Analysis of the Statement ‘fair is foul, and foul is fair’ in ‘Macbeth’

Summary of Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair in Macbeth

Shakespeare’s Macbeth revolves around the theme “fair is foul, and foul is fair,” which the witches introduce at the play’s start1. This phrase encapsulates the play’s exploration of appearance versus reality. The witches, dressed in black and surrounded by thunder, embody evil and ambiguity, blurring the line between good and bad. Their prophecies tempt Macbeth, shifting him from a noble warrior—seen as “fair”—to a murderer, embodying “foul.”

Banquo, more sceptical, recognises their danger but is still suffers from their predictions. Lady Macbeth’s ambition drives her to manipulate Macbeth, showing both “fair” loyalty and “foul” ruthlessness. She appears gentle but plots murder, highlighting the duality of her character. Duncan’s murder is a turning point; Macbeth’s guilt and loss of peace reflect his descent into “foul”. The castle, described as pleasant by Duncan, becomes a site of treachery, reinforcing the theme. Natural imagery, such as darkness and storms, mirrors the disruption of order, with light symbolising “fair” and darkness “foul.”

The motif recurs in the play’s structure, language, and imagery, including blood and ill-fitting clothes, which suggest Macbeth’s unsuitability for kingship1. Equivocation, or deceptive language, intensifies the confusion between appearance and reality. In the end, order is reset when Macduff kills Macbeth, and the balance returns to “fair” and “foul”. Shakespeare uses this theme to show that nothing is as it seems, and every action has both good and bad consequences.

Introduction to Macbeth and the Concept of “Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair”

The play Macbeth is a historically popular play, with many different themes such iambic pentameter, equivocation, prophetic fallacy, imagery and tones. The statement ‘fair is foul, and foul is fair’ will be discussed and analysed to see how it is reflected throughout the play. As well as Implicit and explicit meanings will be discussed about characters and objects, to see how they contrast with the statement. Then evaluating the structure, language and style of how the play is written, allowing opinions to be given and supported by evidence.

Setting the Tone: The Witches

Shakespeare begins the play with the introduction of the witches. They can only be described as ambiguous creatures and questionably human. They create an image of mystery and evil: they will meet ‘When the battle is lost and won’ (1:1:4), a weird and contradicting statement which resembles their personalities and values. The witches express their evil with their chant and the final couplet, ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair’ (1:1:9), this statement violates God’s natural order, because good is bad and bad is good.

The witches also give the image of evil by the way they dress and act. They are dressed in black robes and constantly circling each other as they talk and speak in weird rhymes and tones; also the sky is always dark and thunderous when they are present, which is the theme pathetic fallacy. Pathetic fallacy means the attributes of human emotions or characteristics relate to nature. Therefore the thunder and lightning that occur when the witches appear symbolises they are evil, scary and violent. This runs throughout the play using light and the weather to contrast feelings and emotions of characters, the mood of the moment, as light being seen as ‘fair’ and the dark being seen as ‘foul’.

Transition from Foul to Fair: Scene Two

Scene 2 evaporates the shadowy world of the witches from scene one to a physical and masculine world of honour and strength, it’s travelled from ‘foul’ to ‘fair’. Macbeth doesn’t become visible yet, however the Captain and Ross begin describing and personifying him: ‘Disdaining fortune’ (1:2:17), which means unafraid of his own safety, ‘Valour’s minion’ (1:2:19); this gives him the image of a respectable and epic hero; he is a ‘fair’ warrior. At this point in the play Macbeth is completely in control of himself, a well regarded man and metaphorically a walking God as he is described as, ‘Bellona’s bridegroom’ (1:2:56), a fit husband for the roman Goddess of war.

Echoing the Theme: Macbeth and Banquo Meet the Witches

Macbeth and his loyal friend Banquo who is also a highly respectable man encounter the witches. He then states just before they come across the witches, ‘So foul and fair a day I have not seen’ (1:3:36), this statement echo’s the witches. Macbeth is stating the weather that it’s one of those days where fog is followed by sunshine. Then, a thunderstorm and some hail and more sunshine, all use of prophetic fallacy to create and weird and unsettling image.

