Tragic Irony in Shakespeares Macbeth :: Free Essay Writer

The Tragic Irony of Macbeth  Ã‚   There are many types of irony used in Macbeth. Without the irony, the tragedy would not be quite so tragic. One type of irony used in Macbeth is verbal irony. This is when a character says one thing and means the opposite. Examples of this are when Macbeth says to Banquo, â€Å"Tonight we hold a solemn supper, sir, And I’ll request your presence (III, i, 13-14)† or when he says â€Å"Fail not our feast (III, i, 28).† Verbal irony makes the play more tragic because, if the reader understands the irony of what a character is saying, then the reader can see the true nature and intentions of the character. Another type of irony Shakespeare used is the irony of a situation. This is when the results of an action or event are different than what is expected. One example is when Macduff is speaking with Malcolm about the tragedies in Scotland, not knowing that his family has been murdered. He says: â€Å"Let us rather Hold fast the mortal sword, and like good men Bestride our down-fall’n birthdom. Each new morn New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows Strike heaven on the face, that it resounds As if it felt with Scotland and yelled out Like syllable of dolor (IV, iii, 4-7).† Macduff, ironically, is remarking on new widows howling, not aware of the fact that he is a widower. This presents a great deal of irony to the reader, as well as a tragic situation. Dramatic irony is also used in Macbeth. This type of irony is when there is a contradiction between what characters of the play do, and what the reader knows will happen. In Macbeth, an example is the pleasantry with which Duncan, the King, speaks of Inverness. This pleasantry is a facade, because little does Duncan know, but the plot to murder him is being hatched and will be carried out here at Inverness. How ironic for the reader, and how tragic, to hear Duncan say: â€Å"This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself Unto our gentle senses. (I, iv, 1-3).† Finally, irony of Fate is used. This is when a result defeats the purpose of an event. For example, because of Macbeth’s reaction to seeing Banquo’s ghost in Act III scene iv is so dramatic and violent, he casts suspicion onto himself, instead of gaining