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All Site ContentMacbethAct 2Scene 3
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“equivocates him in a sleep”​
Wordplay
Act 2,
Scene 3
Lines 28-32

An explanation of the phrase “equivocates him in a sleep” in Act 2, Scene 3 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

 

Porter

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.

The Porter’s use of wordplay means this line can be read in two ways:

  • Lechery causes the drunk to sleep (pass out) instead of having sex.
  • Lechery tricks him into dreaming about sex instead of having sex.