Paradoxal Paradigm
Mark McKenna
AP Literature & Composition; Prd. 2
August 22, 2012
Macbeth Essay (Rough Draft)
Paradoxical Paradigm
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Shakespeare, Act I, Scene I, lines: 10). This line, brief and simplistic as it may be, lays the foundation for, perhaps, the most rich and complex theme within this Shakespearean masterpiece. As soon as Shakespeare begins, he presents the audience with a slight conundrum; for how can fair be foul when their definitions are polar opposites? The answer to this question is revealed throughout Macbeth as Shakespeare continuously employs this paradox in a creative and skillful manner. The theme “fair is foul” plays a crucial role in both plot and character development within Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The very fact that the seemingly insignificant phrase “fair is foul” holds such significance further emphasizes the theme’s meaning: however it may appear to be, it is not necessarily what is. The audience first sees signs of this in the opening five lines when the Second Witch states: “When the hurlyburly’s done, When the battle’s lost and one” (Shakespeare, Act I, Scene I, lines: 3-4). The theme is incorporated into the witch’s statement because although the Scottish were victorious, there was still great loss on the other end (this statement could also be foreshadowing what lies in store for Macbeth). Shortly after, Macbeth makes his introduction by saying, “So foul and fair a day I have not seen” (Shakespeare, Act I, Scene III, lines: 38). Again, this statement appears to be trivial, but Shakespeare made no mistake in choosing this as Macbeth’s opening line. This is where the theme is given great emphasis, almost as if Shakespeare had installed a fluorescent, flashing “THEME” sign that was triggered during this portion of the play.
Fast-forward to scene seven, Shakespeare utilizes this theme as Macbeth’s character evolves, which coincides with the plot’s evolution. “Away, and mock the time with the fairest show:
AP Literature & Composition; Prd. 2
August 22, 2012
Macbeth Essay (Rough Draft)
Paradoxical Paradigm
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Shakespeare, Act I, Scene I, lines: 10). This line, brief and simplistic as it may be, lays the foundation for, perhaps, the most rich and complex theme within this Shakespearean masterpiece. As soon as Shakespeare begins, he presents the audience with a slight conundrum; for how can fair be foul when their definitions are polar opposites? The answer to this question is revealed throughout Macbeth as Shakespeare continuously employs this paradox in a creative and skillful manner. The theme “fair is foul” plays a crucial role in both plot and character development within Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The very fact that the seemingly insignificant phrase “fair is foul” holds such significance further emphasizes the theme’s meaning: however it may appear to be, it is not necessarily what is. The audience first sees signs of this in the opening five lines when the Second Witch states: “When the hurlyburly’s done, When the battle’s lost and one” (Shakespeare, Act I, Scene I, lines: 3-4). The theme is incorporated into the witch’s statement because although the Scottish were victorious, there was still great loss on the other end (this statement could also be foreshadowing what lies in store for Macbeth). Shortly after, Macbeth makes his introduction by saying, “So foul and fair a day I have not seen” (Shakespeare, Act I, Scene III, lines: 38). Again, this statement appears to be trivial, but Shakespeare made no mistake in choosing this as Macbeth’s opening line. This is where the theme is given great emphasis, almost as if Shakespeare had installed a fluorescent, flashing “THEME” sign that was triggered during this portion of the play.
Fast-forward to scene seven, Shakespeare utilizes this theme as Macbeth’s character evolves, which coincides with the plot’s evolution. “Away, and mock the time with the fairest show: