dramatic irony in macbeth act 1 scene 7 dramatic irony in macbeth act 1 scene 7

In act 1, scene 4 of Macbeth, Shakespeare utilizes dramatic . Using myShakespeare. The irony is defined as a figure of speech that consists in stating the opposite of what one means (Merriam-Webster). Although the audience does not see the revelry on stage, Shakespeare intends us to understand that the king is to be well entertained. The power a writer or director can yield with a firm . Mrs. Johnson has a bachelors degree in psychology, and masters degrees in teaching and business administration. (actually Macbeth) is a master-stroke of dramatic irony: Banquo has no idea of what the audience knows. This passage demonstrates that Dramatic Irony can be found in any literary text, whether it is written by Shakespeare or another writer. This develops the theme of acting before thinking. Once alone, Macbeth reflects on his plan and on the subjects of sleep, death, and evil deeds. She assures him that they can cover up the crime and avoid detection. He knows that he is Thane of Glamis, but how could he possibly be thane of Cawdor when he is still alive, a wealthy gentleman? Due to some single breast? Irony plays an important role in the development of characters and plot, which allows Shakespeare to explore different themes throughout his plays. An irony is an important tool that Shakespeare uses throughout his plays, but it is especially significant in Macbeth. Dramatic Irony Duncan trusts Macbeth, while the audience knows he should not; Duncan says "absolute trust", then Macbeth enters immediately; Metaphors; Similes; Exaggeration; Scene 5 . (Act 3, scene 3, line 135):" I think thou dost; and for I thou 'rt full of love and honesty" This is ironic because Othello thinks Iago is a honest man when in reality Iago is scheming against him Foreshadowing. While Macbeth is plotting to kill Duncan, Lady Macbeth tries to convince him to go through with it. This doom-laden vision, whose imagery (for example, "trumpet-tongued") reflects that of the biblical Day of Judgment, gives way in turn to a nagging self-doubt. The audience is aware that the king cannot play, but none of the other characters know this information- this is the first example of dramatic irony in the scene. (Act 1, Scene 4, p. 17). In this case, Macduff has left Scotland to find Malcolm in England so that he can convince him to overthrow Macbeth. Verbal irony is defined as the use of language or words that differ from the literal meaning of the language, or where a character says one thing while meaning something different. The presence of the martlet (a summer bird) serves to heighten the irony. In conclusion, dramatic irony plays a significant role in Shakespeares plays. temple-haunting martlet (4) bird that nests in church porches, jutty . My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Every teacher of literature should use these translations. Tis not for you to hear what I can speak. Macbeth echoes similar words just before his first encounter with them, "so foul and fair a day I have not seen" (Act 1 Sc lll). Macbeth is a perfect example of how Irony can be used to create an intense and suspenseful story. This section highlights the incredible Irony of the situation.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'studyboss_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-studyboss_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'studyboss_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',106,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-studyboss_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-106{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The dramatic irony is heightened because, since Macduff has taken Ross's earlier comment about his wife and children being "well at peace" to mean that they are alive and well, the news of their murdercomes as a complete shock. vantage (6) eaves, convenient corner. Learn about irony in Macbeth. There are three types of irony, dramatic, situational, and verbal. More books than SparkNotes. Lennox: Goes the king hence today? William Shakespeareeffectively uses dramatic irony to intrigue the reader and deepen the impact of the consequences Macbeth ultimately faces. And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss. She has six years of experience teaching all subjects at the elementary level and three years of experience teaching English and math at the secondary level. Analysis. 0 ratings 0% found this document useful (0 votes) 0 views. Macbeth:Who can be wise, amazed, temprate, and furious, This is meaningful because we are learning more about Macbeths character and it develops tension for the reader keeping them interested. The words "receipt," "fume," and "limbeck" specifically refer to this process, whose purpose was to turn base metal (such as lead) into gold. Dramatic irony is present because just prior to this scene, Macbeth has convinced murderers to kill Banquo to prevent him from getting his way. The type of irony here is dramatic irony, which occurs when the audience knows something that a character onstage does not. They will plant the knives with the guards and smear Duncan's blood all over the guards. One of the most famous examples of Dramatic Irony is found in William Shakespeares Macbeth. What neither of them know is that in the previous scene, the audience witnessed the murder of Macduff's . He was not murdered by a man born of a woman because Macduff was delivered by Cesarean section, so he is able to kill Macbeth because he was not ''born of woman'' according to Shakespeare. (Act 4, Scene 3). . - Witches (Act 4 Scene 1).