MACBETH Act 3 Scene 6

Lenox’s comments about Macbeth and the events that have happened is said very ironically, meaning that Lenox actually means the opposite of what he has said. In this scene, Lenox and an unnamed lord talk about the events that have happened, and they share their suspicions that Macbeth may have done evil things. They also comment about how Macduff has been welcomed into England, and how an invasion by England to overthrow Macbeth may be possible. At the start of the scene, Lenox talks on everything that has happened, and it seems he is on Macbeth’s side. However, there is a clue to indicate that Lenox is being ironic. He says “For ‘t would have angered any heart alive, To hear the men deny ‘t.” Here he says that it would have been outrageous for anyone to hear the guards, who are suspected of the murder, to deny it. But, there is a hidden meaning in these lines; that it is very convenient for Macbeth to have killed the only witnesses to the murder and the only people who knew the truth. This statement clearly states how Lenox believes that Macbeth may have been the cause of Duncan’s death, and how Macbeth shouldn’t be the king. It is a crime to directly speak against the king, so Lenox says things ironically to hide his thoughts.