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Reoccurring Theme Of Appearance And Reality In Macbeth

700 Words3 Pages

Jake Low
Mrs. Sullivan
AP English 11
12/6/16
Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair “Reality is like a tree and appearance its shadow. The shadow is what we think it is and the tree is the real thing” - Abraham Lincoln. Macbeth, a tragedy written by Shakespeare, contains an underlying and reoccurring theme of appearance versus reality. Shakespeare’s characters emphasize that appearances can be deceiving and people can be fooled. Many of the characters in Macbeth are perceived by their peers differently than what their true personalities are. The theme appearance versus reality, represented by “foul is far and fair is foul” in Macbeth is first introduced to readers through the witches, then Macbeth, and also Lady Macbeth. The witches portray the …show more content…

Lady Macbeth really defies the stereotypical gender roles women play in that time period. She calls, “unsex me here.” She is calling to be stripped of her feminine weakness and become more manly. Her gender contributes to making her even more deceptive. This violent woman does not only conceal herself but also Macbeth’s true personality. Arguably the most deceptive quote in the book, “look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t”, is stated by Lady Macbeth in an attempt to control Macbeth’s actions. She tells Macbeth to act nice but when it is time, backstab and betray. She also tries to conceal Macbeth’s actions during the large dinner when Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost. Lady Macbeth states, “he grows worse and worse” indicating that he has an illness and that is why he is acting that way. This is yet another lie told by Lady Macbeth in order to deceive others and push the attention away from her and her husband. The witches, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth display the theme of appearance versus reality throughout the whole play. Even though the witches deceive through the truth and Macbeth and Lady Macbeth decieve through lies, Shakespeare sends a reocurring message of deciet. Things are not always as it seems. Foul is fair and fair is foul in this world. Macbeth sends a message that not everyone is

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