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'studyboss_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-studyboss_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); The witches are stating that Macbeth will always be king, until the day that the trees of Great Birnham wood march up to Dunsinian Hill, and that day will almost certainly never come true. A device that is a statement that contains two statements that are both true, but in general, cannot both be true at the same time. However, here we can see Macbeth . . To a musical accompaniment, food and drink are transported from one side of the stage to the other. Hamlet comes up from beyond the king and has a perfect opportunity to kill Claudius and gain revenge for him father. When Duncan is asleep his gashed throat will bear the blow, if he starts not at thy hand. and any corresponding bookmarks? Ross, oblivious to Banquo's fate, reassures Macbeth that he is merely being rude. (132). Throughout the speech, his words recall those of Shakespeare's earlier tragic hero, Hamlet. Shakespeare's Life. DUNCAN True, worthy Banquo; he is full so valiant,And in his commendations I am fed;It is a banquet to me. It relates to evil genius by highlighting that Macbeth will not let anyone, not even his best friend, stop him in his insatiable quest of power. This is the air-drawn dagger which you said This is meaningful due to the fact that it makes Macbeth trust the witches. house (14) Even if I were to double my efforts on your behalf, it would be nothing compared with the honour you pay by visiting our house. (including. William Shakespeare's Macbeth follows the story of Macbeth as he rises to power and becomes the King of Scotland and is ultimately defeated by his own ambition and quest for power. A good example of this is when the second witch greets Macbeth thus: All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! Would he were here! Duncan is on his way to Inverness to be hosted by Macbeth. ", Latest answer posted January 22, 2021 at 4:08:50 PM. In act 1, scene 3, there are actually at least two key examples of dramatic irony present. Elizabethan Theater. An error occurred trying to load this video. Macbeth by William Shakespeare Study Guide, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Aside (Literary Term): Definition & Examples, Tragic Flaw in Macbeth: Quotes & Analysis, Tragic Hero: Definition, Characteristics & Examples, Allusions in Macbeth: Examples & Significance, Important Quotes & Monologues from Macbeth, Study.com ACT® Reading Test Section: Prep & Practice, AP English Language: Homeschool Curriculum, College Composition for Teachers: Professional Development, CLEP Analyzing & Interpreting Literature: Study Guide & Test Prep, Study.com ACT® English Test Section: Prep & Practice, English 103: Analyzing and Interpreting Literature, Technical Writing Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, College Composition Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, American Literature Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, 11th Grade English: Homeschool Curriculum, When Was Macbeth Written? Another example of dramatic irony includes Lady Macbeth's obsession with washing her hands because of her guilty conscience. Were the graced person of our Banquo present, The irony is an extremely effective tool used by Shakespeare to intensify the characters and plot, which creates suspense for the reader as they wait to see what happens next. . He considers the potential consequences of the murder, both in terms of his own conscience and in terms of the political repercussions it could have. The gravedigger digs up a skull of Yorick the jester. The witches continuously speak in rhyming couplets adding to the effect of supernatural spells. The next paragraph commences with a shift in tone no less pragmatic but even more ruthlessly efficient as Lady Macbeth switches her attention to the details of the murder itself. Using irony throughout the play Shakespeare achieves greater audience engagement by placing the characters in situations where the audience has greater knowledge of the motivations of characters than the characters in the play. Get the best results here. Lady Macbeth must immediately detect Macbeth's self-doubt. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. . Summary. audit (26) on your account, to be assessed by you. Macbeth hints at his ambitions as being dark: MACBETH: The Prince of Cumberland! Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 7. The audience knows Macbeth has been titled the next Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan in act 1, scene 2, before Macbeth knows of it himself. This 'spell' holds dramatic irony as the 'something wicked' could mean both the wicked witches as well as wicked Macbeth. (Act 3 Scene 1). Act 4, Scene 1 "By the prickling of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes" Second Witch. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Macbeths duplicity is displayed when Duncan greets Macbeth by saying O worthiest cousin to which he responds the service and loyalty I owe in doing it pays itself. He plans to raid Macduff's castle and kill his children and wife, foreshadowing their death. Dramatic irony is when the audience knows more about events and situations than the characters or actors in a play, movie, or story. When they find Duncan's body, the Macbeths will act in grief. This exemplifies dramatic irony because the audience knows the Thane of Cawdor has died in battle and Macbeth has succeeded this title while Macbeth does not know this information. Latest answer posted December 09, 2020 at 10:44:36 AM. In the play, Macbeth is told by three witches that one day he will be king. