Equivocation in Macbeth

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.Elorm Vowotor Ms. Van Dyk ENG3U-SL 19th November 2012 Macbeth: Act V: Equivocation Equivocation is the use of ambiguous expressions in order to mislead. It is also to deceive with words; to say one thing but mean another. Shakespeare uses equivocation to illustrate the evil nature of the witches. Equivocation is found in the witches prophesies. Vague language is used when providing Macbeth with prophesies. Macbeth visits the witches in order to get more information about the future. He leaves confident with what the apparitions told him. However, in Act V, he will come to realize the witches provided him with double meanings, “I pull in resolution, and begin/ To doubt th’ equivocation of the fiend/ That lies like truth” (5.5.47-49). First of all, Macbeth is warned, “Beware Macduff/ Beware the thane of Fife” (4.1.79-80). The apparition that appears is an armed head. Macbeth does not focus on the appearance of the apparition, but rather on the appearance of the words instead. He assumes that it means Macduff will head an army. However, the true meaning of the armed head only becomes clear towards the end of the play. Macbeth is demanding his armor but he does not protect his head. This makes him vulnerable to Macduff who cuts off his head and displays it for his soldiers to see. Furthermore, Macbeth is told, “The power of man; for none of woman born/ Shall harm Macbeth” (4.1.88-89). Macbeth dismisses this as he thinks no such person exists, therefore his confidence level rises. Nevertheless, he is proved wrong in Act V. When Macbeth is confronted by Macduff, he finds out the devastating truth. Macduff tells him “Tell thhee Macduff was from his mother’s womb/ Untimely ripped” (5.7.53-54). Macduff was not born the normal way. He had to be prematurely taken out from his mother’s womb. Therefore, the rule does not apply to him. This is a major example of

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