Discuss how Shakespeare makes the extract

dramatically effective.
Macbeth is a play written in the Jackobean times, by playwright William
Shakespeare. It is a tale set during the 16th century that revolves around
the journey of a worthy thane and his wife, embark on, to gain glory,
riches and stature. However, throughout the process, various obstacles
are to be crossed, namely, humans. A key example which emphasises
Macbeths guilt towards sins committed is in Act Three Scene Four. In
order to create dramatic effectiveness, Shakespeare makes use of the
recurring motif of blood, religious imagery, power of three and figurative
language.
Initially, Shakespeare uses figurative language to increase the dramatic
effectiveness of the scene. This is clearly shown through the use of a
metaphor, There the grown serpent lies; the worm thats fled/Hath nature
that in time will venom breed. Quite clearly, Shakespeare uses this
metaphor to portray Banquo as a serpent, and Fleance as a worm. The
use of the word serpent connotes a strong, untrustworthy and betraying
character, also the connotations of the word worm creates ideas of a
harmless, useless and innocent character. This shows that one of the big
threats towards Macbeth has been neutralised. This also refers back to the
quotation, Hath nature that in time will venom breed. The connotations
of the word venom portrays ideas of vengeance and hatred which shows
that Banquos son Fleance still has potential to take over Macbeth on the
throne which increases the dramatic effectiveness of the scene.
Throughout the scene, Shakespeare uses repetition for the disappearance
and reappearance of Banquos ghost. This is shown multiple times,
Shakespeare portrays this through the narrator, The ghost of Banquo
enters. The connotation of ghost shows fear, revenge or protection, for
this was used for the effect of revenge or fear as Banquo knew Macbeth
for planning his death. The denotation of ghost is an undead soul that has
come from its grave to grave to haunt a being for its own reasons.
Shakespeare intended this quotation to show the audience that Macbeth
was so full of guilt that his mind was making himself hallucinate, this then
shows the effect on the audience a few scenes ago. Therefore showing the
audience that Macbeth has not changed greatly but instead chosen to act
kingly and noble. Banquos ghost reappears three times throughout the
scene to show dramatic effectiveness of how guilt ridden Macbeth was.
Moreover, Shakespeare consistently mentions a recurring motif
throughout this extract of blood, as well as the play as a whole, with an
ascending level of guilt. This is shown throughout the quotation, Blood
hath been shed ere now so far stepped in blood tedious to go back.
Quite clearly, the blood may be intended as an intimidating reminder of

the murder and regicide that Macbeth has committed, to forcefully abduct
and secure his throne. Macbeth has been driven to do this, propelled by
greed and selfishness, both emotions with the ability to control the mind.
He aspired for riches, glory and recognition, which has been gained, but
through crook. It serves as a reminder for the audience repeating the
similar madness and the lack of control he had over his heat oppressed
brain. Additionally, it further reinforces Macbeths inability to maintain
order, control and calmness over himself, causing the audience to
empathise, mean whilst resenting him as an evil character. Through
stating it as stepping in blood, Shakespeare implies that all the deaths
have created a river, and it is only to add to, as he deems it foolishness to
retire.
Subsequently, Shakespeare uses religious imagery to intensify and
enhance the dramatic effectiveness of the scene. The use of the religious
imagery is shown when Macbeth states, Ay, and a bold one, that dare not
look on that which might appal the devil. Moreover, the way the religious
imagery is used is very ironic as it is set in the Jackobean times.
Furthermore, the contrast the devil would be horrified only further
enhances an effect on the audience; as the devil is pure evil, which is
ironic as Macbeths murder would supposedly appal the devil. The
connotation of the word Devil symbolises evilness, destruction; the
ultimate sin. And the fact that what Macbeth had done was the ultimate
sin. Consequently, Shakespeare uses religious imagery to intensify and
increase the dramatic effectiveness of the scene.
In conclusion, Shakespeare increases dramatic effectiveness by utilising
various language and structural techniques, power of three, narration, and
religious imagery as well as a recurring motif. Religious imagery for
example, contrasts Macbeths action are the king of all sins as only a
minor hallucination and the irony in the fact that a visual representation
has the ability to intimidate the devil.

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