iii.18). The rain embodies the sadness the reader will feel when Banquo is murdered. This becomes glaringly obvious when the First Murderer jumps out and replies, "Let it come down." (III.iii.19) just before he attacks Banquo. In conclusion pathetic fallacy compliments the action by adding emotion and foreshadowing what is to come.
Second, plants are used in such a way that assists readers in understanding what is happening in the play. To start, plants are used in the scene where the witches are making a vile potion before Macbeth confronts them. This includes, "Root of hemlock, digg'd i'th'dark;" (IV.i.25). This root is poisonous and is known as the insane root. This helps one understand how unconventional it is for a king to be visiting witches. This also reveals the character of the three witches by relating the insane root to how insane and anomalous the witches are. This line also acknowledges that the root is dug up at night which adds an evil aspect to the scene, and suggests the witches are up to no good. Another example is when the soldiers cut down trees and carry them into battle. The messenger presents this news to Macbeth and he retells the prophecy, " 'Fear not, till Birnam Wood/ Do come to Dunsinane', and now a wood/ Comes toward Dunsinane." (V.v.43). After so much death in this play, the trees represent a new beginning that will come with the defeat of Macbeth. The trees enact life and as they are carried towards Dunsinane, it foreshadows what is to come. The reader understands at this moment who will emerge from battle victorious and that this is the annihilation of Macbeth. Overall, the use of plants helps readers visualize the atmosphere of the play and connect certain emotions to the action.
Lastly, animals are featured throughout the play as a manifestation of the action. For example, when Lady Macbeth is preparing Macbeth, before King Duncan arrives in their home, she tells him, "Your hand, your tongue; look like th'innocent flower,/ But be the serpent under't" (I.