literary techniques

ex of diction

"Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care" - in Act 2, Scene 2, Macbeth speaks about the benefits of sleep, describing it as a peaceful and restorative state that can mend even the most tangled and chaotic thoughts. the use of the metaphor "knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care" creates a vivid image of the act of sewing and repairing, suggesting that sleep can heal and soothe the mind. the diction used in this metaphor emphasizes the theme of appearance versus reality and reflects Macbeth's inner turmoil and his struggle to find peace in his mind.

ex for hyperbole

"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand?" - in this quote, Macbeth is using hyperbole to express the overwhelming guilt he feels after committing murder. he suggests that not even the vastness of Neptune's ocean could wash away the stain of blood on his hands, emphasizing the magnitude of his guilt.

ex for personification

"And with his former title greet Macbeth." - in this quote, Ross is personifying Macbeth's "former title," suggesting that it is a separate entity that can physically greet Macbeth. this personification emphasizes the idea that Macbeth's position as king has replaced his previous identity, further highlighting the theme of the destructive nature of ambition.

ex for alliteration

"But screw your courage to the sticking place" - in this line from Act 1, Scene 7, Lady Macbeth uses alliteration with the repeated "s" sound to emphasize the importance of being brave and committed in carrying out their plan to murder King Duncan.

ex for similie

"But screw your courage to the sticking-place / And we'll not fail." - Lady Macbeth compares courage to a screw that needs to be tightened in order to hold something in place, urging Macbeth to muster up his courage and follow through with their plan to murder King Duncan. this simile is effective in conveying Lady Macbeth's manipulative and persuasive nature, as she convinces Macbeth to commit a heinous act through her forceful language and use of metaphor.

ex of oxymoron

"Fair and foul" - this phrase is an oxymoron that is spoken by the witches in Act 1, Scene 1. it combines the contradictory terms "fair" and "foul" to create a new meaning that emphasizes the theme of appearances versus reality in the play. the oxymoron suggests that things may not always be what they seem and that there is a darker side to even the most beautiful or desirable things.

ex of paradox

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair" - in Act 1, Scene 1, the witches chant this paradoxical phrase. it means that things that seem good may be bad, and things that seem bad may be good. this paradox emphasizes the theme of appearance versus reality and sets the stage for the deceptive and treacherous events that will unfold in the play.

ex for repetition

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair" - this line is repeated multiple times by the witches in Act 1, Scene 1. the repetition of this paradoxical phrase emphasizes the theme of appearance versus reality and foreshadows the idea that things are not always as they seem in the play.

ex of allusion

"False face must hide what the false heart doth know" - in Act 1, Scene 7, Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to hide his true intentions and put on a false appearance in order to deceive others. this is an allusion to the Roman god Janus, who had two faces, one looking forward and one looking back, and was associated with deception and the ability to see both sides of a situation. the allusion emphasizes the theme of appearance versus reality and the idea that things are not always as they seem.

ex of imagery

"Is this a dagger which I see before me?" - in Act 2, Scene 1, Macbeth sees an imaginary dagger before him that he cannot grasp or touch. the description of the dagger and the surrounding imagery, such as the moon and stars being obscured by clouds, creates a spooky and ominous atmosphere that reflects Macbeth's growing paranoia and descent into madness. the imagery also suggests that the dagger is a symbol of Macbeth's own guilt and his willingness to commit murder to achieve his goals.

ex for metaphor

"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more: it is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing." - in this quote, Macbeth compares life to a "walking shadow," a "poor player," and "a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing." this metaphor suggests that life is transient, meaningless, and ultimately futile, like a performance that will soon be forgotten.

ex of sibilance

"Sleep that knits up the raveled sleeve of care" - in this line from Act 2, Scene 2, Shakespeare uses sibilance with the repeated "s" sound to create a soothing and calming effect, emphasizing the idea that sleep can heal and repair one's worries and anxieties.

paradox

a paradox is a statement or situation that appears to be contradictory or impossible, but upon closer inspection, reveals a deeper truth.

similie

a simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things using the words "like" or "as." It is used to make a description more vivid or imaginative by comparing something abstract or unfamiliar to something more concrete or familiar.

alliteration

alliteration is a literary device that involves the repetition of the initial consonant sound of words in close proximity. it is used to create rhythm, emphasize certain words or phrases, or create a specific effect.

allusion

allusion is a literary device that involves referencing a well-known person, event, or work of art to add meaning or depth to a text. it is often used to create connections between different works or to emphasize a theme or idea.

oxymoron

an oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms to create a new meaning.

contrast

contrast is a literary device that involves the comparison of two things that are different in order to highlight their differences or similarities. it is often used to create tension, emphasize important themes, or develop characters.

diction

diction is the choice of words and language style used by a writer or speaker to convey their message or ideas.

foreshadowing

foreshadowing is a literary device that involves hinting at or suggesting events that will occur later in the story. it is used to create suspense, build tension, and add depth to the narrative.

hyperbole

hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to emphasize a point or create a strong effect. it is used to create emphasis or make a point more dramatic.

imagery

imagery is a literary device that uses descriptive language to create sensory experiences and vivid mental images for the reader or audience.

metaphor

metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things without using the words "like" or "as." it is used to make a description more imaginative or vivid by suggesting a resemblance or analogy between things that are otherwise unrelated.

personification

personification is a figure of speech that attributes human characteristics to non-human things or ideas. it is used to make a description more vivid or imaginative.

repetition

repetition is a literary device that involves the repeating of a word or phrase multiple times in order to emphasize its significance or create a specific effect.

sibilance

sibilance is a literary device that involves the repetition of the "s" sound in words in close proximity. it is used to create a hissing or whispering effect, convey a sense of danger or secrecy, or create a specific mood.

symbolism

symbolism is a literary device that involves the use of an object, person, or situation to represent a larger, often abstract idea or concept. it is used to create deeper meanings, add layers of complexity, and convey important themes.

ex of contrast

the contrast between Macbeth and Banquo - In Act 1, Scene 3, the witches make prophecies to both Macbeth and Banquo. while Macbeth is consumed by ambition and immediately begins to contemplate murder, Banquo is cautious and skeptical, questioning the witches' motives. this contrast between the two characters emphasizes the theme of the corrupting nature of ambition and foreshadows the conflict that will arise between them.

ex of symbolism

the dagger - In Act 2, Scene 1, Macbeth sees a dagger floating in the air before him, leading him to the murder of King Duncan. the dagger symbolizes Macbeth's inner conflict and foreshadows the guilt and paranoia that will plague him throughout the play.

ex of foreshadowing

the witches' prophecies - in Act 1, Scene 3, the witches tell Macbeth that he will become king and that Banquo's descendants will also be kings. this foreshadows the events that will occur later in the play, as Macbeth becomes king and ultimately meets his downfall. it also creates a sense of inevitability and tension, as the audience knows that these prophecies will come true but does not know exactly how they will be fulfilled.