evilmac Shakespeare's Macbeth - Theme of Night vs Day and Evilness

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Macbeth: Theme of Night vs Day and Evilness

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (I.i.10). This becomes the key

phrase in describing Macbeth's downfall. It defines the night vs. day

motif, foreshadowing the evil that will soon come. The night vs. day motif

is so important in bringing out the theme of evil in this play because

almost all of the elements of Macbeth's downfall are revealed at night.

Sleeplessness, murder, and the witches' prophecies all become relevant as

the drama unfolds.

When the witches tell Macbeth that he will soon be the Thane of

Cawdor, his ambition blossoms. Before long he realizes that he has to get

Duncan out of his way. He then starts something he is not mentally ready

to start when he kills Duncan. The first glimpse of evil comes that night.

After he has done his deed, the paranoia sets in. “But wherefore could not

I pronounce ‘Amen'?” (II.ii.31). Macbeth realizes that the “goodness” is

st...

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