Macbeth: The Story Within

Situational Irony

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Definition: an outcome that turns out to be extremely different from what was expected.

Example:

"Who dares receive it other, as we shall make our griefs and clamour roar upon his death?
I am settled, and bend up each corporal agent to this terrible feat.
Away, and mock the time with fairest show:
False face must hide what the false heart doth know."

(Act 1, Scene 7, Lines 77-82)

Explanation:

Macbeth murders his king hoping that in becoming king he will achieve great happiness. Actually, Macbeth never knows another moment of peace, and finally is beheaded for his murderous act.

macbeths.jpg

Simile

Courtney Brock, Mr. Brisebois, English 11 A2, May 12, 2005