Macbeth Appearance Vs Reality

In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the theme of appearance versus reality is a main source of conflict throughout the whole plot. Appearance versus reality can be defined as the difference between what is thought to be true and what is actually true. The use of this literary device throughout the entirety of Macbeth ultimately results in the death of the title character. Examples of appearance versus reality include Lady Macbeth’s seemingly feeble behavior, Duncan’s trusting and naive ideal of Macbeth, and Macbeth’s overconfidence in safety due to the witches’ prophecy.

Lady Macbeth is central character who may or may not be the main source of conflict in the play. The guests and acquaintances, she appears to be a timid and obedient

The witches respond with the warnings from three apparitions. “Beware Macduff! Beware the Thane of Fife!” (Shakespeare 4.1.81-82). “Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall hard Macbeth” (Shakespeare 4.1.90-92). “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him” (Shakespeare 4.1.105-107). These three prophecies tell Macbeth that the person that defeats him is not born of a woman and that he will not be defeated unless Great Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill. Thinking that both of these contentions are impossible, Macbeth develops strong pride and faith that he will never be defeated. Macbeth also diminishes the first prophecy because the Thane of Fife, Macduff, has recently gone into hiding. Filled of a sense of safety, Macbeth goes into battle against Macduff with full confidence. That is, until he is given word that Macduff’s troops are covering themselves with limbs and branches from Great Birnam Wood as they march into Dunsinane. Macbeth grows weary, but still believes it is unlikely that any man cannot be born of a woman. Macduff finally ends Macbeth’s confidence when he tells him that he was not born of a woman. “Despair thy charm, and let the angel whom thou still hast served tell thee Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely ripped” (Shakespeare 5.8.17-20). Macbeth is ultimately slain by Macduff, concluding that the prophecies that appeared to be impossible to Macbeth were actually