Read the passage from act 2, scene 3 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Porter: Lechery, sir, it provokes, and unprovokes; it provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance. Therefore much drink may be said to be an equivocator with lechery; it makes him, and it mars him; it sets him on, and it takes him off; it persuades him, and disheartens him; makes him stand to, and not stand to; in conclusion, equivocates him in a sleep, and, giving him the lie, leaves him. Why is the repeated use of antithesis in this passage appropriate?
Answer
A
It creates a comedic effect, which suits the porter, who is a comical character.
B
It creates a dramatic effect to set the tone for the revelation of Duncan’s murder.
C
It illustrates that servants and lords are all the same when it comes to drinking alcohol.
D
It illustrates a contrast between the lowly porter and the highborn Macbeth.
Explanation
Antithesis places opposing ideas side by side, as in “provokes, and unprovokes” and “makes him stand to, and not stand to.” The Porter uses these contradictions as bawdy wordplay about alcohol and sexual performance, making the speech humorous. That comic effect suits the Porter, who provides comic relief in the play.
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