successful if added in Macbeth, since it remains consistent with the play’s theme of how greed can lead to one’s downfall, as well as delving deeper into the personalities of the characters. 8.5 should be added into Macbeth since it encompasses the same theme of greed leading to one’s ruin, which highlights its significance to the audience. In the play this theme was depicted through Macbeth’s mental deterioration and eventually his death, as he had perished fighting to keep his title of King of

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477 Words | 2 Pages

Shakespeare has used the motif of water to symbolise purity. Contextually, water is used to wash away sins in order to start a new beginning. This is why children are washed with water at Christenings. This allegory is used by Lady Macbeth as she believes that water will wash away all evidence of their crimes: ‘wash this filthy witness from your hand.’ However, the idea of guilt is shown through her character as washing and handwashing is a repeated action in the play, notably shown through Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking (’out, damned spot!’)

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Death by Macduff (A Literary Analysis Of The Importance Of Act 4 Scene 2) When you are a child you think that your dad is going to protect you from everything because that’s what a fathers role is. You never think about what could happen if he wasn’t going to be there when you need him. Macduff is on a mission to England to bring back Malcolm to take back what is his, the throne, because Macbeth is losing his mind. He leaves his family alone in their castle thinking that Macbeth is crazy but he wouldn’t go as far to kill his family. Before Macbeth sends his men to do just that Macduff’s son and his wife have a very heart to heart converation about life in general.

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One of the strongest connections to a Biblical reference I found to exist within the play references multiple passages in the bible including; Luke 12.36, which states the Lord "cometh and knocketh", and again in Revelation 3.20, we are told that Christ will "stand at the door and knock". As well as, Leviticus 26.36, where we are told that God "will send even a faintness" into the hearts of sinners, and "the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them.". All of which relate to the dialog used in Act 2 Scene 2; Macbeth “Whence is that knocking? How is't with me, when every noise appals me? (2.2.72-3)”.

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In the play Macbeth, Shakespeare uses many motifs and symbols to help develop the theme. The most effective symbols and motifs that Shakespeare uses are the birds, blood, and sleep. In Macbeth, birds are mentioned many times. "The raven himself is hoarse /

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Regardless of where one lives, nature surrounds them. It is quiet in the winter, blossoms in the spring, flourishes in the summer, and then finally it lays to rest in autumn. Often in literature, writers utilize natural imagery because it is something that can be easily understood by everybody regardless of race, gender, religion, creed, and ethnicity. This imagery provides a deeper understanding of the book, play, story, or poem for the reader. The prominent playwright William Shakespeare uses natural imagery throughout his play Macbeth to foreshadow upcoming events in the plot (or provide a deeper understanding of the play/its characters).

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Christopher Pike once said, “Nothing is as it seems. Black can appear white when the light is blinding but white loses all luster at the faintest sign of darkness.” Pike tackled the idea of appearance versus reality just as Shakespeare does in Macbeth. Through the use of both figurative language and irony, William Shakespeare successfully conveys the theme—nothing is as it seems—in his play, Macbeth. Among the plethora of figurative devices in Macbeth are alliteration and antithesis.

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Theme is central to many stories. In the story Macbeth, Shakespeare uses countless themes to convey his message and let the reader become engaged with the story. One of the main themes is unchecked ambition. This theme plays a central role in the story and can be used to explain how theme is central in any story. It tells the reader that Macbeth is ambitious enough to the point to kill his King Duncan who is in his home in "double trust.

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In the tragedy of Macbeth, there is much deception, murder, and sadness. It is very interesting how the story plays out with the many crimes Macbeth and his wife commit. They do get what they deserve, but not by the hand of a judge or a courtroom, and certainly not at the pace that they should have received their punishment. In Act I, Macbeth and Banquo had just returned from their battles against the invading armies of Ireland and Norway.

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It has been often said that Shakespeares plays are no longer relevant to the 21st century, but I think otherwise. I believe that Shakespeares plays are still very relatable and the themes can still connect with the 21st century. Macbeth, for example, has many themes that could connect with the themes and fundamentals of today. Some of the themes in Macbeth that are relevant today is the corruption of power, ambition, and fate. All of these themes happen today in the 21st century, making Macbeth very relevant today.

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Celia Beyers Tinti Period 1/5 12 April 2015 Literary Analysis: Macbeth In Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, he presents the character of Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is shown, as a character that schemes into making rebellious plots. She reveals the desire for wanting to lose her feminine qualities in order to be able to gain more masculine ones.

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