Henry Miles, 10S
Evaluate How Shakespeare Uses Language in Act 1: Scene 7: Lines 28-82
The language that Shakespeare uses in the above lines is very varied. He uses a mixture of different literary devices including similes, metaphors, hyperbole, and alliteration. The language of Lady Macbeth is very powerful as it completely alters the outlook of Macbeth in a short time. Macbeth starts by using language which shows his conscious disgust a the plan “We will proceed no further in this business.” Lady Macbeth mocks Macbeth, for example, she asks him rhetorical questions such as “Like the poor cat i’the adage?” (1.7.45) This is also an example of Shakespeare making reference to the proverb “The cat wanted to eat fish, but would not wet her feet”. This is particularly effective as it teases Macbeth and drives him on.