Macbeth Literary Terms

Foreshadowing

The use of clues or hints to suggest what action is to come.

• The bloody battle in Act 1

foreshadows the bloody murders later on in the play.

Similie (1.2.18)

Comparison of two things using like or as.

Personification(I.2.42)

Human characteristics are attributed to animals, plants, inanimate objects, natural forces, or abstract ideas.

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more than the characters. 

• We know that Macbeth has been named the new Thane of Cawdor before he knows it. • When Ross delivers the news to Macbeth, we

know that part of the witches' prophecy has come true. 

Alliteration (1.7.82)

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words or within words.

AsideI.iii.127

Words spoken by a character in a play usually in an undertone and not intended to be heard by all.

Figurative Language

Speech or writing that departs from literal meaning in order to achieve a special effect or meaning

ApostropheAct II.i -Dagger Speech

When an imaginary person, an abstract concept, or an imaginary object is directly addressed.

SoliloquyII.ii.1

Character speaks to himself or herself, relating thoughts and feelings, thereby also sharing them with the audience. Other characters are not aware of what is being said

HyperboleII.ii.57-62

An extreme exaggeration used to make a point

Monologue

Monologue is presented by a single character, most often to express their mental thoughts aloud, though sometimes also to directly address another character or the audience

Motif

Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.

Examples:

1. Violence: Repeated instances of carnage from the captain, death of Duncan, death of Banquo, and Macduff’s family.

2. Hallucinations (Banquo’s ghost and Lady Macbeth sleep walking scenes.)

3. Prophecy (Repeated prophecies throughout the play)

Symbolism

Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

Blood: Blood comes to symbolize their guilt, and they begin to feel that their crimes have stained them in a way that cannot be washed clean. (2.2.58–59) & (5.1.30–34)

Weather (Macbeth’s grotesque murder spree is accompanied by a number of unnatural occurrences in the natural realm. Violations of the natural order reflect corruption in the moral and political orders.)

Allusion

• Reference to historical or fictional characters, places, events, other works that the writer assumes the reader will recognize. Common allusions are to the Bible, mythology, art, and history.

• 2.2.59-60

Protagonist/Antagonist

• Protagonist: Main character who ends up in conflict because of the antagonist.

• Antagonist: Represents the opposition against which the protagonist must contend.

Who/what is the real antagonist in Macbeth?