Shakespeare's Use Of Structure In Macbeth Essay

William Shakespeare utilized the structure of his plays to create certain affects. In Macbeth, William Shakespeare utilized order of events, dialogue, and iambic pentameter to create tension throughout Acts one and two.

Firstly, in Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 3, Shakespeare applies iambic pentameter to convey tension. In this scene Macbeth and Banquo argue over the true meaning of the three witches’ prophesy. Shakespeare’s use of language and structure portray the tension between the two men. For instance, in lines 89-90, it states, “MACBETH. Your children shall be kings. BANQUO. You shall be king.”

Macbeth states and begins the first three feet of the iambic pentameter and Banquo completes the last two. Shakespeare’s use of iambic pentameter and, in turn, structure reveals the pacing of Macbeth and Banquo’s conversation, which suggests there is tension between the two. As one can see, the pacing and structure of this scene convey the tension that William Shakespeare creates throughout Macbeth.

In this scene, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth have an urgent conversation just after Macbeth murdered the former king, Duncan. In lines 21-24 it states,

“LADY MACBETH. Did not you speak?

MACBETH. When?

LADY MACBETH. Now.

MACBETH. As I descended?”

William Shakespeare creates tension through Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s heated exchange, which can be inferred through the structure of the text and the pacing of their conversation. This demonstrates Shakespeare’s utilization of structure to create tension throughout Macbeth.

Furthermore, Shakespeare uses the structure of his writing to convey the feeling of tension in his writing. In Macbeth Act 1, Scene 2, Shakespeare provides another illustration of his use of structure. In lines 48-55, it states,

“DUNCAN. Who comes here?

[Enter Ross]

MALCOM The worthy thane of