William Shakespeare uses many different types of literary devices in Macbeth. Some types of literary devices that Shakespeare uses are personification, symbolism and foreshadowing. Shakespeare's technique of using literary devices enhances the story, and changes how the reader experiences the story. Shakespeare's main objectives for using literary devices in Macbeth are to enhance the story, to stress points he is attempting to make, and give the reader something to ponder about while reading.
The literary devices that Shakespeare uses in Macbeth affect the reader in many ways. For instance, Shakespeare use of a metaphor - (clothing imagery) "The thane of cowdor lives; Why do you dress me in these borrowed robes?" (England in Literature 1989, 197). The witches prophesize that Macbeth that he will become Thane of Cawdor and King, but the roles of Thane and King are already taken, therefore Macbeth will not have the chances to gain the positions, yet. Macbeth asks why do you give me these positions if they are already taken. The reader will identify the metaphor, analyze it, and begin to understand why Shakespeare uses it. The reader will understand Macbeth more if he or she understands the literary devices Shakespeare uses, and understand his motives for using them.
Macbeth is enhanced by Shakespeare's articulate way of using such literary devices such as, symbolism. For example, Symbolism is presented by the use of birds or nature. This early use of birds symbolizes superstitions, or omens. .
"This guest of summer,.
The temple haunting martlet, does approve, .
By his loved mansionry, that the heaven's breath.
Smells wooingly here. No jutty, frieze,.
Buttress, nor coign of vantage but this bird.
Hath made his pendant bed and procreant cradle;.
Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed,.
The air is delicate." (Macbeth 1995, 15).
Banquo states to Duncan that Macbeth's castle enjoys the good omen of nesting martlets.