With this strange virtue,Īnd sundry blessings hang about his throne Yet grace must still look so" (4.3.27-30).įor goodness dare not check thee" (4.3.39-41).Ī most miraculous work in this good king. Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace, "Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell. He has become paranoid in his quest to maintain the throne. His plotting to kill Macduff's entire family while he is only told to beware Macduff himself shows his desire for murder and need for killing. In the opening scenes of the play, Macbeth is seen as a brave and noble war hero, yet in Act IV, his more conniving side is revealed. evil to show Macbeth's corrupt characterization. Shakespeare uses the contrasting ideas of good vs. His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls Seize upon Fife, give to th' edge o' th' sword reality theme is shown to apply in not only the domestic and supernatural spheres, but also in politics. Malcolm's false appearance is an attempt to test Macduff's allegiance to the country. Malcolm put on an appearance of unbecoming traits that would make for an awful king, however in reality, Malcolm is an honest man perfectly fit to rule the country. reality in Malcolm's dialogue to test Macduff's loyalties. Shakespeare incorporates the theme of appearance vs. Is thine and my poor country's to command -" (4.3.149-151). reality also applies to the domestic life, in addition to the magical realm.įor strangers to my nature" (4.3.141-144). While her son appears not to have a father, he really does have a father, yet he has abandoned the family. Lady Macduff's seemingly contradicting statement highlights her mixed feelings about the subject. Lady Macduff and Ross discuss her husband's recent abandonment of the family. "Fathered he is, and yet he's fatherless" (4.2.31). They give Macbeth a false sense of confidence by manipulating their words, blurring the lines between appearance vs. The reality is that all three of the prophecies are factual and come true. However, the witches use their words hidden with double meaning in order to deceive Macbeth. How could someone not be born of woman? How could the forest move? He believes in the inability of the prophecies to come to fruition. On the surface, these prophecies seem, or appear, to be impossible, inspiring confidence in the already arrogant Macbeth. These three prophecies show a distinct contrast between the ideas of appearance and reality. Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are. "Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care "Beware Macduff! Beware the Thane of Fife!" (4.1.81-82).