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All Site ContentMacbethAct 1Scene 6
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“The love that follows us sometime is our trouble”
Irony
Act 1,
Scene 6
Lines 11-15a

An explanation of the irony in Duncan’s words to Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 6 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Duncan

See, see, our honored hostess. The love 
that follows us sometime is our trouble,
Which still we thank as love. Herin, I teach you
How you shall bid God 'ild us for your pains,
And thank us for your trouble.

The irony here is that the reception that Lady Macbeth has planned for Duncan will turn out to be more than just a minor trouble for the king.