RHETORICAL DEVICES
Act 1 – Scene 7 – Lines 1-63

1.
Quote
If it were done, when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well
It were done quickly: (1,7,1-2)

Definition
Alliteration: The noticeable or effective use in a phrase or sentence of words beginning with or containing the same letter or sound. E.g. After life’s fitful fever; In a summer season when soft was the sun. Explanation
The above quote is an example of alliteration because it presents a sentence with a predominant “t” sound.

2.
Quote
With his surcease, success; that but this blow (1,7,4)

Definition
Alliteration: The noticeable or effective use in a phrase or sentence of words beginning with or containing the same letter or sound. E.g. After life’s fitful fever; In a summer season when soft was the sun. Explanation
The above quote is an example of alliteration because it presents a sentence with a predominant “s” sound.

3.
Quote
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We’ld jump the life to come. (1,7,6-7)

Definition
Metaphor: An implied comparison; a comparison that says one thing is another Explanation
The above quote is an example of a metaphor because it presents life as a riverbank or sand-bar in the sea or river of eternity. Macbeth is comparing his indecision about killing King Duncan to being on the riverbank that he is unsure if he should cross. He says he is not sure if there is an after-life but he is willing to take a chance on hell by killing King Duncan.

Upon further research, it could also be interpreted that Shakespeare was referencing Greek mythology here. Macbeth is thought to be on the bank of the River Styx, the river in Greek mythology that the damned have to cross in order to enter hell. Macbeth is suggesting his thoughts are similar to a soul that has been damned and he says if he were sure King Duncan’s death would have no severe consequences, he would gladly jump the river for the life to come  cross the river Styx for hell in order to become King.

(http://shakespeare.mit.edu/macbeth/macbeth.1.7.html)

4.
Quote
So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angles, trumpet-tongu’d against
The deep damnation of his taking off; (1,7,18-20)

Definition
Simile: A comparison using like or as Explanation
The above quote is an example of a simile because it is comparing King Duncan’s virtues to angels from heaven using the like. Macbeth is saying that King Duncan has been a good King to his people and has been honest while in this top position, thus all his good qualities, compared to angels with voices like ringing trumpets, will cry out against his murder.

5.
Quote
And pity, like a new-born babe, (1,7,21)

Definition
Personification: Making into a person or giving the traits of a person to something that is none person. Explanation
The above quote is an example of personification because it is giving pity, characteristics of a newborn child and the qualities of tenderness and helplessness. Macbeth is implying that the angels from heaven will cry out against the injustice of the murder of King Duncan, but shall be helpless like a newborn child from stopping this gruesome act.

6.
Quote
Was the hope drunk,
Wherein you dress’d yourself? hath it slept since?
And wakes it now to look so green, and pale,
At what it did so freely? (1,7,35-38)

Definition
Personification: Making into a person or giving the traits of a person to something that is none person. Explanation
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