appearance vs reality Flashcards
introduction:
In Shakespeare’s tragedy, the theme of appearance versus reality is explored through the duplicity of key characters, particularly Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, who conceal their true intentions to manipulate others, all in the pursuit of satisfying their self-centred and selfish desires.
3 key ideas:
- macbeth
- lady macbeth
- witches
topic sentence for paragraph 1 (macbeth):
Firstly, Macbeth benefits greatly from the conflict between appearance and reality, managing to be viewed as a “valiant” and “worthy gentleman”.
quotes to use in paragraph 1 (macbeth):
“valiant and worthy gentleman”
“stars hide your fires”
“black and deep desires”
“dagger”
analyse “valiant and worthy gentleman”
Firstly, Macbeth benefits greatly from the conflict between appearance and reality, managing to be viewed as a “valiant” and “worthy gentleman”. He appears to be the perfect subject and kinsman, with both adjectives associated with honour and nobility. Yet, this is situational irony as the audience soon learns that Macbeth is neither, demonstrating that the way someone appears through their words and actions reveals nothing about what truly lays beneath the surface.
analyse “stars hide your fires” “black and deep desires”
This is exemplified through him asking the “stars” to “hide (their) “fires” so that his “black and deep desires” remain concealed. The contrast between the ominous connotations associated with “black” and the bright imagery linked to “light” highlights Macbeth’s dichotomous character. He wants to shroud his sinister motives in metaphorical darkness, as if his true intentions come to “light” it would obstruct him from acquiring his illegitimate title of King.
analyse “dagger”
However, as the play progresses, the gap between his appearance and reality diminishes; his guilt and paranoia manifest into hallucinations (like the “dagger”). This suggests that deception ultimately consumes the deceiver.
analysis for paragraph 1 (macbeth)
Firstly, Macbeth benefits greatly from the conflict between appearance and reality, managing to be viewed as a “valiant” and “worthy gentleman”. He appears to be the perfect subject and kinsman, with both adjectives associated with honour and nobility. Yet, this is situational irony as the audience soon learns that Macbeth is neither, demonstrating that the way someone appears through their words and actions reveals nothing about what truly lays beneath the surface. This is exemplified through him asking the “stars” to “hide (their) “fires” so that his “black and deep desires” remain concealed. The contrast between the ominous connotations associated with “black” and the bright imagery linked to “light” highlights Macbeth’s dichotomous character. He wants to shroud his sinister motives in metaphorical darkness, as if his true intentions come to “light” it would obstruct him from acquiring his illegitimate title of King. However, as the play progresses, the gap between his appearance and reality diminishes; his guilt and paranoia manifest into hallucinations (like the “dagger”). This suggests that deception ultimately consumes the deceiver.
topic sentence for paragraph 2 (lady macbeth):
Lady Macbeth also embodies the conflict between appearance and reality, using deception to manipulate Macbeth and conceal her own vulnerability.
quotes to use in paragraph 2 (lady macbeth):
“look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it”
“disguise”
“out, damned spot”
analyse “look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it”
She instructs Macbeth to “look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it”. This incorporates a biblical allusion by employing the term “serpent”, which draws parallels to the Genesis narrative depicting the fall of mankind. This deliberate choice of diction underscores her belief in the effectiveness of deception- especially when cloaked in an “innocent” flower-like façade. This emphasises the ease at which such deceit can be orchestrated, especially when temptation and pride are at play. Moreover, the juxtaposition of “flower”, connoting to femininity, with “serpent”, connoting to masculinity and trickery, highlights how there can be a dangerous divide between a person’s outward appearance and inward nature.
analyse “disguise” and “out damn spot”
Yet, she too ultimately fails to sustain her own “disguise”. She concedes to a state of hallucinogenic madness exclaiming “out, damned spot!”. This loss of control symbolises how deception cannot be maintained indefinitely.
analysis for paragraph 2 (lady macbeth):
Lady Macbeth also embodies the conflict between appearance and reality, using deception to manipulate Macbeth and conceal her own vulnerability. She instructs Macbeth to “look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it”. This incorporates a biblical allusion by employing the term “serpent”, which draws parallels to the Genesis narrative depicting the fall of mankind. This deliberate choice of diction underscores her belief in the effectiveness of deception- especially when cloaked in an “innocent” flower-like façade. This emphasises the ease at which such deceit can be orchestrated, especially when temptation and pride are at play. Moreover, the juxtaposition of “flower”, connoting to femininity, with “serpent”, connoting to masculinity and trickery, highlights how there can be a dangerous divide between a person’s outward appearance and inward nature. Yet, she too ultimately fails to sustain her own “disguise”. She concedes to a state of hallucinogenic madness exclaiming “out, damned spot!”. This loss of control symbolises how deception cannot be maintained indefinitely.
topic sentence for paragraph 3 (witches):
Alternatively, the witches are the ultimate embodiment of deception, as they are able to weave a web of deceit with supernatural ease, by masquerading as prophets.
quotes to use in paragraph 3 (witches):
“fair is foul and foul is fair”
“inhabitants of the earth”
analyse “fair is foul and foul is fair”
Their paradoxical chant “fair is foul and foul is fair” subverts normal iambic pentameter, creating an eerie, spell-like rhythm. It creates a sense of duplicity, as the use of the conjunction “and” suggests both good and bad can exist at the same time.
analyse “inhabitants of the earth”
They are even described by Banquo as not looking like “inhabitants of the earth”. This juxtaposing comment further emphasises the confusing and illogical nature they possess, thus highlighting how reality is easily distorted.
analysis for paragraph 3 (witches)
Alternatively, the witches are the ultimate embodiment of deception, as they are able to weave a web of deceit with supernatural ease, by masquerading as prophets. Their paradoxical chant “fair is foul and foul is fair” subverts normal iambic pentameter, creating an eerie, spell-like rhythm. It creates a sense of duplicity, as the use of the conjunction “and” suggests both good and bad can exist at the same time. They are even described by Banquo as not looking like “inhabitants of the earth”. This juxtaposing comment further emphasises the confusing and illogical nature they possess, thus highlighting how reality is easily distorted.
conclusion for how appearance vs reality is presented:
Therefore, the contrast between appearance and reality illuminates the discrepancy between the individuals’ external presentation, and the true essence of their nature. Perhaps Shakespeare is demonstrating how appearances cannot be trusted because they are mouldable, meaning they offer no insight into the reality of a person.
