What are some language techniques Shakespeare uses in Macbeth to show that lady macbeths is responsible for her own downfall?

Question

i need some help on some language techniques that involve lady Macbeths downfall, i know there is imagery but i cant think of any others or examples for them. 

Answer 1

Well, I know my answer might be a bit late in coming, but I love this play, so I'll give an answer and hope you can use it. Lady M is a remarkable character even from the first time we see her in the play. 

 

We first meet Lady M in Act 1 Scene 4, when she's talking about her husband. To answer your assignment, I'd pay careful attention to the diction she uses in this first introduction. She's talking about ambition as an "illness," which is a bit of foreshadowing since she eventually becomes ill (or crazy) herself. Later on in this scene, she calls on the "spirits that tend on mortal thoughts" to do things to her. In a time when belief in spirits was a totally normal thing, she invites them to do their worst. I suggest looking closely at this speech for imagery, diction, syntax, tone, and alliteration. She also uses symbolism and allusion when speaking to her husband, trying to convince him to kill the king. 

 

Once she is mad, her speeches also betray her own hand in her downfall. Pay close attention to the Out damned spot scene in Act 5, Scene 1. She uses rhetorical question to great effect, and the symbolism of hands and spots is also very important!