When the witches are seen, Banquo questions their look, ‘That look not like th’inhabitaints o’th’earth and yet are on’t?’ (1:3:39-40), clearly Banquo notices the appearance of the witches, he knows that something weird is happening and can’t trust what they say, therefore the feeling from Banquo is pessimistic of the witches and also he acknowledges things not being what they seem.

Prophecies and the Shift from Fair to Foul

The witches predict to Macbeth and Banquo the future, divulging in information that will turn Macbeth from ‘Fair’ to ‘Foul’. Macbeth is more intrigued, even though Banquo warns Macbeth by saying, ‘instruments of darkness’ (1:3:123), Macbeth ignores the warning from his friend and is still ambitious on finding more information.

Macbeth is beginning to act ‘foul’ as he is selfish and demands more from the witches. By using dramatic irony the audience knows that these witches are plotting something evil, which can only lead to a disaster. Whereas Banquo is ‘fair’ knowing the witches are untrustworthy, however he still wants to know their predictions, which is important to his fate, because he also knows the predictions.

Shock

As the witch’s prophecies are told, it is revealed that Macbeth will be the of Cawdor and King, Macbeth is shocked by this news. Banquo begins by saying, ‘why do you start and seem to fear things that do sound fair?'(1:3:50), the use of ‘fair’ means good, he is saying to Macbeth, why be fearful of these predictions? Maybe Macbeth isn’t fearful of these predictions but perhaps already plotting to become king.

But Banquo is unhappy that the witches ignore him. Thus, he quizzes the witches, ‘Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear’ (1:3:58). Thus, when the witches tell Banquo his sons will be king, there is no impression of him being happy with this; instead he blames a wild ‘root’ (1:3:82). This means that they have taken something to make them los control and doesn’t believe that what happened is real.

The biblical reference here is that Banquo says, “What? Can the devil speak true?”

The witches are essentially the worst thing possible–the devil. This in turn gives the real image of how equivocating the witches are, misleading and liars. Ergo, this statement is also a realisation that their predictions are becoming real.

Inner Conflict: Macbeth’s Soliloquy

A soliloquy is monologue from a character that is alone on stage. The character reveals their inner thoughts and feelings to the audience. It is a useful theme, to understand what the character is thinking. Macbeth’s Soliloquy begins, ‘Two truths are told’ (1:3:126). In essence, Macbeth becomes thane of Cawdor, and is now thinking on how to become king. Even with the thought of murder through the line, ‘horrid image’ (1:3:133), and ‘horrible imaginations’ (1:3:137) lurks. It suggests he is thinking of something horrible and possibly murdering Duncan.

The soliloquy is powerful, as now we know what he is thinking and feeling. Moreover, it has dramatic irony, as Banquo doesn’t know what he is thinking, which creates tension. Macbeth says, ‘Cannot be ill, cannot be good’ (1:3:130), ill is ‘foul’ and good is ‘fair’. Thus Macbeth acknowledges something unnatural is occurring. But because he has, ‘earnest of success’, (1:3:131) he is enjoying his new found status and wants more.

Banquo’s Suspicion and the Influence of Prophecy

Banquo, is a smart character, and thus becomes suspicious about Macbeth. This echoes in his line, ‘thou hast it now, king Cawdor, Glamis, all, as the weird women promised, and I fear thou played’st most foully for’t'(3:1:1-3), Banquo has acknowledged the ‘foul’ of Macbeths action.

However the fair is, ‘But that myself should be the root and father of many kings'(3:1:5-6). He allows the witches prophecies to be correct in thinking his sons will be king. This shows the witches are affecting him, but in turn this is good, or ‘fair’ as Macbeth’s sons will not be king. However this is also the time where Banquo is fearful of his own safety knowing he maybe a target as Macbeth could try to kill him and Fleance, Banquo’s son, to stop him from being king.

Lady Macbeth: Ambition and Manipulation

Macbeth writes a letter to Lady Macbeth in prose. Shakespeare uses prose for the lower status characters such as murderers and servants; however he wasn’t afraid to break the rule in letting important characters use it. The letter is entirely appropriate seeing as it is interesting and concise. The letter itself shows love and trust between the relationship of lady Macbeth and Macbeth, Macbeth shows this by saying, ‘my dearest love’ (1:5:56) and ‘my dearest partner of greatest’ (1:5:9-10) this shows that Macbeth trusts and loves her.

