In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses a variety of dramatic functions in Act 1 to grab the readers attention and to create an interesting plotline. He uses similes as a dramatic function in order to show that Macbeth is easily read, his face is open like a book and his intentions are clear all the time. This is important for the readers because Shakespeare is showing the readers what kind of a person Macbeth is as well as the type of person that Lady Macbeth is. Lady Macbeth also says that Macbeth should “look like the time” deceiving him by greeting him the way that anybody would expect him to, as a guest in his home. There is also another example of a simile where Lady Macbeth says “look like th’innocent flower” a reference telling him to act as if nothing is wrong and as if they are not planning anything. (1.5.60-64)
An example of dramatic irony is when Duncan comes to Macbeth’s castle as a guest. This is an example of dramatic irony, specifically foreshadowing because Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are planning on murdering Malcolm but he suspects nothing and believes that he is going to have a short and safe visit. Shakespeare sets the tone when Duncan says “This castle hath a pleasant seat” (1.6.1) which is the first instance of foreshadowing. (1.6.1-30)