Dramatic irony is a powerful literary device that Shakespeare skillfully employs in his tragedy Macbeth. By creating a situation where the audience possesses more information than the characters, Shakespeare amuses the audience and reveals the extent of deception developed by the main character.
The Three Witches: Prophecies and Deception
In Act I, Scene III, the first instance of dramatic irony occurs when the three witches appear and greet Macbeth and Banquo. The witches address Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor, which Macbeth takes as a prophecy. However, the audience is aware that King Duncan has already named Macbeth the Thane of Cawdor as a reward for his victory in battle.
Another occurrence of dramatic irony takes place when King Duncan gives a pleasant speech about his host, unaware of the treacherous plan to assassinate him. The audience’s knowledge of the impending murder adds tension and suspense to the scene.
Macbeth’s Deception and the Arrival of Banquo
Dramatic irony also arises when Macbeth and the lords await the arrival of Banquo. Macbeth pretends to anticipate Banquo’s arrival, while the audience is aware that Macbeth already has information about Banquo’s murder. Macbeth says, “I drink to the general joy o’ the whole table, and to our friend Banquo, whom we miss, would he were here, I to all, and him, we thirst”. This statement shows Macbeth’s false anticipation of Banquo’s presence, as he has been informed about the planned assassination.
Furthermore, when Macbeth speaks to Banquo’s ghost and the guests consider him disturbed, the audience realizes that the characters are unaware of Banquo’s ghost being present among them. This dramatic irony intensifies the suspense and heightens the audience’s anticipation of the truth being revealed.
Macbeth’s Murders and the Characters’ Perception
The audience’s awareness of Macbeth’s murders while the characters still consider him an honest man creates another layer of dramatic irony. As the characters praise Macbeth’s loyalty and honesty, the audience is privy to his treacherous actions. This contrast intensifies the tension and suspense in the play, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, waiting for the moment when Macbeth’s true nature will be exposed.
The Theme of Ambition in Act V, Scene V
In Act V, Scene V, Shakespeare illuminates the theme of ambition through Macbeth’s speech. Macbeth reflects on the brevity of life and the anxiety that accompanies critical times. However, the central theme that emerges from his words is ambition. Macbeth describes tales of ambitious individuals as “full of sound and fury”. This statement suggests that ambition is accompanied by great energy but is ultimately short-lived.
Shakespeare develops this theme through various characters who discuss the future. The three witches, with their prophecies, contribute to Macbeth’s increasing ambition. They have the power to make him more ambitious than he originally was. The porter’s speech also foreshadows events to come, as he mentions a farmer who hanged himself due to unfulfilled expectations. This foreshadowing adds to the overall theme of ambition.
Political Legitimacy: Deception and Trust
Political legitimacy, which refers to a ruler’s acceptance and deserving reign, plays a significant role in Macbeth. Macbeth’s political legitimacy is based on deception. He creates the assumption that Donalbain and Malcolm killed their father, which is supported by their escape. Macbeth further solidifies his claim to the throne by killing King Duncan’s guards, preventing any further investigation into the matter. Thus, Macbeth becomes king based on the assumption of his virtue and righteousness.
Moral legitimacy, on the other hand, is associated with the ability to win the trust of friends and allies. Macbeth’s actions, such as killing anyone who disagrees with him, lead to his reputation as a tyrant. This behavior alienates the people who could provide him with moral legitimacy. In contrast, King Duncan is seen as a good king who follows fundamental rules and can be trusted by his subjects. Macbeth’s lack of transparency and his willingness to eliminate anyone who poses a threat make him a threat to the kingdom’s stability.
Also Read: Explain Macbeth as a Tragic Hero
Gender, Power, and Masculinity: Boldness and Aggression
Shakespeare explores the theme of gender and its connection to power and masculinity in Macbeth. In Act IV, Scene I, the second apparition advises Macbeth to be “bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn the power of a man”. This statement suggests that a powerful man should display boldness, aggression, and firm decision-making. Masculinity is expressed through these attributes.
Soldiers, often associated with masculinity, are portrayed as fulfilling their masculine roles. Macbeth refers to his servant as a “soldier’s patch” because he lacks bravery. Ross praises Young Siward for dying as a warrior, emphasizing the importance of bravery and confirming his masculinity. Shakespeare subverts traditional gender roles by portraying the three witches as hunters, a typically masculine activity. This subversion challenges societal norms and adds complexity to the exploration of gender in the play.
Motifs: Nature as a Symbol of Good and Evil
Motifs are recurring ideas that contribute to the overall themes of a literary work. In Macbeth, Shakespeare employs the motif of “nature” to distinguish between good and evil and to assign degrees of morality to characters’ actions. If an action is unnatural, it is also seen as unusual and immoral.
The motif of nature is first introduced in Act I, Scene II when the sergeant describes MacDonald as a person whose nature is rebellious. Shakespeare uses this description to create a sense of anticipation for future rebellions. Furthermore, in Act II, Scene II, Macbeth refers to sleep as “nature’s second course, chief nourisher in life’s feast”. By emphasizing the importance of sleep through the motif of nature, Shakespeare intensifies the theme of anxiety and the characters’ restlessness.
Lady Macbeth also references nature when she describes Macbeth’s lack of natural sleep while he speaks to a ghost. This use of nature as a value intensifies the fear and unease in the scene. Lastly, Macbeth himself refers to the ghost’s cheeks as having kept “the natural ruby”. By associating nature with the ghost, Shakespeare adds an eerie and supernatural element to the play.
Personal Response: The Power of Stylistic Devices
Good literature captivates readers through its skillful use of stylistic devices, creating memorable characters, events, and emotions. In drama, humor and personification are often employed to engage the audience. Although humor is not extensively used in Macbeth, Shakespeare relies heavily on personification to bring his characters and themes to life.
Foreshadowing is another powerful technique employed by Shakespeare in Macbeth. The three witches and Macbeth’s visions provide glimpses into future events, building anticipation and suspense. This use of foreshadowing keeps the audience engaged and invested in the unfolding story.
In poetry, imagery takes center stage. A good poem allows readers to vividly imagine the scenes and emotions described by the poet. By appealing to the senses and evoking powerful imagery, poets create an immersive experience for the reader.
Conclusion
In Macbeth, Shakespeare masterfully utilizes dramatic irony to entertain the audience and highlight the deceptions woven by the main character. From the prophecies of the three witches to Macbeth’s treacherous actions, the audience is privy to information that the characters are unaware of, creating suspense and anticipation. Moreover, Shakespeare explores themes of ambition, political legitimacy, gender, power, and masculinity, employing motifs and stylistic devices to enhance the overall impact of the play. Macbeth stands as a testament to Shakespeare’s genius and remains a timeless classic in the world of literature.