Literary Techniques in Shakespeare's Macbeth

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Literary Techniques in Shakespeare's Macbeth Without literary techniques most literature would be colorless. Therefore these techniques are very crucial in producing successful writing. Not only do they create interest, they also help in development of characters, this is especially depicted in the Shakespearean play, Macbeth. The characters developed from the different literary techniques such as irony, paradox, and imagery assist in conveying the many themes throughout the play. In this play different types of irony help in the development of characters, and as a result convey the themes of the play. First, Macbeth invites Banquo to his feast, ?Fail not our feast,? says Macbeth, ?My lord I will not,? replies Banquo ( , , 29-30 ). This is an illustration of dramatic irony because it is known before this quote that Macbeth is planning to murder Banquo and that he will not be alive to attend the great feast. Consequently this quote depicts a lot about Macbeth?s character because is shows that he is very conniving and heartless due to the fact that he wants to murder one of his only friends, and his innocent son. This also follows the theme of appearance versus reality in the play. When saying this Macbeth seems to be genuine and sincere, but in reality the audience/reader know are already aware of his evil and vicious plans. Lady Macbeth speaks another example of irony, as she talks of her account with Duncan: ?Had he not resembled my father I had done?t.?( , . 13-14) This is an example of thematic irony, because shortly before Lady Macbeth seems be very strong and determined but when she comes face to face with the deed she is unable to do it. This shows that Lady Macbeth is not as sinister as she se... ... middle of paper ... ... help create the characters personalities and by doing this aid in the production of the themes. All in all Shakespeare?s Macbeth, accurately uses the literary techniques of irony, which show that things aren?t always what they seem; paradox which depict that sometimes things should be reexamined to find out the real or other then literal meaning of what is being said, and imagery which illustrates that putting images in peoples minds is one of the best ways to convey a message. Together these techniques develop the characters and themes in the play. There are many lessons to be learnt in this play, when comprehended correctly they can help one unravel some of man?s modern day difficulties in life. Works Cited: Shakespeare, William. A New Variorum Edition: Macbeth. Ed. Horace Howard Furness. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1915.

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