LEC052023 : HANNA. P. A
13 Jan 2021
Hanna. P. A
Dr. Joseph Koyippalli
LEC052023
Critical Analysis of the Significance of Equivocation in Shakespeare’s Macbeth
The Shakespearean
play Macbeth is a play of mystery and ambiguity. One of the dominating themes
of the play is the use of equivocation. Equivocation is the use of ambiguous
language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself. The theme of equivocation
is used several times in the play, mostly with Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the three
Witches.
Equivocation is mainly employed in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth when they try to hide the murder of King Duncan. Macbeth replies Lady Macbeth, "False face must hide what the false heart doth know” (Macbeth 1.7.82). Macbeth pretends bereavement for King Duncan’s death by hiding the fact that he killed the King for the sake of greed for money and power. Macbeth says Lennox, “Twas a rough night” ( Macbeth 2.3.61). Lady Macbeth is also a perfect instance for equivocation who acts pity and empathy for Duncan’s death which is evident in “Lady M. (seeming to faint) Help me hence, ho! / Macduff. Look to the lady” (Macbeth 2.3.117).
The interpolation
of the Porter is also relevant to the theme of equivocation. The porter presents
himself as the porter of hell which in turn signifies that the castle of Macbeth
itself is a hell. The Porter says, “Here’s a farmer, that hanged
himself on th'expectation of plenty” (Macbeth 2.3.5).
Equivocation in Macbeth plays a major role in providing hints for
the future which in turn reflects the entire setting of the play. When Macbeth
visits the witches for the apparition after the death of Duncan, equivocate all
their apparitions. The first Apparition says that "Beware of Macduff... He
will not be commanded”(Macbeth 4.1.71-75).Macbeth thinks that it means beware Macduff but it
actually is that Macduff the Thane of Fife will defeat Macbeth and murder him in
the battle. The second Apparition, says Macbeth, “The power of man, for none of
woman born shall harm Macbeth"(Macbeth 4.1.80). Macbeth then becomes contented that he will
not be killed by anyone because everyone is born of a woman but Macduff isn't.
He was ripped out from his mother's womb. The final apparition, says,"Macbeth
shall never vanquish'd be until / Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill /
Shall come against him"(Macbeth 4.1.92-94). In the end, the army uses the trees as camouflage
and moves against Macbeth.
To conclude, the theme of equivocation exemplifies the deceptive qualities and hidden meanings that the characters attempt to comprehend throughout the play. Thus it becomes the key to the tragic turns of the entire play of Macbeth.
Works
Cited
De, Ardhendu. “Significance of Porter Scene in Macbeth”,
AD’s English Literature, 17 Jan2011,arthendude.blogspot.com./2011/01/significance-of-porter-scene-in-macbeth.
Accessed 12 Jan 2021.
“Equivocation”,Shakespeare Navigators, Shakespearenavigators.com/macbeth/Equiv.html.
Accessed 13 Jan 2021.
“Macbeth and Equivocation”, The Bill / Shakespeare
Project, 19 June 2016, thebillshakespeareproject.com/2016/06/macbeth-and-equivocation.
Accessed 13 Jan 2021.
Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Calicut
University, May, 2000.
The topic sentences are well supported. The source from where you took the meaning of equivocation has not been mentioned. The work cited should be in hanging mode in MLA format.
ReplyDeleteThe essay is well begun. Several instances of equivocation are explained with references. But you haven't analysed critically, the significance of the equivocator reference in the Porter scene. The equivocator reference in the Porter scene is completely left out.
ReplyDeleteThe statements made are very clear and precise. A proper title is given and the keywords are well explained. But the argument made in the introductory paragraph is not specific and the hypothesis can be improved accordingly. In the MLA style, the name of the student, instructors name and the course number comes first and then only the date is added. The works cited is not in the hanging indent format and there is also unnecessary spacing in between the citation.
ReplyDeleteThe Porter Scene's historical reference to the Gunpowder Plot is missed.The works cited are not arranged according to the MLA Style Sheet.Other than that, the essay is well structured .
ReplyDeleteThe hypothesis is not clearly mentioned. The topic sentences are well supported. The works cited do not follow the hanging indent format. Avoid unnecessary spacing between citation.
ReplyDeleteThe stated arguments are elaborated with the help of references. A clearly stated hypothesis would have enhance the essay. Try to stick to the MLA format. The entries that come under works cited should be left aligned and appropriately indented.
ReplyDeleteThe essay started off by mentioning the play and there is a fine transition to the topic of the essay. However, the hypothesis could have been a bit more lucid. The arguments are stated with ample reasons and references. Apart from the various in-text citations, a bit more of your own say on the topic could have helped. The MLA stylesheet should be taken into serious consideration as a few parts in the essay, especially the works cited section, weren't written accordingly. Make sure to not use unnecessary spacing amid the lines. A bit more critical approach to the topic is suggested.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few grammatical errors: capitalisation, omission of words. Paragraph restructuring required, as some are not longer than two sentences. A clear hypothesis is communicated. The essay could have used more research: mention of the Gunpowder plot and Henry Garnett, etc. The arguments are only touched upon, not explained. The use of linking sentences could have further enhanced the essay.
ReplyDelete