Another way in which Lennox's speech can serve as an
example of dramatic irony is in the dramatic change that has taken place in this young
man's character since he first appeared with Macduff when they came to wake King Duncan.
At that time Lennox was young, callow, naive, awkward, self-conscious, and
inexperienced, just starting off in life as a soldier and a courtier. By the time he
makes the speech in Act 3, scene 6, the events he has witnessed and the things he has
personally experienced have made him grow up very quickly. Now he is cynical,
embittered, worldly wise, and cautious. At one point he
says:
But,
peace! For from broad words, and ’cause he [Banquo] fail'd
His presence at the
tyrant's feast...
If a young
man like Lennox can have changed so much and come to such conclusions as he expresses in
this speech, it is a strong indication that many other people, nobles as well as
commoners, have done likewise. Lennox is a spokesman for the general animosity and
unrest which will lead to Macbeth's downfall.
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