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Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of the Porter in Macbeth - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 1
Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of the Porter in Macbeth. In his introduction, the Porter humorously imagines himself to be the gatekeeper of Hell, d... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of the Porter in Macbeth - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of the Porter in Macbeth.
Answer
Shakespeare presents the Porter as a comedic yet critical reflection of the moral landscape in Macbeth.
Initially, the character engages the audience with humor, describing himself as the gatekeeper to Hell and providing a light-hearted take on serious sins. This starkly contrasts with the tragic elements of the play, allowing the audience to momentarily divert from the heavy themes.
The Porter's speech encapsulates various souls' professions, revealing societal values and morals. His frustration with the constant knocking underscores a sense of urgency and chaos, mirroring the disruption caused by Macbeth's actions.
Moreover, the choice of language, particularly the references to death (e.g., ‘hanged’, ‘devil’, and ‘Beelzebub’), highlights the destructive consequences of ambition and guilt. The Porter becomes a crucial figure in bridging the audience with the play's themes and characters, ultimately illustrating Shakespeare's commentary on the nature of sin and redemption.