Examples Of Pathetic Fallacy In Macbeth

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Individuals are commonly told to dress according to the weather. Nature plays a significant role in one's life as well as in literature. Authors frequently use pathetic fallacy to contribute to emphasize a certain aspect or theme. A reoccurring device William Shakespeare uses in Macbeth is pathetic fallacy. Shakespeare's use of pathetic fallacy foreshadows important events, mirrors society and develops the mood thus contributing to the tragic plot of Macbeth. Shakespeare aids readers in foreshadowing major events in Macbeth through incorporating pathetic fallacy. Majority of foreshadowing with pathetic fallacy occurs in the presence of minor characters. The witches, in particular, serve a great purpose in predetermining the fates of individuals due to their constant association with nature. For instance, the nature's reactions according to the witches predict Macbeth's fall. At the commencement of the play the witches state “Fair is foul and foul is fair/ Hover through the fog and filthy air”(1.1.11-12). The witches contrast fair and foul a midst the fog and depict Macbeth's character over the course of the play. The statement foreshadows the fall of Macbeth's …show more content…
Throughout the play the mood is eerie and gloomy. At the commencement of the play the mood is set up by Shakespeare's stage directions of thunder during the entrance of the witches. Throughout the play the reoccurring event of thunder along with the witches constantly bring upon a sense of gloom. The eeriness increases as the plot progresses. According to Macbeth, “Nature seems dead” as the plot worsens (2.1.51). The dark mood becomes clear when the entirety of Scotland is upside down. Ross claims, “that darkness does the face of earth entomb” (2.4.9). The darkness which engulfs the world further contributes to the eerie atmosphere. Nature's contribution to the gloomy mood emphasizes the tragic