In the tragedy of Macbeth, William Shakespeare demonstrates the theme of appearance versus reality through the characterizations of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Evil is introduced through the deceptive prophecies of the Weird Sisters, which entice Macbeth to commit pernicious acts. Shakespeare utilizes the witches to manipulate virtuous people to commit malicious deeds through temptation. Additionally, the theme of appearance verses reality is imbued through Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s treacherous plan to commit regicide, and the subsequent deeds and lies that take place to conceal both of their guilt. As Macbeth rises to power, ghostly apparitions and hallucinations plague the couple and represent their individual and collective guilt. Consequently, …show more content…
In an effort to conceal their guilt and maintain their high position of power, the Macbeth’s must commit murder in succession. Macbeth perceives Banquo as a threat because of the second part of the prophecies told by the Weird Sisters which was that Banquo’s heirs will become King of Scotland. After Macbeth successfully eradicates his friend, he imagines that he sees Banquo’s ghost at the banquet and becomes …show more content…
Shakespeare utilizes the Weird Sisters as the embodiment of evil and temptation to convince Macbeth, a virtuous but flawed man, to commit evil deeds through the deceitful predictions of his future. The theme of appearance versus reality is demonstrated through the Macbeths’ deceitful plan to murder King Duncan, and the consecutive deeds and lies that take place to conceal their guilt. As Macbeth rises to power throughout the play, ghostly apparitions and blood hallucinations plague the couple. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are so overwhelmed by their guilt and paranoia, their judgment is clouded by the weight of their guilt that they carry, which leads to the demise of the reign of