Literary Devices in Macbeth

Equivocation – the use of misleading, contradictory or ambiguous language intended to deceive
others. The word is used a number of times in the play, especially in relation to the way the Witches
deceive Macbeth into thinking he is invincible.

Ominous – a warning sign

Paradoxical – contradictory or inconsistent ideas that are spoken as facts

Rhyme - a similar sound in the ending of words

Ambiguous – something that can be interpreted in different ways

Proleptic irony – irony that occurs when a character says something that turns out to be more
significant than it appears at the time

Thane – a title given in medieval times to the Scottish equivalent of an English baron. The title, along
with the land, was granted to noblemen by the king in return for military service in wartime and
advice during peace

Fulsome – flattering or gushing

Soliloquy – where a character voices aloud their innermost thoughts for the audience to hear

Harangue – an angry, critical attack on someone

Irony – a literary technique where the intended meaning differs from what is said or presented
directly