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Equivocation In Macbeth

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Equivocation In Macbeth
In Acts I-III of Macbeth, William Shakespeare uses equivocation by the Witches, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth to develop the theme of appearance versus reality. For instance, Shakespeare characterizes the Witches’ speak in the first scene of the opening act as equivocating, with ambiguous expressions designed to mislead. The Three Witches exclaim, “fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.12). This sentence instantly portrays the theme of appearance versus reality by explaining that things are not always what they seem. Additionally, the theme continues to develop as Macbeth tries to hide his inner desires with false appearances. When he is not crowned “Prince of Cumberland” and after professing that his “duties are to [the] throne…by doing everything safe towards [the King’s] …show more content…
Macbeth talks to Banquo’s Ghost at the banquet as if everyone in the room can see him. He begs the guests to “see there. Behold, look!” (3.4.82-83) at Banquo in the room. He speaks to the ghost commanding Banquo to “Avaunt, and quit [his] sight! Let the earth hide [him]” (3.4.13). Desperately attempting to send the ghost away, Macbeth bridges reality and illusion and cannot discern between the two. The Third Character, Lady Macbeth, also uses equivocation to develop the theme of appearance versus reality. She tells Macbeth to “look like th’ innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t” (1.6.76-78). Lady Macbeth wants her husband to fake an innocent appearance but in reality be a cunning like a snake. Preparing for the murder of Duncan, Lady Macbeth feigns hospitality and kindness while secretly urging her husband to murder Duncan. In conclusion, through the Witches, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare shows that equivocation, deliberate use of confusing and ambiguous words to mislead, are essential to the development of the theme of appearances versus reality. Macbeth becomes entangled in these equivocations that ultimately make him crazy as he tries to separate reality and the
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