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"a new Gorgon"
Allusion
Act 2,
Scene 3
Lines 68-70a

An explanation of “a new Gorgon,” a classical allusion in Act 2, Scene 3 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

 

Macduff

Approach the chamber, and destroy your sight
With a new Gorgon. Do not bid me speak;
See, and then speak yourselves.
[Exit Macbeth and Lennox]
[Bell rings. Enter Lady Macbeth]

Lady Macbeth

Macduff

[Enter Banquo]

Lady Macbeth

Banquo

[Re-enter Macbeth and Lennox, with Ross]

Macbeth

[Enter Malcolm and Donalbain]

Donalbain

Macbeth

Macduff

Malcolm

Lennox

Macbeth

Macduff

Macbeth

Lady Macbeth

[Lady Macbeth faints]

Macduff

In classical mythology, a Gorgon was a female creature, like Medusa, who was so hideous that just looking at her would cause you to go blind. With this mythological reference, Macduff is saying that the sight of Duncan’s murdered corpse is so horrific it might cause Lennox to go blind.