How Does Shakespeare use language to create atmosphere in Act 2 Scene 1 and Act 2 Scene 2 of 'Macbeth'?

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                Chris Brown

How Does Shakespeare use language to create atmosphere in Act 2 Scene 1 and Act 2 Scene 2 of ‘Macbeth’?

        The two scenes, one and two are based around the murder of King Duncan. The plot, orchestrated by the three witches, to make Macbeth and Lady Macbeth kill the king.  The Three Witches did this to create chaos and confusion and they help persuade Macbeth to fulfill his ambitious intentions through their prophesies.

        In Act 2 Shakespeare uses language to create a feeling of suspicion and fear. This sets the scene and creates an atmosphere of foreboding and impending doom, which continues throughout the play.

Act 2 is set at Macbeths Castle where Duncan is graciously received by the “honoured hostess” Lady Macbeth. The scene is set at night, although the play would be performed during the daytime through suspension of disbelief. Words such as “night”, “moon”, “candles” and “twelve”, denote this. The audience senses an evil atmosphere through the narrative, “The moon is down” and “ their candles are all out” which illustrates a feeling of darkness and malice.

In Act 2 scene1, Banquo’s anxiety is immediately apparent. There is nervousness about his conversation and he discusses his lack of sleep. The words “A heavy summon lies like lead upon me, And yet I would not sleep,” suggests that Banquo is uneasy and predicts that something bad is going to happen. Before Macbeth appears, Banquo says, “Give me my sword”, this action indicates uneasiness and tension. When Banquo discovers Macbeth is still awake and restless, he feels suspicious and this is expressed in his words, “What, sir, not yet at rest?” This leads him to doubt and mistrust the “brave” and “noble” Macbeth. Shakespeare uses language to create a sense of suspicion, tension and fear. This sets the scene and creates an atmosphere of foreboding and impending doom, which continues throughout the play.

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Banquo uses the words, “He hath been in unusual pleasure” to show how Macbeth has brought enjoyment to the king, and “sent forth great largess to your offices. This diamond he greets your wife withal, by the name of the most kind hostess.” These words suggest that Duncan has appreciated their attention giving Macbeth a sense of hesitation and treachery by betraying King Duncan’s trust. Banquo also uses the witches premonitions, “I dreamt last night of the weird sisters: To you they have showed some truth” as if he predicts what Macbeth is about to commit. But Macbeth replies, “I ...

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