What lies beneath a person who seems perfect? Can we trust anyone in a world full of secrets and lies? In William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the title character is seen as a great king, but that is not true. Though he may appear to be brave and loyal, Macbeth is disloyal and a coward, even willing to kill his own king. As the play unfolds, we witness Macbeth's gradual downfall. The theme of appearance versus reality is prominent, highlighting Macbeth's moral decline as he commits Duncan's murder. This theme is evident in Macbeth's soliloquies, where he expresses doubt, determination to carry out the murder, and the gradual loss of his own identity afterward.
Firstly, Duncan believes Macbeth is a close ally and good individual, but he is
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Macbeth is haunted by guilt and experiences an internal struggle to reconcile his actions with his former self:"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" (2.2.78-79). Macbeth's anguished question highlights his remorse and the impossibility of washing away the guilt of his heinous act. It reveals the stark contrast between his public appearance as a loyal subject and the reality of his monstrous deeds. This internal conflict marks the beginning of his gradual loss of identity as he is consumed by guilt and the weight of his actions. As Macbeth becomes more entrenched in his ambition and paranoia, his true self becomes increasingly obscured: "I am in blood / Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o'er" (3.4.136-138). Macbeth's realization that he is immersed in blood and that there is no turning back reflects his loss of identity. The quote signifies his acceptance of the path he has chosen, one that is stained with violence and deceit. As Macbeth abandons his moral compass and embraces his ruthless persona, the gap between appearance and reality widens, further contributing to his gradual loss of