In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, one
of the major themes is that of appearance versus reality, specifically in the guise of
deception. There are many things that are not as they
appear.
The witches appear to visit to
simply tell Macbeth's fortune (and Banquo's). However, their true intent is to trick him
into forfeiting his soul to the "powers of darkness."
Lady
Macbeth welcomes Duncan to their home, having told him that she has paid attention to
every detail so that his visit is a memorable
one.
[In] Act
I, [Lady Macbeth] "humbly" tells King Duncan that she has eagerly awaited his arrival
and that her preparations for it are "in every point twice done, and then double done"
(l.vi.14-18). The irony here is that double-dealing and falsity are at hand, and Lady
Macbeth's ability to conceal her intentions while at the same time making hidden
reference to them [is
startling].
Appearance versus
reality, or deception, is seen in Lady Macbeth's advice to her
husband:
Look
like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under't
(65-66)
We also see
appearance versus reality when Macbeth acts like an old friend with Banquo, while he is
already planning his murder, as well as that of his son
Fleance.
Lady Macbeth takes Macbeth to task when it seems
as if he is going to change his mind about carrying out the murder of Duncan. She refers
to his change of attitude or intent like the changing of one's clothing—as if he hid his
true feelings when he really had no intention of following
through.
Was
the hope drunk
Wherein you dress'd yourself? Hath it slept since?(40)
And wakes it now, to look so green and pale
At what it did so
freely?
This comment
reflects the idea of appearance versus reality or deception. Lady Macbeth is basically
asking if he was lying to her, hiding his real intent as one might put on a disguise.
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