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. While the guards are passed out, Macbeth will go in and kill Duncan. King Duncan has been invited into Macbeths home, to dine and enjoy himself. When Macbeth admits to her that his golden reputation might lose its "gloss," she sets out to strengthen his resolve by mocking his perceived weakness. Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope Ross: Letnot your ears despise my tongue forever. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. She says: But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and well not fail. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. He is aware of the powerful reasons for murdering the king, but is nagged by self-doubt arising from his fear of retribution both in heaven and on earth and by his likely loss of reputation. This is an example of dramatic irony- the audience already knows that this part of the witches'prophecy has come true. Led you to Duncan. - In act 1, scene 7, Macbeth says to himself that he will not kill Duncan even though he knows he is going to do it. The appearance of Banquo's ghost in Macbeth's seat is another instance of dramatic irony, since only Macbeth and the audience are able to see the specter. Lady Macduff quicklyestablishes herself asa pragmatic and headstrong individual, traits that associate her with comedic heroines like. He expects to have a great time and is ridiculously thankful, yet what makes this ironic is the fact that the hostess that he is praising is conspiring to kill him he will be murdered that night. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. This helps to build engagement with the audience by building suspense as audience members wonder when the characters in the play will learn of the information they already know. It highlights the corrupting influence of ambition, the power of persuasion and manipulation, and the use of dramatic irony to create tension and anticipation. The thanes accept the explanation that Macbeth's behavior is due to his "strange infirmity," and the banquet continues. . To grace us with your royal company? Macbeth agrees and the scene ends with the two of them plotting their next moves. This represents the duplicitous nature of Macbeth, as the outward nobility of his character is contrasted greatly to his true spirit. This hints that Macbeths fate is linked with the witches. Irony is very commonly used in literature. In Act I, Scene VII of Macbeth, Macbeth slips out of the supper-room to think over whether or not to go through with the murder of King Duncan. This relates to the plays dramatic irony as it shows how he is trying to be friendly to Banquo; meanwhile, he is trying to murder King Duncan.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'studyboss_com-box-4','ezslot_9',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-studyboss_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'studyboss_com-box-4','ezslot_10',107,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-studyboss_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-107{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Overall, Act I, Scene VII is a powerful and complex moment in Macbeth that prepares the audience for the upcoming murder scene. Macbeth is a perfect example of how dramatic irony can be used to create an interesting and suspenseful story. Duncan thanking Lady Macbeth for her hospitality when he comes to visit is another example of dramatic irony because the audience knows she plans to murder Duncan. Macbeth is referring to the battle. This belief can, and does, influence his future actions. A foul or fair day is understandable, but it is ironic that a day could be described as both foul and fair at the same time. Lady Macbeth:Who dares receive it other. Dramatic irony. He is depicted as a tragic hero here, as he suffers from insufferable temptation. An irony is an important tool that Shakespeare uses to create tension and suspense in his plays. Her taunting of her husband's weakness, coupled with the efficiency of her own plan, convince Macbeth that he should take on the "horrid deed.". Macbeth:Who can be wise, amazed, temprate, and furious. Point #7- Lady Macduff lies to her son: Quote: Son: Was my father a traitor, Mother, Lady Macduff: Ay, that he was, Son: What is a traitor, Lady Macduff: Why one that swears and lies. In Act I, Scene VII of "Macbeth", Macbeth slips out of the supper-room to think over whether or not to go through with the murder of King Duncan. look at the definition of the three types of irony. What is an example of dramatic irony in Macbeth by William Shakespeare in Act 1 scene 1? purpose . Dramatic irony in macbeth act 3.Summary: Act 3, scene 2 Elsewhere in the castle, Lady Macbeth expresses despair and sends a servant to fetch her husband. This type of irony is called dramatic irony because the audience knows something that the character does not. For instance, Macbeth is deceived by the predictions of the witches which leads to his tragic downfall. Situational Irony. In a work of literature, situational irony occurs when an event happens that is different from what was expected to happen. He was a gentleman on who, I built an absolute trust. Get help on Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Analysis on Graduateway A huge assortment of FREE essays & assignments Find an idea for your paper! []. Students love them!, Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. This exchange is an example of verbal irony because Macbeth is understating how rough of a night it truly was, by agreeing that Lennox had strange dreams and implying that the strange dreams were the extent of the events of the night while knowing that he had murdered King Duncan the night before. Get