Although no one mentions it, Lady Macbeth shows love for Macbeth. I believe that Shakespeare didn’t include this, because it would make her look weak. Macbeth is unsure on whether he wants to murder Duncan, she begins plotting straight away; this immediately shows her ‘foul’ side. Macbeth says ‘I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent’ (1:7:25-26) which shows his doubts.

Lady Macduff

Lady Macduff has to convince him to do it, by doing so she becomes almost greater than man or even witch like , ‘Hie thee hither, that I may pour my spirits in thine ear’ (1,5:24-5) the word spirit is reflective of the witches. She insults Macbeths manhood by calling him a, ‘coward’ (1:7:43), and ‘beast’ (1:7:47). These prove to be humiliating comments from the woman who loves him.

Macbeth, ‘I dare do all that may become man’ (1:7:46), as he loves her, he wants to be a man for her. Lady Macbeth also says, ‘how tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out’ (1:7:55-56).

This is a massive commitment and promise she is giving to Macbeth, she is so ambitious for Macbeth to kill Duncan she’ll go to the extent of killing her own baby. This is a powerful statement, because it questions Lady Macbeths humanity and sanity. However she does go on to say, ‘had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done’t’ (2:3:13). As a child, she would have seen her father as a God figure, this is evidence that shows she is ‘fair’.

Gentle lady

Another moment of humanity and of ‘Fair’, Macduff encounters her as a, ‘Gentle lady’ (2:3:77). Therefore she is as a good wife and gentle, Macduff believes she can’t handle the news of murder, which is ironic as she was central to its plot. Is Lady Macbeth greedy or ambitious for Macbeth? Does she want to become queen or does she want him to succeed? I believe that deep down they are both greedy and ambitious, however because Macbeth has become Thane of Cawdor and is a true warrior, he should not progress to try and be king as he is not king material.

And I also believe that lady Macbeth wants to be queen. Ergo, she forces Macbeth to kill Duncan out of greed, as I believe she is the type of character who strives for power and people to respect and love her. As queen this is how she can get this power, although it goes unspoken.

Duncan: The Irony of Fair and Foul

In essence, Duncan is a great character that commands respect. He also introduces the ‘fair’ and ‘foul’ theme, when he talks about the treachery of the Thane of Cawdor, ‘what he hath lost, noble Macbeth has won.’ (1:2:67). In summary, he states that the foul in losing and the fair in wining. Duncan describes the castle in which he dies;

‘This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses’ this is ironic as it is where he will die. The castle looks ‘fair’ pretty, welcoming but it’s a ‘foul’ place because Duncan and the two guards were killed. Also Banquo’s death was plotted in the castle.

Night and Darkness: Symbols of Evil

Before the murder of Duncan, Banquo struggles to sleep and has reminiscence that something is wrong, this could be the affect of the evil witches on him, when he asks Fleance, ‘How goes the night?’ (2:1:1) Fleance replies ‘The moon is down; I have not heard the clock’ (2:1:2). The use of prophetic fallacy aims to compare the moon to whatever is going on; essentially the moon has no part of the evil happenings. Also the imagery when Banquo says, ‘their candles are all out’ (2:1:5), the metaphor of the light has implied that darkness can only mean evil, and the light symbolises heaven such as God and angels who will not view what is about the happen.

The Murder of Duncan: Consequences and Guilt

At the murder of Duncan, Macbeth sees the image of a knife floating in front of him. As a result, it’s almost as if he is under a spell, compelled to murder Duncan. When Macbeth has murdered Duncan he instantly starts to panic and loses all sense of reality because of the vast crime he has committed in killing a king, who is a god figure to him. He completely transforms straight away, earlier in the play he says ‘jump the life too come’ (1:7:7).

But now the word ‘Amen’ (1:7:7) cannot said because he has ultimately killed God, ‘They pluck out mine eyes. Will all great Neptune’s oceans was this blood clean from my hand? No’ (2:3:62-63) Gods oceans will not clean him, which suggest a total state of damnation. This makes him unrecognisable to any one. He has become a man without a soul, a lost man and a foul man. Thus, when Macbeth kills Duncan, it alters the natural order.

