Show how Shakespeare develops this simple story into a deep

Appearance versus reality is an important theme in William Shakespeare¡¦s Macbeth. The theme focuses on characters who are deceived by what appears to be and accompanied by imageries that supports this idea. Examples of imagery include Lady Macbeth's advice to Macbeth, "look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under't" and Macbeth's words, "False face must hide what the false heart doth know." In Act III, Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth that they are, "Unsafe the while that we Must have our honours in these flattering streams, And make our faces wizards to our hearts, Disguising what they are." In Act I, when Macbeth has been told that he is now Thane of Cawdor, he comments, "nothing is but what is not." After the murder of Duncan, Malcolm whispers to Donalbain, "To show as unfelt sorrow is an office Which the false man does easy." (Act II) In the following scene Ross tells the Old Man of the strange upset in Nature, "...by the clock 'ti

In conclusion, by constructing major theme such as appearance verses reality, and fate verses freewill in Macbeth Shakespeare had developed this simple story into a complex tragic drama. Note that in the theme of fate verses freewill, it ultimately came down to freewill as the actions and downfall of this nobleman were the results of his own decisions.

s day And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp (that is, the sun)." In the Ghost scene (Act III,) Lady Macbeth points out to Macbeth that this Ghost (which she cannot see) is the "very painting of your fear" and "O, these flaws and starts" are just "Impostors of true fear." In Act IV, Malcolm observes to MacDuff, "Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell." He is pointing out that, although people may appear to be good, they may in reality be vicious.

Also, imageries of clothing were also commonly used in Macbeth associated with the theme of Appearance and Reality. Macbeth's new honours do not all fit him, as they belong to someone else. A hypocrite is someone who hides his real nature under a disguise. It is said that Macbeth hates to show himself as a hypocrite, and that he does it badly. In Act I, he asks Angus, who has addressed him as Thane of Cawdor, "Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?" At this stage he is reluctant to accept any honour to which he is not entitled. This underlines the change that will come over him later when he murders Duncan for the Crown. In the same scene Banquo says, "New honours come upon him Like our strange garments, cleave not to their mould But with the aid of use." Perhaps he is complimenting Macbeth in suggesting that new honours make Macbeth feel

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