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. What is the effect of the antithesis in the porter’s speech?
Answer
A
It compares the porter to the other revelers in Macbeth’s household.
B
It explains why some people use alcohol.
C
It describes the results of becoming intoxicated.
D
It contrasts the porter’s demeanor to that of other servants.
Explanation
The porter sets opposite effects of drink against each other: it “provokes” desire but “takes away” performance, and it “sets him on” but “takes him off.” These contrasts show how intoxication can create an impulse while preventing someone from acting on it. Therefore, the antithesis describes the results of becoming intoxicated.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.