Diction in Macbeth
There are many different types of diction present throughout Shakespeare's play, Macbeth.
Symbols:
There are 6 major symbols seen throughout the play:
There are 6 major symbols seen throughout the play:
1) blood - represents murder and guilt.
"Here's the smell of the blood still: all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand" (5.1.53-55) 2) sleep : represents innocence and peace of mind. "Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep." (2.2.47-48) 3) night/darkness: the evil that is shrouded at night. "Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires." (1.4.57-58) 4) snake: represents evil. "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't." (1.6.76-78) 5) the washing of hands: to cleanse one's self of his or her own sins. "It is an accustomed action of her to seem thus washing her hands." (5.1.30-31) 6) owl: represents death and further, Macbeth. "It was the owl that shrieked, the fatal bellman,..." (2.2.5-6) |
Symbolism:
2) with a deeper meaning - adds richness to the story
- adds depth and meaning to the story, creates a new dimension
- can convey a message, idea or term with just one word
- with symbols, a story can be taken 2 ways:
2) with a deeper meaning - adds richness to the story
Literary Devices:
Shakespeare uses many different literary devices in his writing such as similes,
metaphors, personification, etc.
Shakespeare uses many different literary devices in his writing such as similes,
metaphors, personification, etc.
Metaphors:
"Fair is foul, and foul is fair" (1.1.12)
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Similes:
And, like a rat without a tail, I'll do, I'll do, and I'll do." (1.3.10-11)
Personification: "Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires." (1.4.57-58)
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Literary Devices:
- can portray the author's meaning or point of the story
- they shape the story and give it an overall tone
- provides the story with a new dimension, outlook or deeper meaning that appeals to the reader or audience's emotions
- creates a more vivid picture for the reader to enjoy
Diction through Speech:
In his plays, William Shakespeare uses different word choices or writing styles to create a
specific mood or tone while showing the character's mental state of mind.
In his plays, William Shakespeare uses different word choices or writing styles to create a
specific mood or tone while showing the character's mental state of mind.
Example 1: (2.1.44-51)
Macbeth: "Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle towards my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible to feeling as to sight? Or art thou but a dagger of the mind, a false creation proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?"
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Example 2: (2.2.19-25)
Macbeth: I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise? Lady Macbeth: I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. Did not you speak? Macbeth: When? Lady Macbeth: Now. Macbeth: As I descended? Lady Macbeth: Ay.
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