Macbeth: The Story Within

Alliteration

Definition: repetition of the same sound beginning several words in sequence.

Example:

"As broad and general as the casing air:
But now I am cabin'd, cribb'd, confined, bound in to saucy doubts and fears.
But Banquo's safe?"
(Act 3, Scene 4, Lines 23-25).


Explanation:

In this scene, Macbeth is talking to the murderer, making sure that Banquo is dead. Even though Macbeth wanted this, he is still sad for his best friend. Therefore, the use of the repeating hard "c" sound is to make up for Macbeth's hidden feelings, for him to want to cry for his friend.