Macbeth Key Theme: Appearance versus Reality (Edexcel GCSE English Literature)
Revision Note
Written by: Nick Redgrove
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
Appearance versus reality timeline
The theme of appearance versus reality in each act of Macbeth:
What are the elements of appearance versus reality in Macbeth?
The deceptive nature of the witches: Shakespeare portrays the witches as purposefully ambiguous, leading Macbeth to misinterpret them:
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair” introduces the theme of deception from the very beginning of the play
The bloody dagger: Macbeth’s guilt takes visual form when he hallucinates that a blood-covered dagger is leading him to murder his King and kinsman, Duncan: “Is this a dagger which I see before me?”:
His initial appearance of loyalty to King Duncan hides his true intentions and Macbeth’s betrayal creates an atmosphere of deception
Lady Macbeth’s strength: Lady Macbeth is initially presented as dominant and strong but as the play progresses, she becomes fragile and haunted by guilt:
“Here’s the smell of the blood still!”
Banquo’s ghost: Macbeth behaves treacherously towards Banquo and after arranging his murder, he is consumed by guilt, symbolised by the appearance of Banquo’s ghost at the banquet:
“Thou canst not say I did it: never shake thy gory locks at me”
The impact of appearance versus reality on characters
Characters in Macbeth present themselves in ways which do not reflect their realities and there is a sharp contrast between superficial appearances and underlying truths.
Character | Impact |
|---|---|
Macbeth | The witches’ deceptive prophecies results in Macbeth having a false sense of security:
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Lady Macbeth | Despite Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's attempts to hide their guilt, Lady Macbeth is haunted by the reality of Duncan’s murder in the sleepwalking scene:
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Banquo | Although Banquo is not entirely deceived by Macbeth, he does not act upon his suspicions in time to prevent his own death:
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Duncan | Duncan is deceived into trusting both Thanes of Cawdor (who betray him), demonstrating how appearance can be misleading:
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The witches | Structurally, the appearances of the witches are few, but the audience is constantly reminded of their prophecies, which shape the action of the play:
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Why does Shakespeare use the theme of appearance versus reality in his play?
1. Setting and atmosphere
Establishes the theme of appearance versus reality as central to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s rise and fall:
From the very beginning, the audience is introduced to a world where nothing is as it seems
2. Plot driver
Drives Macbeth’s moral downfall as he is deceived by the witches’ prophecies and believes he is invincible
Creates the basis for key betrayals in the play, such as the deaths of Duncan and Banquo
3. Audience appeal
Shakespeare’s Jacobean audience would have been interested in regicide and treason at the time of the Gunpowder Plot (1605)
James I, Shakespeare’s patron, also feared betrayal and rebellion
4. Dramatic device
Heightens the importance of the appearance of the dagger and of Banquo’s ghost, blurring the line between what is real and what is not
Exam-style questions on the theme of appearance versus reality
Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of the theme of appearance versus reality:
Explore how the witches’ statement “Fair is foul, and foul is far” sets the tone for the theme of appearance versus reality in Macbeth. (You could start with Act 1, Scene 3.)
To what extent does Macbeth’s vision of the dagger and Banquo’s ghost represent his deteriorating grasp on reality? (You could start with Act 1, Scene 7.)
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