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Ambiguity And Equivocation In Macbeth - Term Papers

Ambiguity And Equivocation In Macbeth

Jordan Weber-Flink
Mrs. Balaban
AP English
11/28/98

Macbeth's voluntary misinterpretation of the ambiguity and
equivocation of the witches relates to the play's theme, which states that
uncontrolled desire for power often leads to irregular or violent actions,
resulting in death and or destruction. After the first of the witches'
prophecies comes true, Macbeth begins to believe in their truth. However,
he also believes that the prophecies must all lead to his enrichment and
empowerment. To that end, he twists the witches' words to fit his own
purposes, ignoring the possibility that the prophecies might have other,
less fortunate meanings. This voluntary misinterpretation, committed ...

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he will be king. After Macbeth is made Thane of Cawdor, he realizes
that the witches were right, and immediately begins to ponder the other
part of their prophecy. "My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,"
(I.iii.153) he thinks, bringing murder to the front of his mind almost as
soon as the witches are proven right. Later in the play, Macbeth's desire
for power, encouraged by the witches, leads him to kill the king and assume
the throne.
Macbeth and his wife use ambiguity and equivocation themselves in
pursuit of power.

All our service / In every point twice done, and then done
double, / Were poor and single business to contend / Against
those honors deep and broad wherewith / Your Majesty loads
our house. (I.vi.17-21)

With this announcement, Lady Macbeth states that if all she could do in his
service had been done four times over, it still would not do honor to the
king. The ambiguous nature of this statement is that it is true even ...

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Ambiguity And Equivocation In Macbeth. (2006, January 3). Retrieved January 13, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Ambiguity-And-Equivocation-In-Macbeth/39015

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 1/3/2006 06:54:23 AM
Category: Arts
Type: Free Paper
Words: 1192
Pages: 5

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