misc

Question 1

‘some say, the earth was feverous and did shake’ [A2S2 - lennox]

Answer 1

personification: ‘earth was feverous’
↳ the earth is given human like qualities, making it seem weakened & vulnerable, this shows how the earth is not at its true strength and balance has been ruined due to the breach of the divine right of kings after duncan was murdered

biblical reference: ‘did shake’
↳ when jesus is crucified in the bible, the earth shakes, it seems that shakespeare is alluding to duncan’s incredible innocence and virtue, that of a saints

Question 2

‘dark night strangles the travelling lamp’ [A2S4 - said by ross]

Answer 2

‘night’
↳ the setting of night emphasises the fact that wickedness is encompassing society

personification: ‘strangles’
↳ painful death of balance

Question 3

‘darkness does the face of earth entomb, when living light should kiss it?’ [A2S4 - ross]

Answer 3

entomb:
↳ connotation to death & misery

personification: ‘kiss’
↳ tender, loving

juxtaposition: ‘darkness…entomb…light…kiss’
↳ contrasts with darkness & shows how the battle between dark and light is an easy one due to the ‘predominance’ of darkness from the witches meddling

Question 4

‘now does he feel his title hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief’ [A5S2 - said by angus about macbeth]

Answer 4

simile: ‘like a giant’s robe’
↳ juxtaposition between a giant’s robe and a dwarfish thief makes macbeth appear insignificant and out of place