14th June 2019

Macbeth’s Soliloquy

She should have died hereafter; (weak foot – ends on unstressed syllable) iambic pentameter – falters and fails – relating to his mental state

There would have been a time for such a word. (iambic pentameter)

To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, 

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day (Alliteration) (iambic pentameter)

Creeps – personifies time – creeps is usually used to mean : sneaky, vile, serpentine or predatory

To the last syllable of recorded time, (Metaphor) (weak foot)

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools (iambic pentameter)

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player (actor) (personifies life) also relates to Lady Macbeth’s fear of the dark (portrays her as a walking shadow because she constantly has light with her)

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage (Metaphor^^) metaphorical with previous line

And then is heard no more: it is a tale (life = story)

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing. (No iambic pentameter)

KEY:

Repetition

There is iambic pentameter in this soliloquy, although it is not maintained. This is relating to Macbeth’s state of mind. He seems to be unable to maintain the “higher status” iambic pentameter speech. This is also shown because some lines in this soliloquy has the iambic pentameter rhythm and some don’t which makes it seem like he’s reaching for his sanity.

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Writing