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Macbeth Essay : Fair Is Foul, And Foul Is Fair

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In the tragedy, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the paradoxical theme of “fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.11) pervades throughout the play. The line is a prophecy, told by the three witches with a meaning that appearances are often deceptive. Things and people may seem good or evil; however, they turn out to be opposite of whom they seem to be. The theme is shown through several different characters and the events that affect them, developing as the story progresses. At the beginning the play, Macbeth, who is seen as a war hero and idolised for his courage and loyalty, becomes increasingly hostile and persistently evil in order to fulfil his prophecies, committing foul acts in order to receive what he believes is fair. Several quotes can be taken from Macbeth that Shakespeare has used to apply “fair is foul and foul is fair” (1. 1. 11) throughout the play, most importantly: "So foul and fair a day I have not seen.”(1. 3. 39) and "Look like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under it" (1. 5. 72-73). Macbeth is a powerful tragedy that repetitively portrays the quote “fair is foul and foul is fair” (1. 1. 11).
William Shakespeare uses paradox to express the theme of “fair is foul and foul is fair” (1.1.11). The witches are symbolic of foul but give fair advice and Macbeth outwardly appears to be a hero, but inwardly he is evil and tyrannous. Macbeth is introduced as a war hero, whose fame in the battlefield wins him the honour of becoming Thane of Cawdor. The Witches make the statement “fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.11). The phrase employs, as it foreshadows, the deception of Macbeth - that the prophecies of witches would lead him to greatness, and destroy him. “Foul is fair” in Macbeth’s view is portrayed though the murder of King Duncan. Macbeth agrees that he must "catch the nearest way" (1. 5. 17), and kill King Duncan. He believes that murdering the King in order to fulfil his prophecies if fair. In the view of the Scottish civilians and Duncan’s loyal family and friends, this is foul due to the deception of loyalty to King Duncan and the widespread love for the king. On the other hand, Macduff murderer of Macbeth is viewed to be what’s “fair is foul”. “Bring thou this fiend of Scotland

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