In Shakespeare's Macbeth, the theme
of deception is quite clear in the way the Macbeth's acts with Duncan and other
characters. There is also a clear sense of "appearance vs reality." Macbeth is a highly
decorated general in Duncan's army, well-thought of by King and peers. No one (except
Banquo—because he knows about the witches' predictions) would suspect that beneath
Macbeth's sterling exterior is a man whose ambition will lead him to kill Duncan—his
King, friend, cousin, and house guest (a serious breach of moral integrity at the
time).
The only person that can compare to Macbeth in the
act of deception—as well as demonstrating the difference between appearance vs
reality—is Lady Macbeth. It is important to remember that she wants wants Duncan dead
even more than Macbeth. For example, Macbeth, after being praised and rewarded by
Duncan, decides that he wants to wait to kill the King in order to enjoy the "moment."
So Lady Macbeth insults his manhood, his bravery, until Macbeth agrees. And he tells her
that she is so hard of heart that she should only give birth to male children, for there
is nothing soft within her.
In Act One, scene six, when
Duncan finally arrives, the King tells Lady Macbeth how much he appreciates their love.
Though it is inconvenient that he has descended upon them unannounced, it shows his high
regard for them in wanting to stay at their home.
Lady
Macbeth responds with a welcome that has an appropriate level of respect, and
complimentary sentiments. She basically tells the King that no matter how much they
would try, there is no way they could possibly repay him for all of the honor he has
bestowed on their family; also, for all the honors of past and present, the Macbeth
family's lives are at the King's service. Lady Macbeth
says:
All our
serviceIn every point twice done, and then done
double,Were poor and single business to
contendAgainst those honors deep and broad
wherewithYour Majesty loads our house. For those of
old,And the late dignities heap'd up to
them,We rest your hermits.
(14-20)
When Duncan says that
he and his party will be staying with the Macbeths that night, Lady Macbeth replies that
their servants and all that they have is there for his
comfort.
Your
servants everHave theirs, themselves, and what is theirs,
in compt,To make their audit at your Highness’
pleasure,Still to return your own.
(25-29)
Duncan ends the scene
by saying how much he loves Macbeth, and that he will continue to reward
him.
In light of all that Lady Macbeth says, and as caring
as she seems, she is planning the death of their
King.
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