The Porter and thee Castle Representing Hell

The porter mentions ‘hell-gate’ (2:3:1-2) when there is a knocking at the gate of the castle, this becomes a reality it has become a castle of deception, fear, distrust, and the castle is hell.

Lady Macbeth’s Downfall

The finding of Duncan’s body, Lady Macbeth faints on hearing the news. This is where her witch and masculine role begins to recess: she slowly starts losing control, sleep walking. Thus a result in her paying for her foul crimes. I believe the fainting suggests it’s the death of her role.

The Devil is Now Macbeth

Macbeth becomes king; however Macduff doesn’t attend his ceremony. This is where I believe Macduff has suspicions of Macbeth, he says ‘suborned’ (2:4:24) which means bribed, however he knows that Macbeth killed the guards, therefore begins to wonder what really happened.

Macbeth earns comparison to ‘the devil himself could not pronounce a title more hateful to mine ear’ (5:7:8) by young Siward, suggesting there is hell and ‘foul’ to wherever Macbeth is.

The Deaths of Ladies Macduff and Macbeth

Lady Macduff and Lady Macbeth both run off the stage screaming when their deaths occur, although not seen. The even hand of justice takes form, through Lady Macduff’s brutal murder (along with her son). Moreover, her murder is rather foul in nature, almost to drive the point home.

However the fact that Macduff is away compiling reinforcements to do away with Macbeth: i.e. good and ‘fair’. Lady When Macbeth kills herself, it brings relief to many constituents. This is because of the evil and ‘foul’ that she conducts in her part in plotting Duncan’s death. Thus giving the impression fairness and balance is back where it should be. To wit:

• By representing everything natural is good;
• By using the Burnham wood, which is moving;
• The impression is that it’s cleansing and replenishing ‘fair’ reality of nature. Thus, it’s cleansing the evil ‘foul’ which is Macbeth.

Macbeth’s End: From Fair to Foul and Back Again

The final scene brings retribution to Macbeth, Macduff challenges his manhood just like lady Macbeth, which encourages Macbeth to carry on fighting, but he dies courageously, this suggest that Macbeth has returned to his ‘Fair’ heroic status. The tone during the battle scene is that of a happy ending but yet a tragedy recognised by Macbeth.

During the battle Macbeth is in his comfort zone, being a warrior and fighting, ‘yet I will try the last’ (5:9:71) he has become what he once was at the beginning. He has travelled from ‘fair’ to ‘foul’ and ‘foul’ to ‘fair’ which is the witches prophecy. During the battle scene, he analysis the witches as ‘juggling fiends’ (7:6:58) knowing they were the reason he did what he did. However Banquo warns him, but Macbeth chose not to listen, so will pay for it. When Macduff kills Macbeth the natural order restores.

Not Everything is What it Seems

The theme appearance versus reality, things not being what they seem, human necessary’s and luxuries such as food and sleep is a constant theme throughout the play. Macbeth, ‘sleep no more: Macbeth does murder sleep, innocent sleep’ (2:2:38-9) this is his punishment for his crime a living death, without peace or the ability to rest and sleep. Macbeth becomes jealous of Duncan, ‘in restless ecstasy.

Duncan is in his grave resting, ‘after life’s fitful fever, he sleeps well’ (3:2:23-4). Macbeth, meanwhile, becomes increasingly reckless as time progresses. Thus, I believe Macbeth is debating whether to kill himself. Macbeth is ‘foul’, for his crime and Duncan is resting, ‘fair’. Then the contrast of food, being an important way of keeping fit and strong, Macbeth says, ‘ere we eat our meal in fear’ (3:2:17), because of the murders he has committed evil and chaos is seeping into his life not letting him live peacefully and enjoying the much needed ideals. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth plot Duncan’s death during Duncan’s feast, but plan to murder him during his sleep.

Later in the play Macbeth breaks down during a feast as he sees the ghost of Banquo which again disturbs Macbeth from consuming food. In short:

• Macbeth realises his crime;
• Now he is paying for it;
• he becomes dependent on his wife to clear the feast.

Shakespeare suggests ‘foul and fair’ with the imagery of food, in short. This is because Macbeth commits such a ‘foul’ crime, denying him the ‘fair’ of a good diet.

