Question

How does King Duncan describe the castle; why is this ironic?

a) He describes it as welcoming; it is actually hostile
b) He describes it as peaceful; it is actually a war zone
c) He describes it as a haven; it is actually cursed
d) He describes it as secure; it is actually vulnerable

Answer 1

King Duncan ironically describes the castle as pleasant and serene, which contrasts with its true nature as the site where he will be assassinated, making him vulnerable instead of safe.

Step-by-step explanation:

King Duncan describes the castle as having a pleasant seat and the air as sweetly and nimbly recommending itself to the senses, suggesting that it is a welcoming and serene place. This description is ironic because the castle soon becomes a site of treachery and murder with the planned assassination of King Duncan himself by Macbeth. The king's words evoke a sense of peace and safety which stands in stark contrast to the castle's true nature as a place of vulnerability where Duncan's life is at grave risk.