Question

The scene featuring the porter makes a great contrast with what goes before and after it. Can you explain why Shakespeare should use comedy at this point in an otherwise not very comical play

Answer 1

To reduce the tension after Duncan's murder.

Step-by-step explanation:

In "Macbeth," Shakespeare makes use of the Porter scene to add relief after a highly dramatic event, such as King Duncan's death. Thus, the comic relief of the Porter scene contrasts with the protagonist's feelings of guilt after killing Duncan. Besides, it compares the Porter with the gatekeeper of hell, where Macbeth will live after committing murder.