Lady Macbeth

• “Dash’d the brains out” (Act 1)


  Plosive creates a brutal sound mirroring her brutal rejection of motherley instincts. Her proclivity (tendency) for violence takes precedence on motherhood

  juxtaposition: juxtaposition between “dash’d and “brains” reflects her character- despite her fragile exterior, she wants to instigate violence and chaos.

  ironic, as the very organ she seeks to disrupt in her unborn child becomes the locus (particular place something occurs) of her own downfall
• (Enters with a taper) (act 5)

  Symbolism of taper as a taper provides light shows she is seeking light, hope and comfort in eternal and mental darkness

  in Christian symbolism light - hope and divine guidance. This is her plea for gods redemption (being saved from the sins that torment her

  character development: her need for light is the antithesis to act 1 “come thick night”

  the motif of darkness and light reinforces her dark want for violence causes her desperation to see the light and seek redemption