Macbeth Literary Terms and Devices

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Motif

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A usually occurring dominant idea or object; adds depth to a theme

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Rhetorical question

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A question not intended to require an answer

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Dramatic irony

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Irony that occurs between a situation developed in a drama and the accompanying words or actions that is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play

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Soliloquy

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A form of monologue in a drama by a single character alone onstage; allows the character to voice unspoken reflections on the events of the play

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Aside

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A brief comment or speech made by a character directly to the audience; other characters are often unaware of the comments or intentions of the comments being made

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Blank verse

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Unrhymed iambic pentameter; important characters in Shakespeare’s play speak in this rhythm

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Antithesis

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The contrast of ideas by means of parallel arrangements of words, clauses, or sentences ('action, not words')

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Anachronism

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A chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs

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Hubris

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Exaggerated pride or self-confidence

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Hamartia

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A tragic flaw.