The Writing Style of Macbeth: A Study in Shakespearean Poetry

William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth showcases a distinct and masterful writing style that contributes to its enduring appeal and literary significance. Through the use of blank verse, prose, poetic techniques, and shifts in style, Shakespeare creates a compelling and evocative atmosphere that captures the psychological depths of its characters. This article analyzes the writing style of Macbeth, exploring its key elements and their effects on the play’s themes and characters.

Blank Verse: The Rhythmic Beauty of Unrhymed Iambic Pentameter

Almost all of Macbeth is written in blank verse, a form of poetry characterized by unrhymed iambic pentameter. Blank verse imitates the natural rhythms of spoken language, lending a sense of elegance and grandeur to the dialogue. It allows for a flexible and lyrical expression of thoughts and emotions, while maintaining a certain level of formality.

Shakespeare’s use of blank verse in Macbeth serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it reflects the noble and aristocratic nature of the characters, as blank verse was commonly used in high-status speech and formal contexts. Secondly, it provides a steady and rhythmic flow to the lines, enhancing the dramatic impact of the dialogue and emphasizing key moments and ideas.

Prose: Contrasting Humility and Information

While the majority of Macbeth is written in blank verse, Shakespeare strategically incorporates prose into the play. Prose is typically employed to distinguish characters with more humble origins or to convey information in a straightforward manner. It also serves as a stylistic device to indicate the onset of mental illness or emotional turmoil.

The use of prose in Macbeth helps create a stark contrast between characters of varying social statuses. For instance, the porter’s comedic scene following King Duncan’s murder is written in prose, highlighting his lower social position and providing a moment of comic relief amidst the tragedy. Additionally, the Porter’s rambling and disjointed speech serves as a foreshadowing of the moral chaos that unfolds in the play.

Poetic Techniques: Enhancing Language and Momentum

Shakespeare employs various poetic techniques in Macbeth to heighten the impact of the characters’ speeches. Alliteration, consonance, and assonance are used to create a sense of forward momentum and energy, particularly in the speeches of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, adds musicality and emphasis to the lines. For example, in Lady Macbeth’s famous soliloquy, she declares, “Come, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here.” The repetition of the “s” and “t” sounds creates a sense of urgency and determination.

Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within words, and assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, contribute to the fluency and certainty of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s language. These techniques add a poetic quality to their speeches, heightening their persuasiveness and ambition.

Shifts in Style: Reflecting Madness and Inevitability

As Macbeth and Lady Macbeth descend into madness and guilt, their style of speaking undergoes a notable shift. Their language becomes more halting, fragmented, and cryptic, reflecting their deteriorating mental state and the inevitability of their own punishment.

Macbeth’s famous soliloquy, “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,” reveals the fragmented nature of his thoughts and the despair that consumes him. The repetition of “tomorrow” emphasizes the monotony and futility of life, while the short and abrupt phrases convey his inner turmoil.

Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene showcases her fractured mental state through disjointed and nonsensical speech. Her words lack coherence and coherence, mirroring the disintegration of her once-strong and machiavellian character.

Conclusion

The writing style of Macbeth is a testament to Shakespeare’s genius and mastery of language. Through the use of blank verse, prose, poetic techniques, and shifts in style, he creates a rich and multifaceted exploration of ambition, guilt, and madness. The combination of these elements contributes to the play’s enduring impact and its portrayal of the human condition.

Sources

1. Open Educational Resources – Macbeth Writing Style. Retrieved from https://goopennc.oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/977/student/
2. SparkNotes – Macbeth: Style. Retrieved from https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/style/
3. Shmoop – Macbeth: Writing Style and Iambic Pentameter. Retrieved from https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/macbeth/analysis/writing-style

FAQs

What is the predominant writing style used in Macbeth?

The predominant writing style used in Macbeth is blank verse, which is unrhymed iambic pentameter. Blank verse imitates the natural rhythms of speech and lends a poetic and formal quality to the dialogue.

Are there instances of prose in Macbeth?

Yes, there are instances of prose in Macbeth. While most of the play is written in blank verse, Shakespeare strategically incorporates prose to distinguish characters with more humble origins or to convey information in a straightforward manner.

What poetic techniques are employed in Macbeth?

Shakespeare employs various poetic techniques in Macbeth, including alliteration, consonance, and assonance. These techniques add musicality, emphasis, and forward momentum to the speeches of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

How does the writing style reflect the characters’ mental state?

As the play progresses and Macbeth and Lady Macbeth descend into madness and guilt, their style of speaking undergoes a shift. Their language becomes more halting, fragmented, and cryptic, reflecting their deteriorating mental state and the inevitability of their own punishment.

Does the writing style contribute to the play’s themes?

Yes, the writing style of Macbeth contributes to the exploration of key themes such as ambition, guilt, and the corrupting nature of power. The use of blank verse, prose, and poetic techniques enhances the portrayal of characters’ inner struggles and the consequences of their actions.

How does the use of blank verse affect the overall atmosphere of the play?

The use of blank verse in Macbeth creates a sense of elegance, grandeur, and formality. It adds a rhythmic beauty to the dialogue and enhances the dramatic impact of key moments and ideas. The steady flow of blank verse contributes to the atmospheric tension and intensity of the play.

What is the significance of shifts in style in Macbeth?

The shifts in style in Macbeth, particularly in the language of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, serve to reflect the characters’ internal struggles and the progression of the plot. These shifts highlight the psychological turmoil, moral decay, and eventual downfall of the characters.

How does the writing style contribute to the characterization of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

The writing style in Macbeth, through its use of blank verse, prose, and poetic techniques, contributes to the characterization of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. It portrays their ambition, manipulation, and descent into madness, showcasing the complexities of their personalities and the consequences of their actions.