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All Site ContentMacbethAct 1Scene 2
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"rebellious arm"
Irony
Act 1,
Scene 2
Lines 53-58

An explanation of the irony in the phrase “rebellious arm” 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 —

Macbeth matched his opponent in every manner, including his “rebellious arm.” The irony lies in the fact that soon enough, we will see that Macbeth will turn out to be just as much a rebel as Macdonald, Norway, and Cawdor.