Examples Of Hyperbole In Macbeth

In Scene 1, Act 7 of William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, the use of hyperbole and simile reveals Macbeth’s devotion towards killing Duncan to convey the theme that ambition leads to greed. First, Shakespeare uses hyperboles to show Macbeth’s determination towards the assassination of Duncan. Shakespeare uses hyperbole when expressing Macbeth's excitement to murder the king by saying, “Upon this bank and shoal of time, We’d jump the life to come” (6-7). Blinded from his greed to achieve his ambition, Macbeth is declaring that his life’s ultimatum is killing Duncan and obtaining the throne of king. Macbeth considers his life to be invaluable to the position of becoming king and is slowly descending into a greedy tyrant. When Shakespeare writes,

“Jump the life to come,” we connote the word “jump” to eagerness and impatience since jumping is an act of instant reaction and excitement. Therefore, Macbeth is foolishly happy to “jump” at his own life if it means that his ambition will be fulfilled. In addition, Shakespeare utilizes similes such as, “Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued” and, “Pity, like a naked newborn babe” (Mac. 1.7.

18 - 21), when Macbeth tries to justify the assignation of Duncan. Macbeth is stating that Duncan’s death will be impactful to all, therefore, it would not be considered a crime if he feels grief. The effect of comparing his grief to “pleading angels,” and “new born babes” conveys innocence within the characters ambitions. He is comparing the consequences of his ambition with innocent symbols such as a “newborn babe," and “plead[ing] angels” to communicate the blamelessness of his deed. Macbeth is so deeply blinded by his ambitions, he is using inexplicit reasoning to justify his ambition, hence, his views are being influenced by his eager desire for personal advancement. During Shakespearean times, religion was widely accepted as the natural belief of man, and symbols such as “angles” or “new born babes” were regarded as holy and pure creations of God himself. Since “angels,” are “plead[ing},” and “newborn babes,” are “pity[ing],” along with Macbeth grieving for Duncan’s murder, Shakespeare communicates a forced feeling of innocence for Macbeth due to Macbeth’s avid justification for Duncan’s assassination. Therefore, his ambition is blinding him of the emotional impact on Duncan’s family and is replacing it with a reason that justifies his desire and quenches the thirst of his

greed. In conclusion, the use of hyperboles and similes in the play, ultimately convey the theme that ambition leads to greed.