IRONY IN MACBETH

Shakespeare s play Macbeth portrays much irony. Such as the scene where Macbeth is made to believe that he is supposed to become king when really he is not. Another ironic scene is where Macbeth, on the outside gives the impression that he is trustworthy and loves Duncan, yet on the inside he longs for the death of Duncan. Also ironic is where Duncan is walking into Macbeth s castle thinking it is going to be a pleasant place where he will be welcomed graciously; yet, he is walking into his own death-trap.

When Macbeth spoke to the three witches, they told him that they predicted that he would be the next king. All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Glamis. All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be king hereafter! (1.3.51-54). Macbeth, who had no proof what so ever of the witches being capable of predicting future events, foolishly believed them. This scene depicts irony because Macbeth now believes he is going to be a king, when really he isn t because the witches have no idea as to what they are talking about.

Another ironic scene was when Duncan was asking how he could repay Macbeth. Macbeth said The service and loyalty I owe in doing it pays itself. Your highness part is to receive our duties, and our duties are to your throne and state children and servants, which do but what they should by doing everything safe toward your love and honor. (1. 4. 25-30) What s ironic about this scene is that Macbeth is making it look like he is extremely kind, worthy, and loyal to Duncan, when actually he wants to kill him. Macbeth is acting this way to give the impression that if Duncan were ever to be murdered, Macbeth would be the last person to be accused of the murder.

The next ironic scene is where Duncan is coming to Macbeth s household believing that he is going to be greatly appreciated and warmly welcomed. Although, the people inside, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, are going to attempt to murder him. The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan under my battlements. Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood (1. 5. 45-50). This quote, which was said by Lady Macbeth, basically means give me the courage to murder. She is praying for the strength and the gift of cruelty that is needed to be a successful murderer.

These are a few of the ironic scenes portrayed throughout Shakespeare s play Macbeth. His great talent of using irony just may be one of the reasons as to why his literature is so admired.