Yes, there are a couple of similes present in Act 1, Scene 4 of Shakespeare's Macbeth. A simile is a type of metaphor that makes a comparison and shows the similarities between two different things. The key with a simile is that it uses the word "like" or "as" to make the comparison. For example, "Jim lunged like a lion." Jim and his movement is being compared to a lion using "like." Starting just after line 40, Duncan is talking about Malcolm and other men receiving honors and titles for their deserving actions in battle. Duncan says that the noble titles will shine like stars on the men that deserve them.
But signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine
On all deservers.
This is a good example of a simile because it compares nobles to stars, conveying a sense of excellence.
A simile is a figure of speech that, using a word like "like" or "as," directly compares two things. There are a number of similes in the fourth scene of act 1. When, for example, Duncan names his son Malcolm as his successor, he compares noble titles to stars, saying that "signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine / On all deservers." By comparing "nobleness" to the light of stars, he suggests that those people who deserve to be recognized for their efforts in putting down the rebellion will receive their due rewards. A little earlier, Macbeth, showing due humility before the king, says that "our duties / Are to your throne and state, children and servants." This means, essentially, that Macbeth and Banquo have simply done their duty in fighting to defend Duncan. Macbeth is still, at this point in the play, a noble warrior and a gentleman, loyal to his king and kinsman Duncan. However, when Duncan names Malcolm his successor in the first quote referenced in this response, Macbeth begins to feel "black and deep desires" to take action to fulfill the witches' prophecy.
No comments:
Post a Comment