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All Site ContentMacbethAct 1Scene 2
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"point"
Wordplay
Act 1,
Scene 2
Lines 53-58

An explanation of the wordplay on “point” in Act 1, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Ross

The Thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict,
Till that Bellona's bridegroom, lapped in proof,
Confronted him with self-comparisons,
Point against point, rebellious arm 'gainst arm,
Curbing his lavish spirit; and, to conclude,
The victory fell on us —

In this use of wordplay, “point” could refer to a detail, as in, Macbeth matched the Norwegian king in every detail.  But it could also refer to a sword point, as in, Macbeth confronted him with the point of his sword.