Funny Parts in Macbeth: Act 2, Scene 3 Explained

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Hania <3

30/03/2023

English Literature

Macbeth act 2 scene 3

Subjects

English Literature

Funny Parts in Macbeth: Act 2, Scene 3 Explained

The analysis of Macbeth Act 2 Scene 3 reveals a pivotal moment where the murder of King Duncan is discovered, featuring both dramatic tension and comedic elements through the Porter's scene.

The scene opens with the famous Porter scene in Macbeth, providing comic relief through drunken commentary
The discovery of Duncan's murder creates a stark shift from comedy to tragedy
The scene culminates in Malcolm and Donalbain's decision to flee, fearing for their lives
Shakespeare masterfully weaves themes of deception, guilt, and political intrigue throughout
The scene marks a crucial turning point in Macbeth's descent into tyranny

30/03/2023

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Page 2: The Porter's Dialogue with Macduff

This section explores the comedic interaction between the Porter and Macduff, focusing on the effects of alcohol and its consequences.

Definition: "Carousing" refers to drinking and merrymaking, often to excess.

Highlight: The Porter's explanation of drink's three effects $nose-painting, sleep, and urine$ provides comic relief while maintaining the scene's underlying darkness.

Quote: "Therefore much drink may be said to be an equivocator with lechery. It makes him, and it mars him."

View

Page 3: The Transition to Tragedy

The scene shifts from comedy to mounting tension as Macduff seeks to wake King Duncan. The dialogue reveals growing unease and supernatural omens.

Highlight: The description of the night's unnatural events foreshadows the discovery of Duncan's murder.

Quote: "The night has been unruly. Where we lay, Our chimneys were blown down and, as they say, Lamentings heard i' th' air."

View

Page 4: The Discovery

The scene reaches its climax with Macduff's discovery of Duncan's murder, marking the definitive shift from comedy to tragedy.

Quote: "Confusion now hath made his masterpiece. Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope The Lord's anointed temple."

Highlight: The metaphor of Duncan's body as "The Lord's anointed temple" emphasizes the sacred nature of kingship and the magnitude of the crime.

View

The Revelation

Macduff discovers Duncan's murder, leading to a powerful scene of revelation and horror. The language becomes increasingly intense and metaphorical.

Quote: "Approach the chamber and destroy your sight With a new Gorgon."

Vocabulary: "Gorgon" - a reference to mythological creatures whose appearance turned viewers to stone

View

Macbeth's Response

Macbeth's reaction to the discovery reveals both his acting abilities and the beginning of his public transformation into a tyrant.

Quote: "Had I but died an hour before this chance, I had lived a blessèd time."

Highlight: The metaphorical language about wine and blood emphasizes the themes of corruption and mortality.

View

The Immediate Aftermath

The scene shows the immediate reactions of various characters, including Lady Macbeth's calculated fainting and the suspicious behavior of others.

Quote: "Look to the lady."

Highlight: The scene demonstrates how quickly political allegiances begin to shift following Duncan's murder.

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Subjects

English Literature

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640

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30 Jun 2025

•

7 pages

Funny Parts in Macbeth: Act 2, Scene 3 Explained

Hania <3

@24241824

The analysis of Macbeth Act 2 Scene 3 reveals a pivotal moment where the murder of King Duncan is discovered, featuring both dramatic tension and comedic elements through the Porter's scene.

The scene opens with the famous Porter scene in... Show more

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Page 2: The Porter's Dialogue with Macduff

This section explores the comedic interaction between the Porter and Macduff, focusing on the effects of alcohol and its consequences.

Definition: "Carousing" refers to drinking and merrymaking, often to excess.

Highlight: The Porter's explanation of drink's three effects $nose-painting, sleep, and urine$ provides comic relief while maintaining the scene's underlying darkness.

Quote: "Therefore much drink may be said to be an equivocator with lechery. It makes him, and it mars him."

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Page 3: The Transition to Tragedy

The scene shifts from comedy to mounting tension as Macduff seeks to wake King Duncan. The dialogue reveals growing unease and supernatural omens.

Highlight: The description of the night's unnatural events foreshadows the discovery of Duncan's murder.

Quote: "The night has been unruly. Where we lay, Our chimneys were blown down and, as they say, Lamentings heard i' th' air."

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Page 4: The Discovery

The scene reaches its climax with Macduff's discovery of Duncan's murder, marking the definitive shift from comedy to tragedy.

Quote: "Confusion now hath made his masterpiece. Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope The Lord's anointed temple."

Highlight: The metaphor of Duncan's body as "The Lord's anointed temple" emphasizes the sacred nature of kingship and the magnitude of the crime.

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The Revelation

Macduff discovers Duncan's murder, leading to a powerful scene of revelation and horror. The language becomes increasingly intense and metaphorical.

Quote: "Approach the chamber and destroy your sight With a new Gorgon."

Vocabulary: "Gorgon" - a reference to mythological creatures whose appearance turned viewers to stone

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Macbeth's Response

Macbeth's reaction to the discovery reveals both his acting abilities and the beginning of his public transformation into a tyrant.

Quote: "Had I but died an hour before this chance, I had lived a blessèd time."

Highlight: The metaphorical language about wine and blood emphasizes the themes of corruption and mortality.

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Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Immediate Aftermath

The scene shows the immediate reactions of various characters, including Lady Macbeth's calculated fainting and the suspicious behavior of others.

Quote: "Look to the lady."

Highlight: The scene demonstrates how quickly political allegiances begin to shift following Duncan's murder.

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Page 1: The Porter's Introduction

The opening of Act 2 Scene 3 presents the immediate aftermath of Duncan's murder, transitioning from Macbeth's guilt to the Porter's comic relief. The scene begins with persistent knocking and the Porter's drunken musings.

Highlight: The Porter imagines himself as the gatekeeper of Hell, creating dark comedy that foreshadows the horror to come.

Example: The Porter references three types of sinners: a farmer who committed suicide, an equivocator $someone who lies$ , and a thief.

Vocabulary: "Beelzebub" - another name for the devil, setting the hellish theme of the Porter's monologue.

Quote: "If a man were porter of hell gate, he should have old turning the key."

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