Dichotomies In Macbeth

In today's world there are instances where people act different on the outside compared to who they really are on the inside. One can be looking very sorry for someone that got a bad grade on a assignment, but inside they are weeping with joy. This isn't something that only occurs in today's world. In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare which is believed to be written in 1606, the reader is presented with a set of dichotomies (opposites). One of these dichotomies are appearance versus reality which is also a general theme in the play. In Macbeth written by William Shakespeare, characters put on “masks” throughout the play to prevent others from knowing about their thoughts and feelings. They do this by lying about who they are, putting an

Another character that has this “mask” is Banquo, Macbeth's loyal friend and nobleman. Although compared to other characters in the story he doesn't use this “mask” in a negative way. Macbeth used his to kill, his wife to persuade Macbeth to kill, whilst Banquo tries to protect those around him. In the beginning of the play Macbeth and Banquo meet the three witches. Unlike Macbeth, Banquo is very cautious with what the witches tell them, proving his strong character. Banquo tells Macbeth, “And oftentimes, to win us to do our harm, the instruments of darkness tells us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray's in deepest consequence”. (Act I, Scene III, Page VIII) Banquo tries to tell Macbeth that creatures like the witches shouldn't be trusted. He tries to do this in a very subtle way so Macbeth in any sort of way wouldn't feel bad for believing the witches and the prophecies. Even though Banquo tries to keep as loyal as possible towards Macbeth, he worries for Macbeth. After seeing Macbeth's actions once being told the prophecies he starts to worry for him which again shows Banquo strong