Macbeth

Macbeth

Does the statement "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" thoroughly expresses the many themes of Shakespeare’s
‘Macbeth’? The first time we hear the statement is very early in the play when the witches say the exact
line "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" only for Macbeth himself to repeat it very closely two scenes later. This
repetition of the lines shows me that the characters themselves believe that there are many foul events
taking place. In this essay I will endeavour to prove that the above statement doesn’t express ‘Macbeth’
thoroughly. Firstly I will show the fair Macbeth himself degrading into a foul inhuman monster. Secondly,
I will compare the witches to Macbeth to demonstrate the real foulness in these characters. I will then
show why I believe that there simply isn’t any fairness existing in ‘Macbeth’. Then I will point out that
there are simply too many themes in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ to be summed up in one line.

Macbeth, in the beginning, is a man of valour, honour and nobility. By his loyal traits he helps maintain
Scotland’s stability. Macbeth, on the outside, seems to be the fairest man in all Scotland, however we
know better. Under the cloaking shadows of his skin, Macbeth hides his one weakness - that is ambition.
His wife knows of his ambition and stirs him to act on it. Macbeth struggles with a choice; should he let
the witches prophecies realise themself, or should he take steps to the achieve them. He knows that the
lat...

Macbeth

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