The Theme Of Appearance And Reality In Macbeth

Improved Essays
“Everyone sees what you appear to be, few really experience what you are” (“Pinterest”). In Macbeth there are several references to the theme of appearance verses reality and how it also applies to real life today. In the play, Macbeth begins with having the upmost amount of loyalty towards King Duncan. However, once Macbeth has an encounter with three witches that each greet him by calling him a thane of Glamis, thane of Cawdor, and a king, Macbeth begins to let his loyalty falter. The witches also have a prediction for Macbeth’s close friend Banquo. The witches mention that Banquo will be “lesser than Macbeth, and greater. / Not so happy, yet much happier. / Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none:” (Shakespeare 1:3 167-169). These predictions …show more content…
However, soon after the witches disappear, Ross and Angus appear to deliver the news of the death of the thane of Cawdor. They also reveal to Macbeth that he is now the thane of Cawdor, thus making the second part of the witches’ prophecies come true (Shakespeare 1:3 205-223). The rest of the play consists of Macbeth turning against King Duncan with some encouragement from his wife Lady Macbeth. The play continues with unfolding the ultimate downfall of Macbeth and his wife because they become too overcome with greed. Macbeth concludes with Malcolm (Duncan’s oldest son) beheading Macbeth and assuming the throne as King of Scotland. Throughout the play there are several references to the theme of appearance verses reality, proving that everyone is not always what they appear to …show more content…
Several of the characters in the play are misleading with how they present themselves including Macbeth, Malcolm, and Lady Macbeth being some of the more prominent ones. Appearance verses reality is not only limited to the times of Shakespeare; it remains to be a part of real life today. The most common examples of people not being what they seem to be are found in celebrities like Dr. Seuss, Emma Roberts, and Tim Allen. This shows that no matter what time period you are in, the saying “fair is foul, and foul is fair” will hold true because there will always be people who portray themselves in a deceiving way (Shakespeare 1:1

Related Documents

  • Superior Essays

    Universal Theme In Macbeth

    • 1090 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Shakespeare focuses on characters being hoodwinked by what is not real, and the vile consequences that follow mistakes in judgement about appearance. Characters including Lady Macbeth, Macbeth and King Duncan are all hoodwinked by false appearances. From the very first line of the play spoken by the witches “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” Shakespeare fills the play with characters and events who are not as they seem. Shakespeare uses foreshadowing in this quote to suggest that there is more un- natural evil to come in the play. The witches establish the play’s tone, which is uneasy, dark and foreboding.…

    • 1090 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    When Macbeth is first introduced in the play he is portrayed as a loving husband, brave solider, good person. However, Macbeth’s appearance later on in the play is revealed and clearly, it is not what he was first portrayed as, he is selfish, cruel, and ambitious. “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.4.10), is the first line where Shakespeare reveals the theme. What this phrase means is good is bad, and bad is good.…

    • 1089 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    In society, the way people act on the outside and who they really are on the inside could be two completely different things. People will put on false appearances to gain power which they strive to get, for various reasons. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the theme of appearance versus reality is portrayed to show how characters will not act like themselves to achieve what they desire. Lady Macbeth, for example masks a false appearance to retrieve the trust of Duncan.…

    • 1620 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    William Shakespeare highlights enduring ideas about the human condition through the use of dramatic techniques in his tragedy plays. In his play Macbeth, Shakespeare effectively uses the dramatic techniques of character development, commentary by others and symbolism to reveal the enduring ideas of power, greed and ambition, along with its corruptive appeal; relationships and betrayal; and the common issues of loyalty leading to deception. These ideas are shown in exploring the tragic downfall of Macbeth. The enduring idea of corruptive ambition, including power and greed, is explored by the use of dramatic techniques of characterisation, symbolism and commentary by others.…

    • 1313 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Reality isn’t always as clear cut as you may think. In Macbeth, this is a major theme and key. After Macbeth orders the killing of Banquo, he suddenly sees Banquo’s ghost at his own seat at the table. Macbeth, however, is the only one who sees it. This blend of reality and mysticality is characteristic of Shakespeare, but the main idea behind it can still be applied to real life for regular people.…

    • 307 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Some people will take desperate measures to gain control and power. In the play, Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman becomes overly ambitious to become King and he does anything and everything to keep it that way. The main question that is asked while reading this is, who has all the power? Well, in the play there are three characters that have some control over events in the play, but overall Macbeth has the most control. The three characters are the two witches and Lady Macbeth.…

