Deception In Macbeth

“Fair is foul and foul is fair.” These words spoken by the witches in their prophecies from Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth, is the first way deception is introduced by the author in the play. This particular line stated by the witches reminds the audience they must look deeper to understand the true meaning of the phrase. The actual meaning is that appearances can often be deceptive; being the opposite of what a situation and/or person may seem. Throughout the play, what other themes are displayed? In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the most influential themes of deception, justice, and greed portray the author’s message to his audience.

Many themes of deceptions are present throughout the novel. Multiple characters use the theme of deception to get others to achieve their goals for them. Macbeth, for instance, was one of the main characters in the play who used deception numerous times to get what he wanted. One of the things that Macbeth wanted most was the crown. All of the tragic events that had occurred were because of Macbeth’s deceptive ways. Macbeth hypothesized the following:

that but this blow

Might be the be-all and the end-all--here,

But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,

We’ld jump the life to come. (Macbeth. I. vii. 4-7).

This quote proves to show how Macbeth was considering

In addition, another example that proves to show how deceptive Macbeth can truly be is when he turns against his so-called best friend, Banquo. Macbeth did not let friendship stand in the way of the throne and himself. He stated, “Our fears in Banquo stick deep, and in his royalty of nature reigns that which would be feared.” (III. i. 53-55). The words that lead Macbeth to even consider doing anything evil to begin with, were the deceiving prophecies of the witches, convincing Macbeth to believe that he is