Significance of the Porter's Speech Flashcards
When does the Porter’s speech appear?
Act 2, Scene 3
Who is the Porter?
The Porter is the gatekeeper of Macbeth’s castle, provides a bit of comic relief with his drunken ramblings and wordplay as he imagines himself as the gatekeeper of Hell, admitting various “sinners” into the inferno. The Porter scene is known for its dark humor and serves as a brief respite from the intense and tragic events of the play.
What does the Porter’s speech offer to the play?
Comic Relief: The Porter’s speech provides a moment of comic relief in an otherwise dark and intense play. His drunken ramblings and humorous imaginings of himself as the gatekeeper of Hell offer a brief respite from the heavy themes of ambition, guilt, and violence that dominate the rest of the play. Shakespeare often included moments of comic relief in his tragedies to balance the overall tone.
Contrast and Irony: The Porter’s speech contrasts the gravity of the previous scenes, particularly the murder of King Duncan, with a more lighthearted and ironic tone. His discussion of the equivocal nature of alcohol and its effects on desire and performance serves as a stark juxtaposition to the serious consequences of Macbeth’s actions.
Commentary on Deception and Appearances: The Porter’s speech contains elements of wordplay and deception. He talks about the equivocal nature of alcohol, using it as a metaphor for appearances and reality. This theme of deception and the idea that things are not always what they seem is central to “Macbeth,” as the play explores the contrast between the characters’ public facades and their true intentions.
Transition to the Discovery of Duncan’s Murder: The Porter’s speech also serves as a transitional moment in the play. Following this scene, Macduff discovers the murder of King Duncan, and the play returns to its serious and tragic tone. The Porter scene bridges the gap between the murder and its discovery.
What is the Porter’s speech said to be the first example of?
Stand up comedy
In the 2023 RSC performance of Macbeth, the Porter’s speech was rewritten by whom?
Comedian Stewart Lee
Who directed the 2023 RSC performance of Macbeth?
Wils Wilson
