Shakespeare's Literary Devices

Question 1

Foreshadowing

Answer 1

This is a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.
Act 1 Scene 2 - Describes of how Macbeth cuts off the traitor’s head - this foreshadows his own death at the end.

Question 2

Contrast

Answer 2

Gives more drama and emotional impact. We hear how well respected Macbeth is in Act 1, Scene 2. He’s universally loved by the other characters. He’s a good man at the beginning of the play but by end of the play, and through his own actions, he ruins everything.

Question 3

Links

Answer 3

Act 1 Scene 3 The first time Macbeth appears on stage and his opening line is
“So foul and fair a day I have not seen” this immediately links him to the Witches and their “Foul is fair” prophecy.