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Shakespeare's Use Of Equivocation In Macbeth

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Everyone has experienced deception; from politicians to cheating spouses, it is almost a daily experience. Actors in Shakespeare’s Macbeth are especially familiar with deception in the form of equivocation. Equivocation is intentionally using ambiguous language to mislead someone. The word itself is used extensively in the speech made by the drunken porter in the beginning of 2.3, but the theme is used throughout the book by many characters. Shakespeare uses equivocation to develop Macbeth’s character and advance the plot along Duncan’s murder.
The three witches in the play are notorious for their equivocation; all of their prophecies use equivocation. Their first prophecy is found in 1.3.48-50 where the prophesize Macbeth’s kingship: “All

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