Appearance vs reality

Witches use antithesis to confuse and mislead the audience and Macbeth

‘Fair is foul and foul is fair’- even their appearance is misleading

Banquo doubts the existence of the witches- can’t believe they’re real

‘Have we eaten on the insane root that takes the reason prisoner?’

Macbeth feels ashamed of his desire to become king- through traitorous means

‘Stars hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires’

Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to disguise his murderous intentions

‘Look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under’t’

Lady Macbeth and husband seek support from other lords

‘welcome’- repeated three times- exaggerating actions to try and please their guests