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Use of Imagery in the First Two Acts of Macbeth

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“The Scottish Play”, or more known as “Macbeth” is a play set in medieval Scotland. It describes the life of Macbeth – a brave lord predicted by the witches to become the King of Scotland. Lady Macbeth, his wife powered by ambition influences Macbeth into committing a horrendous regicide. Imagery is used widely throughout the course of the play, creating a three-dimensional image of the actions, almost as if we were present. Shakespeare in “Macbeth” uses imagery to create a more detailed image and emphasize the themes of violence, murder and darkness. The omnipresent imagery of darkness evokes the sentiments of fear, danger and death. “Come thick night, and pall thee in the dunnest smoke in hell” associates the darkness of the night …show more content…

“Boneless gums” represents innocence and vulnerability, evoking feelings of pity. This is destroyed with the use of “plucked”, “dashed” which have are full of violence and threat. This description frightens the audience, leaving it in shock. The tone of the author is bloodthirsty, full of gore. Imagery of death is well portrayed in the quotation “hear it not, Duncan, for it is knell that summons thee to heaven or to hell.” An image of the bell is used to show imminent death of the king. The bell is portrayed as the funeral bell that will “summon” Duncan to “heaven or to hell”. “Summon” has the connotations of summoning to court, which could stand for the judging of God. The description creates suspense and increases tension. The tone is ominous and frightening. The night of murder “strange screams of death and prophesying with accents terrible” were heard. “Strange” and “terrible” suggest the violence of the murder. Sibilance “strange screams” create auditory imagery of hissing, whispering, which suggests danger and evil. The audience gets a sense of unease and the tension is increased. The murder is predicted in “the raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan”. “Raven” is a sign of ill omen, death, graveyards, which implies a terrible deed that will be done. “Croaks” has connotation of a

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