macbeth essay Flashcards
(6 cards)
“for brave macbeth- well he deserves that name”
the writer successfully uses the word choice of “brave” to convey the idea of having courage and strength. This suggests Macbeth is a powerful, gifted fighter and made honourable contributions towards scotlands victory
Shakespeare also uses the word choice of “deserved” which compellingly foreshadows Macbeths soon to come downfall. It signifys Macbeths well-earned respect and high status at the beginning of the play whereas by the end he is despised and undeserving of his titles.
“stars hide your fires let not light see your black and deep desires”
shakespreares powerful metaphor suggests if a star were to hide its fire it would lose its true purpose just like macbeth who is struggling to hide his ambitious motives. This highlights his desire to never let his wicked thoughts see the light of day
another intreging technique used in this quote is the symbolism of “stars” and “black”. “stars” symbolise fate and wishful thinking whereas “black” conveys dark and sinister aspirations. this suggests that although macbeth wishes to act on his ambition he holds back as he knows how evil they are.
“i have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition which or’leap it self and falls on th’other”
the writers use of the metaphor “i have no spur to prick the sides of my intent” shows that just as a spur pricks a horse into movement so too macbeths ambition is motiviating him. this suggets macbeths only reason for wanting to kill the king is his ambition.
Shakespeare also impressingly uses personification of “orleap itself”. Just as to orleap something meand to leap over it, so too macbeths ambition is leaping over him, indicating it has a life of its own.
“to be thus is nothing but to be safely thus, our fears in banquo stick deep”
shakespeares compelling contrast of “thus” and “safely thus” creates an antithesis suggests that macbeth sees having power is pointless if not secure. this highlights that he will do anything to keep the crown, even if it means murdering his best friend.
the metaphor ‘our fears in banquo stick deep”emphasis that just as when something sticks it lingers and difficult to remove so too macbeths fear that banquo will steal the throne is inescapable and hard to ignore. this proves his paranoia and willingness to stay in power.
“what does the tyrant?”
enthralling wc of “tyrant” suggests macbeth is despised and abusing his power, foreshadowing with how he was previously discussed at the beginning of the play.
shakespeare impressingly adds a question, making the audience question Macbeths reign and emphasis the cruel impact he has had on scotland. This emphasis how widely hated macbeth is by his people, even his noblemen speak poorly of him.
“this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen”
The writers fascinating metaphor of “this dead butcher” suggests that just as a butcher is someone who kills indiscriminately and brutallys, so too macbeth killed many people when driven with power. highlights his wicked, nefarious time as king.
The juxtaposition of the words “fiend” and “ queen” amazingly contrasts that although kings and queens were supposed to be respected and looked up to, Macbeth and lady Macbeth were cruel and loathed by their people.
