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Macbeth: Abuse Of Power And Appearance Versus Reality - Paper

Macbeth: Abuse Of Power And Appearance Versus Reality

How does Shakespeare portray such themes as the abuse of power and appearance versus reality in his play, Macbeth? Shakespeare utilizes literary devices such irony and symbolism to convey the central messages of the play.
Several key events within the play influence characters to act the way they do. As Act I opens the play, we see Macbeth and Banquo deliberating over the witches predictions. While analyzing the witches prophesies of events yet to come, Banquo says “The instruments of darkness tell us truths, / Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s / In deepest consequence. / Cousins, a word, I pray you.” He is warning Macbeth not to be seduced by the witch’s promises of the throne ...

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army from England subjugates Macbeth; soon after Macduff himself kills him. The rightful heir to the throne is finally in power and peace is restored throughout Scotland.
Shakespeare drives his intent with the use of several recurrent themes within Macbeth. Nothing is ever what it appears to be in the play and therefore the theme of appearance versus reality is introduced. For example, the witches’ predictions in Act IV of the play seem to have a positive outlook for Macbeth and his future as king. The first apparition that the witches conjure alert Macbeth to “Beware Macduff / Beware Thane of Fife”. The second apparition is most likely the one Macbeth finds the most comfort in; “The pow’r of man, for none of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth.” The reader learns at the end of the play that Macduff fulfills this very bizarre category. Another recurrent theme is the abuse of power. After Macbeth has been crowned king of Scotland, he slowly begins his reign of terror. One of ...

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Macbeth: Abuse Of Power And Appearance Versus Reality. (2008, February 25). Retrieved February 1, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Macbeth-Abuse-Power-Appearance-Versus-Reality/79608

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"Macbeth: Abuse Of Power And Appearance Versus Reality." Essayworld.com. February 25, 2008. Accessed February 1, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Macbeth-Abuse-Power-Appearance-Versus-Reality/79608.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 2/25/2008 06:51:48 PM
Category: Arts
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 710
Pages: 3

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