What's the business, that such a hideous trumpet calls to parley the sleepers of the house? Speak, speak!

What's the business, that such a hideous trumpet calls to parley the sleepers of the house? Speak, speak!

In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the line "What's the business, that such a hideous trumpet calls to parley the sleepers of the house? Speak, speak!" is spoken by the character Banquo. This line is uttered in Act 2, Scene 3, when Banquo is awoken by the sound of a trumpet and is curious as to why such a loud and disturbing noise is disrupting the peace of the night.

The use of the word "hideous" in this line conveys a sense of dread and foreboding, as if the sound of the trumpet is signaling something ominous or sinister. Banquo's question "What's the business?" suggests that he is eager to know the reason behind the disturbance and is prepared to confront whatever or whoever is responsible for it.

The image of a trumpet calling to parley the sleepers of the house evokes a sense of urgency and importance. It implies that there is a message or a summons that cannot be ignored, and that the sleepers must awaken and pay attention to what is being communicated.

Banquo's command to "Speak, speak!" further emphasizes his desire for answers and his impatience with the mysterious trumpet. He is not content to simply lie in bed and wonder about the source of the noise; he wants to confront it head-on and demand an explanation.

This line is significant in the context of the play because it foreshadows the chaos and upheaval that is about to unfold. The sound of the trumpet serves as a harbinger of the violence and treachery that will soon engulf the characters of Macbeth and Banquo, leading to tragic consequences for both.

Overall, this line captures the sense of unease and uncertainty that pervades the world of Macbeth, where even the night itself seems to be filled with portents of doom. Banquo's words serve as a reminder that in a world where ambition and power reign supreme, even the most innocent of sounds can carry a sinister message.