If a man were porter...old turning the key (2.3.2)
To paraphrase: "If a man were the gatekeeper of hell, he would have plenty of opportunity to turn the key."
The "gates of hell" appear in Matthew 16.18, when Christ says, "And I say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
How to cite this article:
Mabillard, Amanda. Macbeth Glossary. Shakespeare Online. 20 Aug. 2000. (date when you accessed the information) < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth/macbethglossary/macbeth1_1/macbethglos_turningkey.html >.
