Things Are Not Always As They Seem In Macbeth

In Macbeth, there is a common underlying theme of “things are not always as they seem” and this is especially noted in the subtext behind Act 2, Scene 1, where Banquo and Macbeth are talking as if nothing is wrong, but they are actually having an underlying conversation about Macbeth potentially murdering Duncan. In Act 1 Scene 3, the three witches prophesize to Macbeth and Banquo that not only would Macbeth, at that time thane of Glamis, become thane of Cawdor, but would also eventually become king. After the prophesy of Macbeth becoming the new thane of Cawdor comes true, Macbeth and Banquo both know that the current king Duncan being alive is the only thing standing in the way of Macbeth becoming the new king. This is why, when Banquo sees