Character, language, atmosphere and irony in MacbethWhat kind of people are the characters in this play? How can we decide? Characters in Shakespearean drama are judged based on (i) their actions; (ii) what others say about them (iii) what they themselves say in public (iv) from what they say in soliloquy, that is, when they think aloud or in 'asides'. We tend to judge people by their actions and what they say in public, but these do not always reflect their true character; people do not always reveal themselves to others, so we can only accept this evidence with reservations. In "Macbeth" we learn that Duncan was deceived by the first Thane of Cawdor whom he considered "a gentleman in whom I have placed an absolute trust" but who was guilty of treason. Once again the words of Lady Macbeth to Duncan, Act I, Sc. vi "Your servants have ever their own, themselves and what is theirs, in compto, to make their verification at your highness's pleasure, so as to return yours,” are uttered shortly after she has decided that he will be murdered. Only when they think out loud (soliloquy) can we accept without reservation what they say. "The truth lies in the soliloquy." At the same time there are different interpretations of a soliloquy and the tone in which it is delivered. It all depends on the attitude of the reader. It's a good approach to be open-minded, to try to look at both sides of the issue, before coming to a conclusion. Language In Macbeth Language Language is made up of words and sounds; deals with creating effects by producing images and positioning words. It understands syntax, diction, and even tone. The image involves the functioning of the senses, the vivid description of a smell, a melody, a visual image, taste or touch. Syntax refers to the order of words in a sentence, the length of sentences. It is associated with diction and imagery, for example in the use of inversion (often changing the normal order of words for emphasis), eclipses (omitting certain words), and antithesis (placing a word or idea against a other with the aim of increasing the effect of what is said). Diction is the writer's choice of words. The playwright may use religious terms, technical terms, dialect, or even create words. Can use multisyllabic words or monosyllabic words. Shakespeare's images have been discussed elsewhere.