‘With close reference to three key scenes within the play, explore the dramatic devices that Shakespeare employs to reflect Macbeth’s changing state of mind’
Macbeth was written by an exceedingly talented playwright called William Shakespeare between the years 1603-1606. It was written to be performed and to impress King James the First, as it included supernatural elements and mystery which King James the First was very interested in; he even wrote a book on Demonology. It also would have been of interest to a Shakespearean audience as it was something quite new and fascinating.
At the start of Act 1, Scene 7, Duncan is a guest with the Macbeth’s and Macbeth’s soliloquy opens the scene. He lets out all his thoughts and a huge decision needs to be made.
The main focus in Act 1, Scene 7 is Macbeth’s decision and how he is sneakily persuaded to change his mind. Also the soliloquy makes the audience empathize with Macbeth and is effective as only the audience know what and how he is feeling. Also the speech seems unstructured and enjambment is used to show his thoughts are all pouring out. He has many reasons not to kill Duncan but only has one for killing him: - Ambition, ‘Vaulting Ambition which o’erleaps itself And falls on the other.’ This shows his reason for killing Duncan is not good enough as Duncan is such a great king.
Although, the audience may disagree about Duncan being such a great king, as Duncan treats Banquo and Macbeth differently as he gave the title of the ‘Thane of Cawdor’ to Macbeth and not Banquo which is ironic as the ‘Thane of Cawdor’ should be loyal and trustworthy and the audience learn that Macbeth is the opposite! It is found Macbeth is the opposite when he has his soliloquy at the beginning of Act 1.7 when he lets his feelings known and he shows his true colours; although Lady Macbeth is very similar to Macbeth as she is also quite evil and persuasive. ‘We will proceed no further in this business’ here Macbeth takes control...