Question

The porter's speech following the murder of Duncan is an example of

a.) оcomic relief
b.) dramatic tension
c.) an aside
d.) archaic language

Answer 1

a.) Comic relief.

Step-by-step explanation:

William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" revolves around the story of Macbeth and his greed which led to his downfall. The play follows the rise and tragic downfall of Macbeth, infused with themes of betrayal, greed, murder, and self-interest.

The porter's speech in Act II scene iii of the play is a departure from the tragic scene that is to follow right after. The readers know King Duncan has been murdered but the other characters did not know that yet. When Macduff and Lennox knocked at the door and the porter pretended to be the doorkeeper of Hell, this scene provides comic relief to the otherwise tragic scene.

Thus, the correct answer is option a.