Macbeth - Appearance Vs Reality Flashcards
How does Shakespeare present the theme of appearance vs reality in Macbeth? (Introduction)
Shakespeare explores the danger of deception, showing that appearances cannot be trusted. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth present false images to hide their true ambitions, while the witches manipulate reality through their paradoxical prophecies.
As Macbeth’s paranoia grows, he loses his grip on reality, leading to hallucinations and self-deception. Through this, Shakespeare warns that trusting false appearances leads to destruction.
How do the witches introduce the theme of appearance vs reality?
The witches immediately establish the idea that nothing is as it seems, creating an atmosphere of deception and uncertainty.
Fill in the blanks: “Fair is ______, and foul is ______.”
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (Act 1, Scene 1)
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (Act 1, Scene 1) how does this quote introduce the theme of appearance vs reality
• The paradox suggests a blurred line between good and evil, showing that appearances cannot be trusted.
• The repetition of “foul” and “fair” mirrors Macbeth’s later line (“So foul and fair a day I have not seen”), hinting that he is already under the witches’ influence.
• The chant-like rhythm makes the line feel supernatural and hypnotic, suggesting that the witches are manipulating reality.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (Act 1, Scene 1) link to society
• In Shakespeare’s time, witches were believed to be servants of the devil, known for deception and trickery. The audience would immediately associate them with evil.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” (Act 1, Scene 1) alternative interpretation
This could foreshadow Macbeth’s downfall, as he trusts the witches’ words, believing they predict his success—when in reality, they lead him to destruction.
How does Lady Macbeth use deception to manipulate Macbeth?
Lady Macbeth conceals her ruthless ambition by presenting herself as a loving, loyal wife, but in reality, she pushes Macbeth towards murder.
Fill in the blanks: “Look like the ______ flower, but be the ______ under’t.”
“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” (Act 1, Scene 5)
“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” (Act 1, Scene 5) how does this quote show LM deception
• The contrast between “flower” and “serpent” symbolises outward innocence hiding inner danger, reflecting Lady Macbeth’s manipulative nature.
• The imperative “look like” shows that deception is a deliberate act, reinforcing the theme of appearance vs reality.
• The biblical reference to the serpent links to Satan in the Garden of Eden, suggesting that Lady Macbeth is tempting Macbeth into sin.
“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” (Act 1, Scene 5) link to society
The serpent imagery would remind a Shakespearean audience of original sin, reinforcing the idea that Macbeth’s actions are unnatural and doomed.
“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” (Act 1, Scene 5) alternative interpretation
This could foreshadow Lady Macbeth’s downfall, as she later loses control of her own deception, descending into madness.
How does Macbeth use deception to hide his crimes?
Macbeth presents himself as a loyal subject, but in reality, he is a ruthless murderer, proving that appearances can be manipulated.
Fill in the blanks: “False face must hide what the false ______ doth know.”
“False face must hide what the false heart doth know.” (Act 1, Scene 7)
“False face must hide what the false heart doth know.” (Act 1, Scene 7) how does this quote show Macbeths use of deception
• The repetition of “false” highlights the idea that Macbeth is actively deceiving those around him.
• The contrast between “face” and “heart” shows that outward appearances do not reflect inner reality.
• The rhythmic balance makes the line sound like a proverb, almost as if Macbeth is convincing himself that deception is necessary.
“False face must hide what the false heart doth know.” (Act 1, Scene 7) link to society
This reflects the idea of the Great Chain of Being—Macbeth pretends to be loyal while secretly planning to disrupt the natural order.
“False face must hide what the false heart doth know.” (Act 1, Scene 7) alternate interpretation
This foreshadows Macbeth’s eventual downfall, as he relies too much on deception, leading to paranoia and betrayal.
How does Banquo contrast with Macbeth in terms of deception?
Unlike Macbeth, Banquo refuses to act on the witches’ prophecies, showing that he does not let false appearances corrupt him.
Fill in the blanks: “And oftentimes, to win us to our ______, the instruments of ______ tell us truths.”
“And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths.” (Act 1, Scene 3)
“And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths.” (Act 1, Scene 3) how does this quote show Banquos wisdom
• The metaphor “instruments of darkness” describes the witches as manipulative and deceptive, reinforcing the theme of false appearances.
• The contrast between “truths” and “harm” suggests that not all truth is good—sometimes, truth is used to mislead.
• The word “oftentimes” suggests that this is a pattern, implying that Macbeth should be wary of deception.
“And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths.” (Act 1, Scene 3) link to society
Shakespeare contrasts Banquo’s caution with Macbeth’s recklessness, showing that wisdom prevents downfall.
“And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths.” (Act 1, Scene 3) alternative interpretation
Banquo’s words could be dramatic irony, as the audience knows Macbeth will fall into this trap, believing in half-truths.
How does appearance vs reality contribute to Macbeth’s downfall? (Conclusion)
Shakespeare shows that deception is dangerous—those who manipulate reality (Macbeth, Lady Macbeth) suffer the consequences. Macbeth’s paranoia and hallucinations prove that he can no longer tell what is real and what is false, leading to his downfall.
The contrast with Banquo shows that true wisdom lies in questioning appearances, making Shakespeare’s message clear: trusting false appearances leads to destruction.