GCSE Macbeth Coursework, Essay & Homework assistance including assignments fully Marked by Teachers and Peers. His rise to power is driven by ambition resulting in violence, and this ambition leads to his ultimate destruction. Equivocation is especially found in the line from Act 1 Scene 7: "False face must hide what the false heart . This results in suspense and heightens the flaws of the characters.var cid='9687976154';var pid='ca-pub-3243264408777652';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-studyboss_com-box-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1002%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} Her plan to drug the guards with alcohol is couched in metaphorical language derived from the ancient science of alchemy. Macbeth responds ''Twas was a rough night.'' An example of dramatic irony in Macbeth is Lady Macbeth's obsession with washing her hands because . All this begs the question of whether Macbeth, able to rationalize and express his thoughts, is thereby revealed as an intelligent, poetic soul. The irony in this extract is made obvious when King Duncan, a noble and truthful king, trusts the Thane of Cawdor, and immediately after he says this- Macbeth enters. Complete your free account to request a guide. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); Macbeth by William ShakespeareSummary|Themes| Quotes | Characters | Analysis | Questions | Flashcards | Write essay | Infographics. The audience knows that Macbeth is a tragedy, but the witches state that he will become king and will not be murdered by a man born of a woman or that he will keep his crown until the woods move. King Duncan's admiration of the castle presents dramatic irony because the audience is aware of Macbeth's plan to murder Duncan while he sleeps. Lets after him,Whose care is gone before to bid us welcome:It is a peerless kinsman. I need help analyzing these quotes from MacBeth. King Duncan and his retinue arrive at Inverness. The scene is only twelve lines long, and there is nothing ironic about it. Dramatic Irony: Something that the readers know but the characters do not. This can also be considered as dramatic contrast or irony. that is a stepOn which I must fall down, or else oerleap,For in my way it lies. - creates ominous suspense and archaic language. Lady Macduff quicklyestablishes herself asa pragmatic and headstrong individual, traits that associate her with comedic heroines like Much Ado About Nothing's Beatrice orThe Merchant of Venice's Portia. When King Duncan arrives at the castle, he admires the castle stating ''This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses.'' Banquo & Macbeth | How Does Macbeth Change Throughout the Play? Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. We serve cookies on this site to offer, protect and improve our services. Macbeth immediately begins to ponder, not only his new title but, as the witches promised much more, the possibility that, "If chance will have me King, why, chance may crown me without my stir."(I.iii.143). -sets the scene. Ross continues to drag out the dramatic irony, despite Macduff's request that he speak plainly: Ross:I have words However as we later learn, Macduff 'was from his mother's womb/Untimely ripped.' (V.6.54-5). Dramatic irony occurs as the second witch addresses Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor. So, he decides to proceed no further. Lays blame upon his promise. This example presents dramatic irony because the audience knows that Macbeth plans to kill the king, and now the king is coming to visit him. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Every teacher of literature should use these translations. In this case, these predictions concerning Banquo are a direct reference to the family line of Shakespeare's own royal patron, King James I. The scene foreshadows the knowledge that something bad will happen.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'studyboss_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-studyboss_com-leader-1-0'); Point #8- Ross sugar coats the news to Macduff: Quote: Macduff: How does my wife? But Ross balks at the prospect of revealing what has happened: Macduff: The tyrant has not battered at their peace? The audience knows Macbeth has been titled the next Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan in act 1, scene 2, before Macbeth . 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. Quickly let me have it. -the line between good and evil is blurred based upon the other. A:In Act 1 Scene 4, King Duncan praises Macbeth: DUNCAN Only I have left to say,More is thy due than more than all can pay.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'studyboss_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_13',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-studyboss_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); MACBETH The service and the loyalty I owe,In doing it, pays itself. Discover examples of situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony in Macbeth. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. They claim he needs to be left alone. m 160957. The repetition in a womans ear Verbal Irony. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs King Duncan has been invited into Macbeths home, to dine and enjoy himself. Her manipulative tactics and emotional appeals highlight the depth of her own ambition and foreshadow the role she will play in Macbeths downfall. Malcolm suspects that Macduff is actually working for Macbeth, since he sees no other explanation for why Macduff wouldfleeto England without bringing his wife and children: Malcolm: Why in that rawness left you wife and child, The fact that the witches' prophecies come true but not in the way the audience expects is an example of situational irony. