Examples Of Diction In Macbeth

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The use of strong diction, as well as imagery in Act 1 Scene 7 of Macbeth, reveals the complex character traits of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, to show their determination to gain the throne.
At first, Macbeth is extremely reluctant to go through with the plan to murder Duncan that his wife, Lady Macbeth, had put into place. The use of strong diction in this scene helps convey Macbeth going from submissive and afraid, to willing to do whatever it takes to become king. While talking to his wife, Macbeth explains how “[Duncan] hath honored [him] of late, and [he has] bought golden opinions from all sorts of people” (1.7.35-36). In his time working for Duncan and being an honorable Glamis, Macbeth had gained the respect of many, which would immediately be lost if the people found out he had killed Duncan. The use of “golden opinions” proves how important Macbeth’s self-image is and how he is not willing to put it in danger. When Lady Macbeth notices his doubt, she says “What beast was’t, then, that made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man;” (1.7.54-56). Lady Macbeth is essentially saying that her husband is not a real man, most likely to make him self-conscious and rethink his decision to quit. Using words such as “beast” and “man”, Lady Macbeth successfully convinces Macbeth to go through with the murder by mocking him. Once Macbeth has realized his wife’s new change of character and lack of any empathy, he goes on …show more content…

Making Lady Macbeth go from the typical feminine stereotype at the time to completely lacking empathy and being determined, and from Macbeth going from a very loyal and dedicated man to turning on his king and becoming a malicious body also. As well as very enticed at the idea of possibly killing his current king and becoming the new

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