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Macbeth Fair Quotes

Decent Essays

The theme “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” means that everything is not alway what it seems.
In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the theme is played throughout the entire play. Three examples are; Act 1, scene 1, line 10, spoken by all three witches, Act I, scene 4 lines 11-12, spoken by King Duncan and lastly, Act 1, scene 6, lines 1-3, spoken by King Duncan. Macbeth and Banquo are frightened by the ugly appearance of the three witches when they first see them. The witches chant “fair is foul, and foul is fair, Hover through the fog and filthy air”, (Act 1, scene 1, line 10, spoken by the witches), after Macbeth is over the initial shock of the witches’ hideous appearance, he begins to talk with them. The witches are known to be “evil …show more content…

This quote refers to when Malcolm speaks of the death of the Thane of Cowdor. At first King Duncan thought the Thane of Cowdor was nice and loyal to him (fair), then he learns that he was betrayed by him (foul). Because of the Thane’s action, he was executed for treason which made Macbeth the new Thane of Cowdor. Little did Duncan know that Macbeth and his wife would also betray him by murdering him. King Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle with Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross and Angus. He comments “This castle hath a pleasant seat. The air Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself Unto our gentle senses” (Act 1, scene, 6, lines 1-3). Though he comments on the sweetness air and pleasant atmosphere (fair), little does he know ironically the castle will later reek of death later that evening (foul). Also, Banquo notices martlets who build their nest within the castle. This displays a place of warmth and welcome (fair). Once again, King Duncan has no idea how much danger he is in. He innocently goes to the castle like a lamb to the slaughter

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