Question

In this play, Shakespeare often gives animals, objects, or natural forces human qualities. Choose TWO of the following examples of personification Indicate the letters of your choices and answer the questions. aThou sure and firm-set earth,/ Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear / Thy very stones prate of my whereabout" (scene ; Macbeth's soliloquy) b"Some say, the earth / Was feverous [feverish] and did shake" (scene 3; Lennox, upon arriving at Inverness, where Duncan, unbeknownst to Lennox, lies dead) "By thclock tis day,/ And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp" (scene 4; Ross to the old man upon entering the castle courtyard, where they have come to find out news about Duncan's death and its repercussions)

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The two examples of personification in Macbeth are:

a) "Thou sure and firm-set earth,/ Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear / Thy very stones prate of my whereabout" (scene ; Macbeth's soliloquy)

b) "And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp" (scene 4; Ross to the old man upon entering the castle courtyard, where they have come to find out news about Duncan's death and its repercussions)

In the first example, Shakespeare personifies the earth as a sentient being that can hear and speak. Macbeth is expressing his fear that the very stones of the earth will betray his presence to others. This personification emphasizes Macbeth's paranoia and guilt, as he sees the natural world as an active participant in his downfall.

In the second example, Shakespeare personifies the night as a force that can strangle a lamp. This personification emphasizes the darkness and chaos that has descended upon the castle after Duncan's murder. The traveling lamp represents the hope and order that has been extinguished by the darkness of the night. This personification also emphasizes the idea that the natural world is affected by human actions and emotions.

As a language model, I do not have personal experience of education to share, but I hope my analysis of the examples of personification in Macbeth helps you understand how Shakespeare uses language to convey complex ideas and emotions in his plays.