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Almost all critics evaluate the Porter in light of both the murder which directly proceeds it, and the discovery of Duncan's corpse, which immediately follows. That is to say, as you so plainly put it, they take it as comic relief for a shocked audience.
This idea comes from the conception that Shakespeare assumes his audience will be utterly appalled by the deeds done onstage, nauseated by the amorality Macbeth and his wife display. According to this viewpoint, the Porter's drunken jesting, though low and tawdry, act as a palate-cleanser. They serve to ease the audience's discomfort, and prepare them for the further darkness to come.
However, some scholars, myself included, interpret it in different views. Thomas de Quincey, for example, wrote a piece entitled "On the Knocking at the Gate in Macbeth," wherein he argued that the entirety of the porter scene is to set up a contrast with the porter, thereby to reveal the nature and gravity of Macbeth's crime.
I personally identify the Porter's speech (II.3.788-97) as an allegory for the witches' promise and Macbeth's act. In fact, I'm writing my thesis on it. My theory is Shakespeare hid his own voice in the Porter's jest, his own view on Shakespeare's amorality. Like a drink, murder makes Macbeth yet mars him. It stands him to the deed, and then abandons him to his results. Once persuaded, now disheartened, Macbeth has been given the lie, and left to fate.
I would not put it past the Bard to fully intend all three of these positions to be valid. Any break from the gore is a valued reprieve, and no doubt gives the audience time to evaluate for themselves Macbeth's dark desires and deeds. But to do both of these, and at the same time make a subtle statement about the consequences of breaking with morality? That's the sign of a master at work.
Hope this helps!
-John Hilyard
What else can I help you with?
Why do you think Shakespeare added the porter and his long speech?
The porter scene has two important purposes. First, it provides comic relief and an opportunity for the company clown to do his stuff. Also, it gives the actors playing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth a chance to change costume.
How did Shakespeare introduce comic relief?
The clown walked on the stage and started being funny. Shakespeare often introduces comic relief at very tense moments: after the Macbeths have murdered Duncan in Macbeth, after the Capulets have discovered their daughter apparently dead in Romeo and Juliet, after Hamlet has agreed to fall for the trap set for him by Claudius and Laertes in Hamlet.
What dual purpose does the porter serve at the beginning of scene 3?
The scene with the porter functions as comic relief. This follows the scene where Macbeth has just killed Duncan so there is a lot of anxiety and tension and this aims to lessen that and give the audience a good laugh
What is retrospective relief?
what is included when a retrospective relief occurs
What do these words tell us about Macbeth's state of mind on the eve of battle?
Please write your question in a complete sentence. What do you want to know ABOUT Macbeth's final battle? Macbeth didnt use magic as they thought it was wrong so they had a battle without magic :) Macbeth thought magic is rubbish,, so they had a battle with fists :):)
Why is the porters cursing ironic in Macbeth?
The Porter Scene, Act II Scene 3, is significant for the following reasonsIt gave an opportunity for the clown in Shakespeare's company, Robert Armin, to tell a few jokes.It gives the actors playing the Macbeths a chance to clean up and change.It provides some comic relief after the tense scenes which preceded it.It delays the discovery of Duncan and thus increases tension.
Who was the gatekeeper in Macbeth?
The gatekeeper in Macbeth is a minor character who appears in Act 2, Scene 3. He is responsible for opening the gate of Macbeth's castle at Dunsinane during the night Macbeth murders King Duncan. The gatekeeper serves as a comic relief character in the play.
What is the main purpose of the scene with the porter?
The main purpose of the scene with the porter in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is to provide comic relief after the intense and dramatic events surrounding King Duncan's murder. The porter's drunken ramblings and humor serve as a contrast to the darkness and tension of the play, offering a moment of lightness before the unraveling of Macbeth's downfall.
Where was a pun in 'Macbeth'?
A pun in 'Macbeth' can be found in Act 2, Scene 3, when the Porter makes a play on words by joking about how alcohol "provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance." This humorous wordplay serves as comic relief in an otherwise intense and tragic play.
Why is the porter so slow at answering the door Macbeth?
The porter in Macbeth is slow at answering the door because he was portrayed as being drunk and disoriented, which impairs his ability to respond quickly. Additionally, his role serves to introduce comic relief in an otherwise dark and intense play.
Does sexual activity helps in relieving the pain?
It depends on what you consider pain ans relief .
What knits up the ravelled sleeve if care in Macbeth?
In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the metaphor of "knitting up the raveled sleeve of care" refers to repairing the damage caused by worrying and anxiety. It suggests the idea of finding relief from distress and turmoil through action or resolution. Lady Macbeth uses this phrase to convey the need to address their troubles and move forward.
Why do you think Shakespeare added the porter and his long speech?
The porter scene has two important purposes. First, it provides comic relief and an opportunity for the company clown to do his stuff. Also, it gives the actors playing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth a chance to change costume.
What are the key features to consider when choosing a female saddle for a bicycle?
When choosing a female saddle for a bicycle, key features to consider include the width and shape of the saddle to fit the sit bones, padding for comfort, cutouts or relief channels for pressure relief, and the material for durability and breathability.
What are some important factors to consider when choosing a ladies bike saddle?
When choosing a ladies bike saddle, important factors to consider include the width and shape of the saddle to ensure proper support and comfort, the padding and material for cushioning and durability, and the cutout or relief channel for pressure relief and blood flow. Additionally, consider your riding style and preferences, as well as any specific anatomical needs or issues.
What are some important factors to consider when choosing womens bike saddles?
When choosing a women's bike saddle, important factors to consider include the width and shape of the saddle to fit your sit bones, padding and cushioning for comfort, cutouts or relief channels for pressure relief, and the material and durability of the saddle. It's also important to consider your riding style and preferences to find a saddle that suits your needs.
Are the witches in Macbeth play a dynamic character?
The witches in Macbeth are not traditionally seen as dynamic characters as they do not undergo significant internal changes or growth throughout the play. They serve more as catalysts for the events that unfold, rather than evolving themselves.