    • 803 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    False Security In Macbeth

    • 1033 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Throughout William Shakespeare’s timeless play, Macbeth, there are many instances in which the main protagonist, Macbeth, believes something to be true which is not. Macbeth’s most prominent illusion of the world around him is that he is invincible and cannot be defeated. Mainly through the theme of the danger of false security, Macbeth develops an incorrect sense of the world around him, believing himself to be unbeatable. Macbeth’s fatal misconception of the world around him eventually leads to his kingdom being taken from him and ultimately his life as well.…

    • 1033 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Humans have always had the need for power and sometimes, the noblest of men succeed. Macbeth is a noble man that craves power, and when he is offered a chance to grab that power, he takes it. The Tragedy of Macbeth, by Shakespeare, shows Macbeth a man tempted by power, while hanging on to the strings of sanity. He eventually surrenders to the darkness threading to swallow him. The mentions of sickness and healing are displayed throughout the story to describe Scotland 's tyrant and the healing power of England.…

    • 1104 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Friendship is inferred to connect individuals who have a respected bond. However, it may be failed upon if loyalty is broken from someone who was once trusted. This theme can be clearly seen in Act 1, Scene 4, lines 13-30 of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, resembling the relationship King Duncan has with Thane Macbeth before Duncan is found murdered, enhancing Macbeth’s true colors. Shakespeare introduces Act 1 of his play by building a positive relationship between Duncan and Macbeth, as Duncan was deciding who to crown as the next Thane of Cawdor. During this scene, Macbeth expresses how gracious he is to serve the King, showing his loyal characteristics.…

    • 552 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Finally, the third prophecy tells that Banquo will become father of kings, and that Banquo is “lesser than Macbeth and greater" (1.3.63). Macbeth hears these prophecies and at first contemplates to murder King Duncan in order to fulfill the witches’ second prophecy, so that he can become the king himself. Lady Macbeth then finds out about the second of the witches prophecies and she then realizes that they must kill Duncan to in order achieve this prophecy. After…

    • 1705 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    William Shakespeare is known for his use of illusions that distort reality to show how characters perceive situations, and how those perceptions can determine fate. Shakespeare is able to employ this theme in his characters’ thoughts, words, and actions. Deciding and acting on what is real and what is not can make or break a character. This is apparent throughout Macbeth, a play that thoroughly exemplifies the theme of illusion vs. reality.…

    • 974 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Macbeth: The Tragic Hero

    • 922 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Tragic Hero The most modern meaning of the word ‘Tragic Hero’ as defined by Dictionary.com is, "A great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy who is destined for downfall, suffering, or defeat." Several key characters in the play were also affected by tragedy for a number of reasons, but without doubt, Macbeth and his reverse of fortunes are because of his own actions, and the rest of the characters are merely victims of his foul luck. From the start of the play this tragedy of his was illustrated through forces beyond human. These forces were that of the witches. The next major influence in determining his fate were his own decisions and actions.…

    • 922 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Have you ever saw something that wasn’t really there? If a hallucination or apparition gave you information about your future, would you believe it? The character of Macbeth walks a fine line along the edge of what's real and what isn’t. The contrast between appearance and reality, whether it be through visions or prophecy, provides an additional experience when reading the play, Macbeth By William Shakespeare. The Witches in the play give Macbeth a prophecy, more specifically, a prophecy about his future.…

    • 451 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Character Flaws In Macbeth

    • 1247 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Shakespeare’s (S) Macbeth provides the audience with multiple characters who illuminate the alternative paths the main character Macbeth could have taken on his rise and eventual fall as King. Banquo, Macduff, and Duncan all highlight the fundamental character flaws that lead Macbeth to his demise. Macbeth first enters the stage accompanied by Banquo, who contrasts Macbeth’s ambitious reaction to the witches’ prophecy.…

    • 1247 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Macbeth as a Tragic Hero Throughout history, humanity has consistently risen to great heights, but due to our flawed nature, met failure and loss. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, it is conveyed through Macbeth which eventually drove Macbeth mad and made him a tragic hero. Due to Macbeths actions, ambition and arrogance he makes many disastrous choices during the play.…

    • 1060 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays

Related Topics