Shakespeare show the importance of particular choices Essay Example

"Thessalonians" and "surcease." Lady Macbeth employs a variety of persuasive techniques to encourage Macbeth to commit the murder.In the first quote, she questions Macbeth's masculinity and accuses him of cowardice, insulting his virility as he's a soldier. The second quote shows her own evilness as she compares her hard-heartedness to his weakness by describing killing a baby. This portrays Duncan's innocence and purity, reflecting on his murder. The graphic nature of the quote emphasizes her desire to become Queen by any means possible. However, in the third quote, she changes tactics and encourages Macbeth to stay brave and optimistic. The audience learns of Macbeth's decision to kill Duncan through his soliloquy where he hallucinates seeing a dagger before him, reflecting his guilt but still planning on doing it.This is a significant moment in Macbeth's story as it takes him seven scenes to finally commit the murder of Duncan, highlighting its importance. The next major turning point is when Macbeth decides to have Banquo and Fleance killed, as he fears his own descendants will not inherit the crown. Macbeth acknowledges his lack of heirs and negative association with the crown, saying "Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown And put a barren scepter in my gripe." Macbeth's decision to have Banquo and Fleance assassinated also highlights his weak character as he does not carry out the deed himself, but rather hires murderers. In lines 77-89, Macbeth speaks to the murderers colloquially, showing his sense of urgency and need to get the job done quickly. This use of alliteration emphasizes Macbeth's knowledge that his actions are dreadful. Shakespeare uses these literary techniques to convey the gravity

and significance of these key events in the play.The turning points in Macbeth showcase his progression towards a ruthless mindset. His willingness to continue killing is evident in his statement, "I am in blood Stepped in so far that should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er." This lack of fear of murder is further reinforced when Macbeth jokes, "Had I three ears, I'd hear thee," while speaking to the witches. Despite their reputation for dishonesty, Macbeth believes in the witches' prophecy that "none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth," instilling him with even more confidence, leading to his eventual downfall. Returning to the witches is a pivotal moment as it ultimately results in his death. Shakespeare portrays how a good man can be corrupted by poor choices, weak character and the ambition of others. Using various techniques, he emphasizes these markers, highlighting their connections and showing how they can lead to tragic consequences in a short space of time.