Macbeth: Opposites
18 09 2007
In the first scene of Macbeth the witches cry that fair is foul and foul is fair. This is a clue to use that this is a play about upsetting the natural order but also about opposites. There are lots of characters pairs in Macbeth and lots of the are opposite. These opposite are used to spell out good from bad for us.
There are two kings. Brave and beloved Duncan (even Macbeth sings his praises moments before killing him) and Macbeth who is called the tyrant by his own people.
The are two women. Motherly and playful Lady Macduff and murderous and brutal and probably childless Lady Macbeth. One dies a victim of evil and the other dies a victim of living with her own evil actions.
Two men are promised greatness by the witches. Banquo does nothing to bring about the prophesy. Macbeth not only kills King Duncan but keep on killing to make the prophesy come true and stay true.
I am sure there are more pairs. Can anyone reading think if any I have missed?
