Examples Of Equivocation In Macbeth

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While conversing with Macduff, the Porter speaks regarding the lies of equivocation, and says: “…an equivocator with lechery. It makes him, and it mars him; it sets him on, and it takes him off; it persuades him and disheartens him; makes him stand to and not stand to; in conclusion, equivocates him in a sleep and, giving him the lie, leaves him.”(Shakespeare II.iii.32-38) He expresses the opposing effects: persuading and disheartening him, sets one on and take him off, stand to and not stand to. Equivocation is a lie constructed from two opposing concepts. Equivocation is like a paradox, in that it is inconsistent and incongruent. Though, just because it is a lie, does not mean that it is not tempting. Due to the desire to make an exception …show more content…

After hearing the prediction from the three witches, which expressed that Macbeth would become king, but the sons of Banquo will be the heirs of Macbeth, Macbeth killed Duncan. Yet, Macbeth frets that the crown will just go to Fleance, or another one of Banquo’s descendants. To exhibit this distress, Macbeth remarks: “For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; for them the gracious Duncan have I murdered put rancors in the vessel of my peace only for them…to make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings.”(III.i.70-75) Macbeth worries that the murder of Duncan will not be worth the eternal damnation of his soul if the descendants of Banquo become king. Macbeth expects his crown to outweigh the loss of his soul, but battles with his reality that as long as Banquo is still alive it will not be. Consequently, Macbeth determines that he must kill Banquo and his descendants for his sacrifice to be valuable. Macbeth’s order of Banquo’s execution exemplifies his complete and arbitrary acceptance of foul is fair. Macbeth’s adjudication establishes the toleration of foul is fair since assassinating Banquo is fair to Macbeth, but foul to Banquo. Macbeth’s verdict to kill Banquo symbolizes the acceptance of foul is fair despite the guilt felt after. Following the slaughter of Banquo, Macbeth sees him at a feast and suffers guilt. Shakespeare indicates Macbeth’s guilt by writing: “I am in blood. Stepped in so far

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