Question

Which event is an example of irony in Macbeth?

A. The tree witches make the prediction that Macbeth will someday be both thane of Cawdor and king.
B. King Duncan thinks Macbeth is good and virtuous man,when in reality Macbeth is plotting his murder.
C. Lady Macbeth returns the bloody dagger to King Duncan's room after Macbeth it too upset to do it himself.
D. Macbeth is unable to say "amen" after he hears King Duncan's guards praying in their sleep.

Answer 1

B. King Duncan thinks Macbeth is a good and virtuous man, when in reality, Macbeth is plotting his murder. ((APEX))

Answer 2

Answer: B. King Duncan thinks Macbeth is good and virtuous man, when in reality Macbeth is plotting his murder.

Irony occurs when a character believes something that is the complete opposite of reality. For irony to work in a play, the audience usually has to have more information that the characters. In this case, the audience knows that Macbeth is planning the murder of King Duncan. However, the audience also knows that King Duncan believes Macbeth to be a good and virtuous man. This contradiction is an example of irony in the play.