“Naj luč ne zrè mi črne želje skrite”: Korpusna analiza Shakespearove tragedije Macbeth

The aim of this thesis is to examine the role of language in the characterization of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, two central figures from The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. The study employs a corpus-based methodological approach involving keyword analysis to analyse the speech of both characters. Quantitative data was processed using the Sketch Engine tool and discussed in light of previous research on Macbeth. The findings suggest that the two characters exhibit similar attitudes towards their own crimes, sharing a preoccupation with the consequences of murder rather than the immorality of the act itself. Based on the results, they are shown to differ in their usage of specific linguistic features linked to their deceptive and manipulative natures – Lady Macbeth overuses negative markers and relative clauses, while Macbeth employs imperative constructions with let. Their respective roles within the tragedy are also reflected in their usage of personal pronouns. Overall, the study further underscores the value of applying corpus-based techniques to the analysis of literary texts.