Examples Of Deception In Macbeth

The play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, entails a tragic hero who cannot control his lustful nature. Malcolm used the theme “appearances can be deceiving” to challenge Macduff’s allegiance. Although Macbeth killed in a slyly manner, he was not the only one. This leads him to silently kill a plethora of people. Lady Macbeth applied deception to beguile others of the killings of King Duncan and Banquo. Therefore, the theme “appearances can be deceiving” is developed utilizing the characters of Malcolm, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth.

Malcolm uses deception in a very unique way. Essentially, this is seen when Macduff’s allegiance is challenged. For example, Malcolm explains that “In my voluptuousness: your wives, your daughters, your matrons

and your maids, could not fill up the cistern of my lust, and my desire.” (4.3.62-64) This exemplifies the theme “appearances can be deceiving” because his nature is the complete opposite of this. He creates a false sense of personality to test Macduff’s allegiance. Malcolm states “were I king, I should cut off the nobles for their lands [.]” (4.3.80-81). This conveys the theme “appearances can be deceiving” because he creates a poor and completely false image of a king who is more tyrannical than Macbeth. Deception is displayed is when Malcolm tells Macduff the truth and Macduff responds with “Such welcome and unwelcome things at once 'Tis hard to reconcile.” (4.3.140-141) This exemplifies deception because it left Macduff very perplexed. Although Malcolm used deception on Macduff, telling Macduff the truth is what left him in the state of being perplexed. Malcolm used deception in a very tedious and sly manner to investigate Macduff’s allegiance. Even though Malcolm was King Duncan’s son, he adopted deception very well. Another person who used it very well was Macbeth.

Deception is a specific mechanism that Macbeth uses.

He uses it in a very versatile manner, especially after killing someone. An example of this would be after King Duncan’s assassination, Macbeth explains, “[Duncan’s] silver skin laced with his golden blood; And his gashed stabs looked like a breach in nature.” (2.3.91-92) This is an example of the theme “appearances can be deceiving” because he is disguising his lustful killing using grieve as a means to blend in with everyone else. Even though the others are questioning about who may have done the killing, Macbeth is the killer using deception to hide it. Deception is also prominent when he first meets the witches. He explains “Glamis, and thane of Cawdor! The greatest is behind [.]” (1.3.118-119) This displays deception because even though he does not externally show interest or emotion, internally he is continuously thinking about it. Beside deception, this is what initially creates his ambition and lustful nature. An example of this is when Banquo is invited to the dinner party. He explains that Banquo is “our chief guest.” (3.1.11) But, when he talks to the murderers, he explains, “Both of you Know Banquo was your enemy.” (3.1.118-119) This conveys the theme “appearances can be deceiving” because he dissembled his honest intentions from Banquo, and alarmingly, he hired assassins specifically to kill Banquo. Although Macbeth is very clever at portraying the theme “appearances can be deceiving”, Lady Macbeth also excels at this as

well.

Lady Macbeth uses deception seamlessly throughout the play. For example, when she explains to Macbeth to “look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under't.” (1.5.56-58) This explains the theme “appearances can be deceiving” because she is arranging the murder and telling Macbeth to trick King Duncan. Lady Macbeth also exemplifies the theme “appearances can be deceiving” when she explains, “What's the business, That such a hideous trumpet calls to parley The sleepers of the house? speak, speak!” (2.3.57-58) This portrays deception because, not only is she absentminded, but also she hides the fact she has some sort of involvement. Another example is when they are at the dinner party and she explains, “pray you, speak not; he grows worse and worse; Question enrages him. At once, good night [.]” (3.4.121-122) This displays the theme “appearances can be deceiving” because Banquo’s ghost is only visible to Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth notices people are concerned about Macbeth’s paranoia, so the guests are then immediately dismissed. Lady Macbeth applied deception in a very fluid manner.

The theme “appearances can be deceiving” is shown in a plethora of manners throughout Macbeth. Malcolm uses deception in a forceful and unrestrictive manner. There are various instances where Macbeth uses deception as well. Lady Macbeth was very sly when using deception. Deception is the backbone of Macbeth and it is what binds this play together.