LEC052010. ANNIE V.VERGHESE. Significance and critical analysis of the 'Equivocator' in Macbeth

What is the significance of the reference to the ‘equivocator’ in Macbeth?

Equivocation is the ambiguous use of language to conceal truth and this technique is effectively used in Act II Scene III of Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth.

The porter’s role can be established as a comic relief.

The scene of the equivocator can also be viewed as a scene that intensifies the tragic impact of the play.

The irony employed in the porter’s dialogue discloses the tragedy in the play.

The dark comic of the scene reveals its significance in the play.

 

 

Critically discuss the significance of the reference to the ‘equivocator’ in Macbeth.

Draft 1:

The significance of the reference to the equivocator in Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth, has always been a topic of interest among critics.

Irony is the main technique that is employed in the scene.

The scene is viewed as a comic relief that is very essential to the play.

The porter’s scene is also considered as reducing the impact of the tragedy, by many critics.

The scene uses dark comic to help the audience anticipate the plot of the play.

 

Draft 2:

Macbeth, one of the tragedies by Shakespeare, has been studied with reference to the politics of the period.

The influence of the Gun Powder plot during the reign of King James I can be traced in the play, thereby revealing the religious background of the period.

Elements of equivocation, a Jesuit logic that Catholics employed to survive among the Protestants, are evident in the play from the dialogues of the witches as well as the porter.

Though many critics consider the porter scene as reducing the impact of the tragedy, others like De Quincey opines it as intensifying the tragic impact of the play.

The use of dark comic and irony helps the audience to anticipate the plot of the play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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