"Irony has two meanings, and examples of both can be found in this play."
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"In its general sense, irony refers to a kind of twist of fate, where the result of an action 'bounces back' and affects the person who committed that action."
"When Duncan has the Thane of Cawdor executed for treachery, there is irony in the fact that he gives the vacant title to Macbeth, who will prove to be even more treacherous."
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"Similarly, there is irony when Macbeth expresses the insincere wish that Banquo be present, during the Banquet scene."
"The irony becomes apparent when Banquo's ghost appears and terrifies Macbeth."
8
"Even more important in the play is 'dramatic' irony. This is when the audience are in on a secret, but one or more characters are unaware."
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"A prime example is when Duncan arrives at Macbeth's castle and exclaims over the pleasant setting. We know what he doesn't, that murder is planned here, and that his gracious host and hostess will be his killers."
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"This type of irony adds another level of meaning to many of the words of the play."
"For instance, Macbeth's words"
"*'Twas a rough night. II,iii,60"
" have a double meaning."
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"Again, after Duncan's murder, Macbeth exclaims"
"*Had I but died an hour before this chance, / I had lived a blessed time."
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"On one level, he is merely putting on a false front of sorrow over Duncan's death. On another level, the audience can interpret the words as showing genuine remorse for his deed."
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"Shakespeare's skill lies in weaving the threads of irony into the play in an appropriate way. For exam purposes, study Duncan's speeches in particular for examples of irony, especially Act I,scene iv."
