Examples Of Equivocation In Macbeth

Equivocation is used to avoid telling another person the truth, by using a word in multiple ways. In Macbeth, a tragic play, the protagonist, Macbeth, is greeted by three witches, who call him King, which inspires him to commit regicide. Due to his darkness, Macbeth continues to commit a series of murders, anticipating that he will not be caught. Macbeth learns to use equivocation to minimize other nobles’ suspicion on the random murders, and ultimately kill all people of righteousness in Scotland. Macbeth is a master of equivocation, but is to blame for his demise, since he submits himself to the trickery of the three witches.

When he kills King Duncan, Macbeth learns to perfect his use of equivocation, in such a manner that no one is suspicious

As Lennox discusses the odd occurrences throughout the night with Macbeth, they come to agree that it had been quite rough, however, they have different meanings of their messages. Despite Macbeth coming to terms with Lennox, it is known that he describes the night as rough due to the weight and pressure of killing Duncan. With Macbeth’s expertise in equivocation, Lennox is easily deceived without realizing. As he is tricked very simply, it gives Macbeth the understanding that he can go on, being evil, without others finding out, yet eventually cannot live with his sins. As he feels brutally guilty for his mistakes, he visits the witches, to understand what his future will truthfully look

As Macbeth believes in the witches’ prophecies, he feels that they will be honest in sharing Macbeth's fortunes. Macbeth, unaware that they are constantly in pursuit of harming the king, meets with the witches. During his encounter with the witches, Macbeth sees three apparitions, which the second one says, “Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn/ The power of man, for none of woman born/ Shall harm Macbeth.”(4.1.90-93) This apparition means to Macbeth that no one would be able to harm him, since everyone is born of woman. The third apparition also states that Macbeth will never be conquered until the Great Birnam Wood marches up to Macbeth’s castle. The third apparition is also depicted as though Macbeth can never be conquered, since trees cannot uproot themselves and trudge up a hill. Macbeth is overall pleased with what the witches have told him, and remains relaxed, understanding that he is insurmountable, and safe from harm. What Macbeth does not know is that the apparitions were formulated to appease his thoughts, and suggest something very different from what Macbeth depicts. By believing he is totally safe, he makes himself vulnerable to destruction, since he does not worry about how anyone can pose a threat to him. He goes on with his wicked life confidently, until he is delivered news that Malcom is guiding