Lady Macbeth

• Act 1

  'Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it'

  • The imperative verb "look" instantly shows the power and command she has over her husband - this is further emphasised by the trochaic tetrameter.
  • The common noun "serpent" creates a semantic field of sin and lies as it conveys religious imagery relating to the story of Adam and Eve, where the devil is disguised as a snake.
  • This is juxtaposed with the common noun "flower" - which symbolises femininity - suggesting Lady Macbeth has already become a master of deception.