You're absolutely right. The comedic relief scene is almost necessary to avoid us being stretched too taut after the previous. Thomas de Quincey has a great pie

You're absolutely right. The comedic relief scene is almost necessary to avoid us being stretched too taut after the previous. Thomas de Quincey has a great piece reflecting on the very same: http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth/knockingatgate.html http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth/knockingatga...