Tragic Irony in Shakespeares Macbeth :: Free Essay Writer

The Tragic Irony of Macbeth at that place are many types of caustic remark use in Macbeth. Without the mockery, the tragedywould non be quite so tragic. One type of irony used in Macbeth is verbal irony. This is when a character saysone thing and delegacy the opposite. Examples of this are when Macbeth says to Banquo,Tonight we hold a solemn supper, sir, And Ill bay your presence (III, i, 13-14) orwhen he says Fail not our feast (III, i, 28). vocal irony makes the play more tragicbecause, if the reader understands the irony of what a character is saying, then the reader can see the true disposition and intentions of the character. Another type of irony Shakespeare used is the irony of a situation. This is whenthe results of an litigate or event are different than what is expected. One display case is whenMacduff is verbalize with Malcolm about the tragedies in Scotland, not knowing that hisfamily has been assassinateed. He says Let us ratherHold fast the mortal sword, an d like good handsBestride our down-falln birthdom. Each untested mornNew widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrowsStrike heaven on the face, that it resoundsAs if it felt with Scotland and squall outLike syllable of dolor (IV, iii, 4-7). Macduff, ironically, is remarking on new widows howling, not certain of the factthat he is a widower. This presents a great deal of irony to the reader, as well as a tragicsituation. Dramatic irony is also used in Macbeth. This type of irony is when there is acontradiction between what characters of the play do, and what the reader knows willhappen. In Macbeth, an example is the pleasantry with which Duncan, the King, speaks ofInverness. This pleasantry is a facade, because little does Duncan know, but the plot tomurder him is being hatched and will be carried out here at Inverness. How ironic for thereader, and how tragic, to hear Duncan say This castle hath a pleasant backside the airNimbly and sweetly recommends itselfUnto our gentle senses. (I, iv, 1-3). Finally, irony of Fate is used. This is when a result defeats the purpose of anevent. For example, because of Macbeths reaction to seeing Banquos spot in Act IIIscene iv is so outstanding and violent, he casts suspicion onto himself, instead of gaining