Question

read the passage from act 2, scene 3 of the tragedy of macbeth
porter. lechery, sir, it provokes, and unprovokes; it provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance. therefore much drink may be said to be an equivocator with lechery; it makes him, and it mars him; it sets him on, and it takes him off; it persuades him, and disheartens him; makes him stand to, and not stand to; in conclusion, equivocates him in a sleep, and, giving him the lie, leaves him.
why is the repeated use of antithesis in this passage appropriate?

• it creates a comedic effect, which suits the porter, who is a comical character.
• it creates a dramatic effect to set the tone for the revelation of duncan’s murder.
• it illustrates a contrast between the lowly porter and the highborn macbeth.
• it illustrates that servants and lords are all the same when it comes to drinking alcohol.

Explanation:

The porter is a comical character in "Macbeth". The repeated use of antithesis (contrasting ideas like "provokes" and "unprovokes", "makes" and "mars") in his speech creates a comedic effect, which fits his role. The other options are incorrect: the passage is before Duncan's murder revelation, so it's not setting that tone; it's not about contrasting the porter and Macbeth; and it's not about showing servants and lords are same in drinking, but about the effects of drink on lechery.

Answer:

A. It creates a comedic effect, which suits the porter, who is a comical character.