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Macbeth Deceitful Character Analysis

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Macbeth’s personality is developed by Shakespeare to be a deceitful character following his abhorrent deeds of murder. One of the ways in which Shakespeare demonstrated this was through the implementation of dialogue from another character. For example, in order to hide their true, evil motives to murder King Duncan, Lady Macbeth advises her husband to “look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under’t.” This purpose of using dialogue from another character bespeaks to the audience the idea that deceit is the hallmark of evil- appearances cannot always be trusted as they disguise the truth from those around them, showing that Macbeth has developed to be deceitful. After Macbeth committed regicide, through the use of dialogue, he lies, …show more content…

Dialogue is effective as it helps the reader to comprehend Macbeth’s feigned appearance, serving the purpose to develop Macbeth’s deceitful character. Additionally, the technique of antithesis is used to place emphasis on the idea that appearance hides reality and the art of treachery- betraying one’s own King. Macbeth’s “false face must hide what the false heart doth know,” expresses the hypocrisy that lives within him, which is often in direct conflict with his veneer of unwavering patriotism to King Duncan. The use of antithesis allows for the contrast between two ideas of “hide” and “know”, reinforcing the deceitful personality of Macbeth. The characterisation techniques of dialogue and antithesis is effective as it allows the audience to discern Macbeth’s masked evil ambitions and urges beneath his flawless loyal facade. Hence, accentuating Shakespeare’s idea of the nature of evil and the consequences that may result from it- Macbeth being steered onto the ‘murderous’ path. These techniques enables the audience to think deeply about the idea of the art of deception, treachery and the ability for one to appear to be someone they are truly

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The ambition in Macbeth's characters was easily fuelled by the ambiguous prophecies of the deceiving witches. In conclusion, the play Macbeth showcases feelings of trickery, greed, and vice. “Virtue has a veil, vice a mask.” This work by French poet Victor Hugo explains that virtue is covered in a sheath of truths whilst still being near to invisible, but on the other hand, vice is visibly hidden behind lies. At first, Macbeth a hero covered by a mask of vice maintains control and channels his ambition into helping those he is loyal to but after hearing what could be, he yearns for more.

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“Things are not always as they seem; the first appearance deceives many”. This quote was written by a Roman poet, named Phaedrus around 370 BCE, long before Shakespeare’s time. Thousands of years later, Shakespeare incorporates many deceiving motifs in Macbeth that put the words of Phaedrus into action. The use of ill-fitting clothes, sleep, and bloodshed is all examples of imagery used to illustrate that not everything that looks genuine is so. Just as clothes appear to fit well, they can be very uncomfortable at the same time.

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Macbeth Study Guide This response will analyze and evaluate the thematic messages regarding integrity that Shakespeare constructs through his use of literary devices and stylistic features. This essay will address the play Macbeth and the aspects regarding integrity such as representations or changes, character constructions along with their perspectives, and social/cultural beliefs and their expectations. In addition to this, the ways ideas, attitudes and values underpin the play will be discussed, the perspectives and representations of concepts, identities, times and places will also be examined through the use of aesthetic features in the play.

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As well as that, Shakespeare uses imagery to show deception. This can be seen in the quote of "To know my deed, 'twere best not know myself." In this quote, it moulds a sense that the character, Macbeth, has betrayed himself, his pride and his ego along with those around him. Moreover, Macbeth states that to acknowledge the awful crimes he has been committing, he would be unsure of his own actions and thoughts, therefore this shows that he has changed dramatically from the previous scenes when he tried to convince himself he has no reasons and motivations to kill Duncan. In the wording of "deed" suggests that Macbeth is still trying to deceive himself that this is something he must accomplish.

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There are many characters in the play “Macbeth” who attempt to deceive people for many different reasons. One of, if not the most misleading character in the whole play is Macbeth. He uses his lies to manipulate people and make it easier for him to become king. These lies had many effects on the plot of the story, including making it easier to kill Banquo, getting away with the murder of Duncan, and keeping his desires tucked away from the rest of Scotland. Macbeth lying was one of the main reasons that Banquo was murdered.

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Shakespeare allows Macbeth to pretend he is an ally of the king, all while scheming to kill him, yet little does Macbeth know, he is always being fooled and betrayed. Shakespeare develops the theme that betrayal can come from the most unexpected places by demonstrating dramatic irony through

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Lady Macbeth plays a key part in driving Macbeth’s motivations and encourages Macbeth to overcome his strong sense of guilt and take action on the prophecies. Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth that he is “green” (I.VII.40) and “a coward” (I.VII.46) and that he resembles the proverbial “poor cat”. (I.VII.48) The willingness of Lady Macbeth to reach the epitome of betrayal is displaced that heightens the understanding of the overpowering and strong nature of Lady Macbeth as well as the deep and murderous motivations she wishes to impose on her husband. Shakespeare exposes to the audience to the persuasive and emotive techniques Lady Macbeth uses to manipulate and drive Macbeth's motivations. This

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In one part of the scenes we can furthermore see through Macbeth 's words and ego. In this case Lady Macbeth was manipulating Macbeth into thinking he was less of a man for not Killing The former king to have the throne all to himself. In this scene you can see how insecure Macbeth truly is, he wouldn 't of needed to prove anything to anyone if he already knew he was manly. Readers could further understand Macbeth 's change in thoughts, by taking a further look into his goals, consequently

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