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Macbeth: Textual Analysis

Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare that follows the downfall of the protagonist, Macbeth. The document provides an overview of the key elements of a tragic hero and literary devices used in Macbeth, including foreshadowing, foil characters, figurative language such as irony, and symbols. It examines how Macbeth's tragic flaw of ambition leads to his demise, fulfilling the characteristics of a Shakespearean tragedy.

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Joseph Ignatius Ling
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358 views21 pages

Macbeth: Textual Analysis

Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare that follows the downfall of the protagonist, Macbeth. The document provides an overview of the key elements of a tragic hero and literary devices used in Macbeth, including foreshadowing, foil characters, figurative language such as irony, and symbols. It examines how Macbeth's tragic flaw of ambition leads to his demise, fulfilling the characteristics of a Shakespearean tragedy.

Uploaded by

Joseph Ignatius Ling
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Macbeth:

Textual Analysis
Prepared by Maria Karaan
Tragedy
What is a
tragedy?
“Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is
admirable, complete (composed of an introduction,
a middle part and an ending), and possesses
magnitude; in language made pleasurable, each of
its species separated in different parts; performed
by actors, not through narration; effecting through
pity and fear the purification of such emotions.”

- Aristotle
Characteristics of a
Tragic Hero
Usually of noble birth

Hamartia - has a tragic flaw that leads to his


downfall

Peripeteia - reversal of fortune brought about by the


hero’s tragic flaw

Actions result to an increase in self-awareness and


self-knowledge

Audience must feel pity and fear for the character


Literary Devices in
Macbeth
Foreshadowing

Foil

Figurative Language

Irony

Motifs

Themes
Foreshadowing
What is Foreshadowing?

Future events in a story are suggested by the


author.

Can be shown in varying degrees of subtlety.

Examples?
Foil
What is a Foil Character?

A character who is meant to represent


characteristics, values, or ideas that opposes
that of another character, usually the
protagonist.

Who can be considered to be Macbeth’s foils?


Figurative Language
Common Kinds of Figurative
Language Found in Macbeth

Simile

Metaphor

Personification

Alliteration

Apostrophe

Paradox

Oxymoron

Irony
Apostrophe

a digression in the form of addressing


personified objects

pretty ugly, honest lie, hot ice, sweet sorrow,


deafening silence, serious joke, etc.

Examples?
Paradox

a statement that seems false or contradictory,


but upon closer examination, reveals a striking
truth

Examples?
Oxymoron

a statement with two contradictory terms that


reveal itself to be true

pretty ugly, honest lie, hot ice, sweet sorrow,


deafening silence, serious joke, etc.

Examples?
Irony
Symbols
What is a Symbol?

use of specific objects or ideas to represent


abstract ideas

must be tangible or visible


Symbols in Macbeth

Weird Sisters

Weather

Blood and Water

Sleep

Birds

Light and Dark


Themes
Themes

Fate and Free Will

Ambition

Power

Versions of Reality

Gender

The Supernatural

Violence

Time

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