The Tragic Irony of MacbethThere are many types of irony used in Macbeth. Without irony, tragedy would not be as tragic. One type of irony used in Macbeth is verbal irony. This is when a character says one thing and means the opposite. Examples of this are when Macbeth says to Banquo: "Tonight we are having a solemn supper, sir, and I will request your presence (III, i, 13-14)" or when he says "Do not miss our feast (III , i, 13-14). 28). Verbal irony makes the play more tragic because, if the reader understands the irony of what a character says, then they can see the character's true nature and intentions. Another type of irony used by Shakespeare is situational irony. This is when the results of an action or event are different from those expected. One example is when Macduff speaks with Malcolm about the tragedies in Scotland, unaware that his family was murdered. He says, “Let us rather hold fast the deadly sword, and like good men ride out our fall and our birth.” Every new morning new widows scream, new orphans cry, new sorrows strike the sky in the face, so that it resonates as if it felt with Scotland and cries out like a syllable of pain (IV, iii, 4-7). the widows scream, unaware that he is a widower. This presents a lot of irony for the reader, as well as a tragic situation. Dramatic irony is also used in Macbeth. This type of irony occurs when there is a contradiction between what the characters in the play do and what the reader knows will happen. In Macbeth, an example is the joke with which Duncan, the king, speaks of Inverness. This joke is just a front, as little does Duncan know, but the plot to murder him is being hatched and will be carried out here in Inverness. How ironic for the reader, and how tragic, to hear Duncan say: “This castle has a pleasant seat; the air recommends itself with agility and gentleness to our gentle senses. (I, iv, 1-3). »Finally, the irony of Destiny is used. This is when an outcome defeats the purpose of an event. For example, because Macbeth's reaction to seeing Banquo's ghost in Act III, scene iv, is so dramatic and violent, he casts suspicion on himself, instead of gaining ground.