Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s state of mind deteriorating throughout the course of the play and is especially highlighted in Macbeth’s famous soliloquy of Act 5 Scene 5. Shakespeare uses various language techniques and dramatic devices to achieve, the focus of this essay is to analyse and understand how Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s deteriorating state of mind. Macbeth’s vulnerable state of mind is first shown as being weak when he first sees the ghost of Banquo and continues on a steady decline, linking with his increased paranoia and bloody reign. Shakespeare is also using Macbeth as an example for the consequences of immoral actions at the expense of others and at the gain of yourself. Macbeth’s metaphor in Act 3 Scene 2 “I feel like my mind is full of scorpions” perfectly sums up his deteriorating mental state, possibly refering to the venom in a scorpions sting which would slowly eat away at his mind, shown by increased brutality throughout the play.

Shakespeare’s use of structure and especially the iambic pentameter reveals a large amount of information concerning Macbeth’s state of mind. During Macbeth’s soliloquy the use of the iambic pentameter varies and is not consistent, much likes Macbeth’s sanity, which is shown in one line “The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle” which does not have it while “There would have been a time for such a word” uses the Iambic pentameter. What this shows is Macbeth losing his rhythm which could be linked to Macbeth’s wavering sanity, drifting in and out shown in his soliloquy. This would also be noticeable on stage with the audience hearing the break in rhythm which would make the peace harder to perform, increasing the audible hints of Macbeth’s insanity.The iambic pentameter is also used to show high status so this could also be Shakespeare trying to signify his power and authority being lost as he continues his reign, filled with suspicion and paranoia.This could also link to Macbeth’s sudden realization of his wife’s death, inducing his despair, shown by the lessened use of the iambic pentameter. This would link to Shakespeare presenting the consequences of evil, with the title of King of Scotland being gained through treachery, thus his power is not of real means.

Another device Shakespeare uses is the metaphor which communicates a visual image in order for us to visualize Macbeth’speech as an image and allows us to see Macbeth’s deteriorating state of mind in a way which words alone cannot. First in the broader play in Act 2 Scene 3 Macbeth say’s the words “Renown and grace is dead” which that he is fully aware of his path but is powerless to stop after his descent into treachery. This could also be Shakespeare trying to show the consequences of evil becomes a spiral of evil with the person almost powerless to stop the inevitable decline.This fits well the analogy of the scorpion, the venom symbolizing the unstoppable decline with even Macbeth aware of his fate , deciding to follow through to full effect. An example of a metaphor from the soliloquy is “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player”. This could be Macbeth trying to say that life is just a passer-by, leaving no imprint on the earth and possibly him trying to justify his evil by passing life off as a meaningless event in the history. This is also an example of hypocrisy from Macbeth as he is trying in his utmost efforts to preserve his life, while comparing life to a shadow. This signify’s his despair as it is just more examples of him contradicting himself, which is showing his control spiraling out of control. Shakespeare is using this to give more proof of Macbeth’s despair and deteriorating state of mind.

One of the most complex devices Shakespeare uses in presenting the state of Macbeth’s mind is the use of suspending the suspension of disbelief especially during the soliloquy. The use of this is particularly odd at such a tense time in the play with Macbeth delivering his soliloquy following the death of his wife. The line “That struts and frets his hour upon the stage” is one which highlights this with the reference to the the stage, possibly referring to the play itself and if it is true, it would be Shakespeare using Macbeth to channel his view on life and the subjects in the play. He is viewing life as a brief moment in the large-scale history of time shown by “his hour upon the stage” with an hour in the limelight and nothing after. This also relates to Macbeth’s view of life which has become a more prominent factor of the play as it has progressed. The line could then be both Macbeth and Shakespeare’s views combining to fit the narrative but also to take the audience out of the action and try to comprehend what Shakespeare is trying to say. So, the use of the suspension of the suspension of disbelief is a excellent tool in furthering the image of ‘venom’ poisoning his mind and gives the soliloquy another aspect with Shakespeare speaking directly to the audience, combining to make a very powerful moment in the play.

Another device Shakespeare use’s is the paradox which are two contradicting statements which seemingly defy logic, but Shakespeare uses them to create conflict, not necessarily between characters but within their minds. A famous example of a paradox is when the witches are speaking to Macbeth and Banquo and address to both of them “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater “. This is one of the first examples of the witches implanting paranoia into Macbeth’s mind, which eventually leads to Banquo murder under the orders of Macbeth. It also could of been used by the witches to exploit Macbeth’s ambition