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. In Act 2 Scene 1, the porter sets a comic relief by imagining he is the porter of Hell's gate, thus proving a harsh dramatic irony, as we know that Macbeth's castle at that moment was figuratively hell since the King of Scotland was being murdered. But Macbethis not a comedy, and even as the audience gets to know Lady Macduff andlistensto the affectionate and rather funny conversation she has with her son, they are keenly aware that she is about to die. Macbeth expresses doubt about the fact that the witches greet him by such a noble title. Whereas he pictures the angels and cherubim "horsed upon the sightless couriers of the air," Macbeth admits that he himself has "no spur / to prick the sides of my intent but only / Vaulting ambition which o'erleaps itself / And falls on the other [side]" (25-28). As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 | 2 In Macbeth, act 1, scene 3, what is an example of dramatic irony? Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. . Resources. The best example of dramatic irony within the play is when Duncan trusts Macbeth, yet the audience knows that Macbeth is not trustworthy (Act 1, Scene 4). This can be deemed as one of the pivotal moments in the play, for this is when Macbeth convinces himself that it is his destiny to be king, whether by fair means or foul, and thissets him off on the path to destruction. Macbeth: He does. Dramatic Irony In Shakespeares Romeo And Juliet Essay, Similarities Between Lady Macbeth And Ophelia Research Paper, Osmosis Jones Human Body System Analogies Answer Key. While killing Duncan in the previous scene, Macbeth overheard voices declaring, among other things, "Macbeth shall sleep no more" and "Macbeth has murdered sleep." Given that a monarch was assassinated on that night, it is only fitting that the night of the murder was unruly (the elderly man in Act 2's final scene narrates a night of very . Dramatic Irony highlights character development. They look withered and not like the other humans. The witches have made a very ironic prophecy. Teachers and parents! . Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. When Macbeth returns home to tell his wife about this prophecy, she then shares her own thoughts on what the witches said: He thats coming must be served: and you shall put Macduff to death. The dramatic irony is that what is said earlier in the play and what the people live by is foul is fair and fair is foul. Point #4- Macbeth planning to kill Banquo: Quote: I wish your horses swift, and sure foot- and so I do commend you to their backs. More importantly the foulness of death but the fairness of them winning the battle. love . The king's address to Lady Macbeth and her subsequent reply are full of the heightened language of formal introduction: "God 'ild you," "We rest your hermits (your servants) ever." An example of dramatic irony is Duncan thanking Lady Macbeth for her hospitality because the audience knows that Lady Macbeth wants Macbeth to murder King Duncan, so when Duncan thanks her for her hospitality, it is dramatic irony because the audience knows what her true intentions are. The general cause, or is it a fee-grief William Shakespeare wrote the play with many examples of dramatic irony, certain characters express many of these examples, and these characters are, King Duncan, Macbeth and lady Macbeth. Dramatic Irony- Macbeth The Castle Thane of Cawdor In Act 1, scene 6, Duncan says "This castle hath a pleasant seat". Lady Macbeths entrance into the scene brings a sense of urgency and persuasion to the conversation, as she urges Macbeth to go through with the murder and questions his manhood and commitment to their shared goal. The audience is aware of Macbeth's murders when the characters still . Dramatic irony refers to situations in which the audience possesses information unknown to the characters within the play. This creates suspense and tension because the reader waits for him to realize his mistake. In the beginning of Act Three, Macbeth has become king, he feels being king is worthless if his position is as king is safe. Second Witch (Act 1 Scene 3). Macbeth:I drink to th general joy o th whole table, The murder of a defenseless woman and her child is an inherently tragic affair, butShakespeare's use of dramatic irony makes this scene particularly heartbreaking. The discovery of Duncan's murder in Act 2, Scene 3 is an extended moment of dramatic irony. Keep it from me. The audience is aware that Duncan is dead, but Macduff and Lennox are oblivious, an ignorance that Macbeth maintains by making comments that imply the king is still alive. Macbeth has been convinced. Macbeth believes they are addressing him as thane of Cawdor because of their prophecy, not because he has just gained the title of thane of Cawdor. It allows the reader to understand the story better and it also makes the play more interesting. A: In Act 1 Scene 4, King Duncan praises Macbeth: DUNCAN The discovery of Duncan's murder in Act 2, Scene 3is an extended moment of dramatic irony. It is the thought of something after death that puzzles Macbeth. Lennox: Here, my good lord. Farewell. Thesis: Throughout the play Macbeth, the reader is given the advantage of knowing more things than the characters in the play through the literary device, dramatic irony. Also, Macbeth notes, Duncan is a guest, kinsmen, and good king. One example of how Dramatic Irony is used effectively in Macbeth is when Lady Macbeth tells her husband that one day he will be killed by Macduff, but she will make sure that no harm comes to him.