The theme of appearance versus reality is one of the central themes in

Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This theme, also known as seeming and being or

equivocation, explores how things are often not what they appear to be. The
play is filled with instances of characters, words, and events that present
false appearances, only for their true nature to be revealed later. The theme
is introduced early on through paradoxes, such as the witches’ mysterious
statements, which suggest that appearances will be deceiving. This
contradiction becomes the play’s pivot, as characters deceive others and
themselves, leading to tragedy. From the witches’ prophecies to Macbeth’s
hallucinations, Lady Macbeth’s duplicity, and even Malcolm’s test of Macduff,
Shakespeare emphasizes that nothing is as it seems.

The witches are the main representatives of this theme. Their opening
chant, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” sets the tone for the play, suggesting
that appearances will be deceiving. The witches embody contradiction, as
they are described as women but have beards, making their identity
ambiguous. Their role is to manipulate and deceive, and they do so through
their prophecies. When they tell Macbeth he will be king, it appears to be a
straightforward promise of greatness, but it sets him on a destructive path.
The witches also deliver three apparitions to Macbeth, each of which seems
to offer reassurance but ultimately misleads him.

The first apparition, an armed head, warns Macbeth to “Beware

Macduff.” While this advice seems to confirm Macbeth’s fears about Macduff,
it does not prevent his downfall. The second apparition, a bloody child, tells
Macbeth, “None of woman born shall harm Macbeth.” This gives Macbeth
false confidence or a false sense of safety, as he assumes it means he
cannot be defeated, only to later learn that Macduff “was from his mother's
womb Untimely ripp'd” and is therefore “not of woman born.” The third
apparition, a crowned child holding a tree, tells Macbeth he will not be
defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. Macbeth interprets this
literally, believing it impossible for a forest to move, but the prophecy is
fulfilled when Malcolm’s army uses branches from Birnam Wood to disguise
their approach. The apparitions highlight the theme of equivocation, as their
words are true in a twisted sense but misleading.
 Macbeth’s hallucinations also contribute to the theme of appearance
versus reality. Before he murders Duncan, he sees an air-born dagger floating
in the air. He reaches for it but cannot grasp it, realizing it is “a dagger of the
mind.” This vision represents Macbeth’s inner turmoil and guilt, as the
dagger appears to lead him towards Duncan’s room. After Duncan’s murder,
Macbeth hears a voice crying, “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep.”
This hearing hallucination reflects his awareness of the moral and
psychological consequences of his actions. During the banquet scene,
Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo, who appears to sit in Macbeth’s
chair. Macbeth’s reaction to the ghost “Thou canst not say I did it: never
shake thy gory locks at me!” exposes his guilt to the guests. These
hallucinations blur the line between reality and imagination, showing how
Macbeth’s mind becomes increasingly unreliable as the play progresses.

The theme of deception is also evident in Macbeth’s words and actions

after Duncan’s murder. Although Macbeth is the one who killed Duncan, he
pretends to be horrified by the crime. When Duncan’s body is discovered,
Macbeth expresses anger and sadness, calling the murder “a sorry sight.”
His rage at the guards, whom he kills before they can defend themselves,
seems at first to be an impulsive act of loyalty to Duncan. However, it is
actually a calculated move to silence potential witnesses and cover up his
guilt. Similarly, during the banquet scene, Macbeth hypocritically expresses a
wish that Banquo were present, saying, “Would he were here!” while
knowing full well that he had arranged Banquo’s murder. These moments
highlight how Macbeth uses appearances to hide his true intentions.

Lady Macbeth is another key figure in the theme of appearance versus

reality. She plays the role of a gracious hostess when King Duncan visits their
castle, welcoming him warmly and putting on a façade of loyalty. She
instructs Macbeth to “look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent
under’t,” teaching him how to deceive others. However, Lady Macbeth’s own
reaction to Duncan’s murder shows her true feelings. When she hears of his
death, she faints, which some interpret as an act to divert suspicion from
herself and Macbeth. Her ability to maintain appearances contrasts with
Macbeth’s growing inability to hide his guilt.
 Even Malcolm participates in the theme of deception when he tests
Macduff’s loyalty. Fearing that Macduff might be working for Macbeth,
Malcolm pretends to be unfit to rule, describing himself as greedy, lustful,
and corrupt. This false self-presentation tests Macduff’s sincerity and
commitment to Scotland. When Macduff proves his loyalty, Malcolm reveals
his true character and joins forces with him to overthrow Macbeth. This
scene reinforces the idea that appearances can be deceiving, even when the
deception serves a good purpose.

Shakespeare uses the theme of appearance versus reality to show that

things are not always what they seem. The witches manipulate Macbeth with
their misleading words, and their apparitions present truths in ways that
confuse and mislead him. Macbeth’s hallucinations reflect his inner guilt and
blur the line between reality and imagination. Both Macbeth and Lady
Macbeth use deception to hide their crimes, but their guilt eventually reveals
the truth. Malcolm’s test of Macduff demonstrates how even honorable
characters can use false appearances to achieve their goals. By the end of
the play, Macbeth realizes the falseness of the witches’ promises and the
futility of his ambition. This realization comes too late, as he is defeated and
killed, bringing the theme of appearance versus reality full circle.

In conclusion, the theme of appearance versus reality runs through

every part of Macbeth. The witches, with their paradoxes and equivocation,
are the main symbols of this theme. Macbeth’s hallucinations and deceptive
actions show how appearances can be used to hide guilt, while Lady
Macbeth’s hospitality and Malcolm’s test of Macduff demonstrate the
importance of understanding the difference between seeming and being.
Shakespeare uses this theme to remind us that appearances are often
deceiving and that the truth will eventually come to light. This idea is central
to the tragedy of Macbeth, as the characters’ inability to see through false
appearances leads to their downfall.