Evaluate How Shakespeare Uses Language in Act 1: Scene 7: Lines 28-82

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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.

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Shakespeare also exploits Lady Macbeth to play on her husband’s weaknesses: “Art thou afeard?” This too provokes Macbeth and triggers him to succumb to Lady Macbeth’s persuasion. Shakespeare uses Lady Macbeth and her speech to force Macbeth to kill Duncan because she implies that he would be less of a man if he does not commit the murder. Obviously Lady Macbeth knows that insulting his masculinity is something that would affect Macbeth. Lady Macbeth’s language is vivid, passionate and expressive; for example, she talks (1.7.4-9) about plucking the baby that she could see loved her, from her nipple and ...

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