Language in Macbeth by William Shakespeare

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Language in Macbeth by William Shakespeare

'The Scottish Play' 'Macbeth' was set in 11th century Scotland. The

main character in this play is Macbeth who will soon have a great

ambition to fulfil! Macbeth is a brave hero in King Duncan's army. The

play starts off when Macbeth and his close friend, and companion in

the army, General Banquo, were coming home from a victorious battle.

On their route home they are met by three witches or as Macbeth refers

to them 'three weird sisters.' These strangers bring surprising and

startling news to both men. They call Macbeth, 'Thane of Glamis.' This

title he is but they continue to call him, 'Thane of Cawdor' and 'King

Hereafter.' They don't give Banquo any titles but do say he will be

the father of a line of Kings.

Although Macbeth and Banquo are puzzled they do proceed to think about

and like the idea of the prophecies. Macbeth could not see how it was

possible for him to be King when they already have a good and loyal

King, and Malcolm, Duncan's son was to be the next in line. The only

way it was possible was if Duncan and Malcolm were to be done away

with. Even after that Banquo was still in the way for his own children

were to be kings, so he too had to die.

When Lady Macbeth found out this she knew that Macbeth was not man

enough to go through with it so she proceeded to help and scheme up

some plans! Both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth killed Duncan while he lay

in his bed and Malcolm fled so the blame was placed onto him. Macbeth

was then crowned King soon after. Macbeth is soon dragged into more

crime and wrong doing when he remembers the prophecy of the witches,

that Banquo will be ...

... middle of paper ...

...nt today, but I disagree because people to day

will do any thing to get what they want, just like Macbeth. Human

nature has not changed. The only real difference is the language. In

Shakespeare's time they used Old English, which is possibly harder to

understand in this time and age. We must remember this is how people

spoke in Shakespeare's time so for them it was normal, and I'm sure if

they were to hear some of to-day's slang used they certainly would not

understand it.

Throughout the study of 'Macbeth' I have learnt how position and power

have a great changing effect on certain people. Like alcohol or drugs

it becomes like an addiction and those involved, especially if they

are weak in character, e.g. Macbeth will sacrifice all principles and

scruples and will do anything to achieve what they want… even murder!

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