Shakespeares Macbeth - Appearance versus Reality - Quote Analysis :: essays research papers

Fair is foul, and foul is fair, a phrase that has become synonym with Macbeth. It is as well as the introduction to one of the most important themes of this tragedy appearance and reality. Shakespeargon uses various characters and situations to emphasize this confusion between the real and the surreal, the authentic and the fake, the act and the sincere. In order to discuss this theme, different characters will be lifeed at in the prototypal paragraph, the Witches, in the second, Duncan and in the third, Lady Macbeth.The Witches introduce the theme with the ill-famed phrase Fair is foul, and foul is fair (scene 1, line 11) in the first scene. Its functional for the Witches to say this in the beginning of the book, as they are the start of all the perplexity. They become the core of confusion when they awaken Macbeths ambition and transform his perspective of good and evil, making bad things look good and good things look bad. Ironically in connection with this, Banquo warns Mac beth, produce us with honest trifles, to betrays In deepest consequence (1/3/125-126). The Witches continue to speak in contradicting language, such as lesser than Macbeth, and greater (1/3/65) and Not so happy, yet much happier (1/3/66) that adds to the mind of moral confusion, by implying that nothing is quite what it seems. Banquos warning is action at the end of the play when the Witches had won Macbeths trust with prophecies that became sure honest trifles- and then betray him in the things that really mattered, his life and his verdant -deepest consequence- to win his spirit for hell.Until his death, King Duncan was misled by Macbeths sham loyalty. When the Thane of Cawdor had been found guilty of being a traitor and was hanged, King Duncan concept so highly of Macbeth, that he gave the title to him. The Thane then ironically dies with self-respect while Macbeth dies a foe of Scotland. The King was under the impression that Macbeth was a loyal and brave soldier, callin g him O worthiest cousin (1/4/14), further Macbeth was actually already planning to kill the King, whose murder yet is hardly fantastical (1/3/139). Even when Duncan goes to visit Macbeth, he praises the castles pleasant environment and hospitality, This castle hath a pleasant seat (1/5/1), but is totally unaware of Macbeths plans to murder him.From the first age we meet Lady Macbeth, we get the impression of a strong-willed and sheer person, an ideal wife.