Shakespeare's "Macbeth"- Foul is Fair, Fair is Foul

Essay by McDonaldLoverHigh School, 10th gradeA-, November 2007

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One of the most important themes in Macbeth involves the witchesÃÂ statement in Act 1, Scene1 that ÃÂfair is foul and foul is fair.ÃÂ (Act 1, Scene 1, Line 10) This phrase aptly describes the macabre status quo within the character Macbeth and without. Throughout the play the reversal of ordinary events and the equivocation of main characters line the plot with a mysterious and inexplicable emotion, which culminates in the brief yet ferocious battle between good and evil.

Nature is often used as a ÃÂbackdropÃÂ, a mirror that reflects the true on-goings of a plot and the true sentiments of its characters. In Macbeth this is very much true; Shakespeare uses nature to represent and indicate how upside-down MacbethÃÂs world has become. After his victorious combat in the first act of the play Macbeth comments to himself how ÃÂfoul and fair a day I have not seen.ÃÂ (Act 1, Scene 3, Line 38).

He does not elaborate on this remark and, not a moment later, he happens upon the three witches. The witches recite their terrible prophecy unto Macbeth and, almost as if under a spell, he is enveloped in an insatiable thirst for more knowledge. Although Banquo attempts to rationalize Macbeth, he does not hear of it. Instead he declares, almost contradictorily so, ÃÂThis supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be goodÃÂ (Act 1, Scene 3, Line 130) From this point on Macbeth is stricken with the original sin; the greed for something unpossesed. This reversal of a seemingly brave and loyal warrior is manifested in various events throughout the play. In Act 2, for example, ÃÂDuncan's horsesÃÂbeauteous and swiftÃÂturn'd wild in natureÃÂ and began to ÃÂeat each otherÃÂ (Act 2, Scene 4, Line 16). And also ÃÂa falcon, towering in her pride of placeÃÂwas by a mousing...