Examples Of Figurative Language In Macbeth

In Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Macbeth, he utilizes various techniques in order to develop the theme of negative consequences when one’s ambition gets out of control. Though usage of metaphors and diction, Shakespeare is able to weave the theme into the core of the play while having it remain an interesting story.

One of Shakespeare’s most notable skill as the world’s most famous playwright, is his almost impeccable ability to use figurative language to convey a scene. Macbeth is a prime example of his masterful command of the English language. In the seventh scene of the very first act of the play, Macbeth is having an internal conflict on whether or not to kill King Duncan in order to seize the throne. In one of his soliloquies Macbeth states “But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We’d jump the life to come”(1.7,

In this metaphor, Macbeth is likening his indecisiveness to kill Duncan to being on the bank of a river and deciding whether or not to cross it. It is thought that this river is supposed to be the River Styx, a Underworld River in Greek mythology, and him crossing it would mean his guaranteed admittance to Hell. In this sense, Macbeth is pondering upon whether or not to act on his ambition, while having a full grasp on the consequences it could bring. In the final act, when Macbeth has completely acted on his ambition, he says something quite interesting: “My way of life Is fall'n into the sere, the yellow leaf” (5.3, 24-25). What Macbeth is essentially saying is that his life has withered away like a yellow leaf. As a result from his countless murder, tyrannical rule, and his unchecked ambition, Macbeth’s life has become a