Imagery: Blood and Clothing

The imagery of blood runs through the play, Lady Macbeth says, ‘make thick my blood’ (1:5:40) her blood is a natural function of the body, and naturally feeds a man’s capacity for compassion, things she wishes stops. Also: rich imagery of clothes misfitting Macbeth, ‘borrowed robes’ (1:3:126) ‘strange garments’ (1:3:145) giving the significance that clothing is powerful and has a hidden meaning.

In essence, the clothes don’t fit Macbeth suggesting that he should not be in them or have the position the clothes represent (i.e. the crown). The crown is too big for his head: ultimately, it makes Macbeth look ridiculous because it simply does not belong there. This creates an image of concealment or disguise, as Macbeth begins to hide behind his clothes of kingship.

Structure and Language: Iambic Pentameter and Equivocation

Iambic pentameter is the structure of how Shakespeare chose to write the play. It is poetry that doesn’t rhyme and tends to have ten syllables a line. The rhythm of the line comes from the fact that usually every second syllable is emphasised. It’s usually the most important words that get stressed such as nouns, names, verbs and actions. This gives the key ideas more prominence and the meanings more power.

An example of this is where Macbeth ask, ‘if we should fail’ (1:7:60) lady Macbeth says, ‘ we fail?’ which could be spoken in many different tones, if spoken flatly suggest what will be will be, but if said loudly and emphasised might sound sarcastic and shock. This theme is also flexible, as some lines only contain four or five syllables, so it is given a space to make up for the time. For example;

‘Macbeth: Two truths are told,

As happy prologues to the swelling act’ (1:3:126-127).

The space is left, so the character knows to wait, to keep up with the beat. It is also used to whatever ever mood Shakespeare is trying to capture in the character. Iambic pentameter relates to foul and fair because when the witches speak they are being speaking quickly because of the syllables, gives the impression of scary and evil.

Conclusion: The Lasting Power of “Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair”

The theme equivocation which means, concealing the truth, the intention to mislead and also it creates an image of conflict using words such as ‘fair’ and ‘foul’. As well as using words with double meanings. It’s a powerful theme that creates tension, suspense and emotions. Shakespeare’s uses it all through the play, Lady Macbeth during the speech to Macbeth, about killing Duncan, has many equivocating words such, ‘business’ (1:6:66) is a double meaning for murder, ‘dispatch’ (1:6:66) is also another term for murder, she uses these words to not scare Macbeth with direct words as she is unsure on how he would react.

To conclude this discussion I believe that foul and fair is strict role throughout the play, where there is foul there is fair, a constant balance of god and bad. Shakespeare used many themes to create imagery and suspense. I believe that Macbeth’s character was ideal as a warrior and not to climax any further: in progressing, he suffers for it. Lady Macbeth who remained evil throughout was however a good and strong wife, although suffered for her witch like manner.

References to Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair Meaning

• Interesting Literature (2023) ‘The Meaning of Macbeth’s “Fair is Foul, and Foul is Fair”’, Interesting Literature, 24 April. Available at: https://interestingliterature.com/2023/04/macbeth-fair-is-foul-and-foul-is-fair-meaning/
• PMT (n.d.) ‘The Witches – Character Profile – Macbeth – AQA English Literature’, Physics & Maths Tutor. Available at: https://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/English-Literature/GCSE/Notes/AQA/Macbeth/Character-Profiles/The%20Witches.pdf
• eNotes (2025) ‘Macbeth Themes: Appearance vs. Reality’, eNotes.com, 23 January. Available at: https://www.enotes.com/topics/macbeth/themes/appearance-vs-reality.
• Lymm High School (2025) ‘Literature Paper 1 Macbeth by William Shakespeare’, Lymm High School. Available at: https://www.lymmhigh.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Literature-Paper-1-Macbeth-by-William-Shakespeare.pdf.
• Interesting Literature (2023) ‘The Meaning of Macbeth’s “Fair is Foul, and Foul is Fair”’, Interesting Literature, 24 April. Available at: https://interestingliterature.com/2023/04/macbeth-fair-is-foul-and-foul-is-fair-meaning/.
• A Research Guide (n.d.) ‘Fair is Foul, Foul is Fair Analysis in Macbeth’, A Research Guide for Students. Available at: https://www.aresearchguide.com/fair-is-foul-foul-is-fair-macbeth.html.