Jacob Stewart

Miss Skirtich
13 December 2017
English 12: British Literature

Macbeth Thesis Paper

Creating deception in a story can make a huge difference and improve the overall quality of the

story. In many cases, the reader or audience is informed of this deception, but they know the

other characters in the story are not aware of it. This adds a sense of suspense and uncertainty

because the audience is unsure of what will happen or if any of the characters will discover the

deceit. "Macbeth" is a tragic and world-renowned play written by William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare wrote this play because the current king of England at the time, King James I, had

been fascinated with witchcraft and the supernatural. Shakespeare incorporates deception in

"Macbeth" through King Duncan, Banquo, And Macbeth.

Shakespeare illustrates deception in the "Macbeth" through Macbeth's betraying of King

Duncan. At first, Lady Macbeth introduces the idea of killing King Duncan. Macbeth does not

want to but slowly starts to contemplate it. "If it were done 'tis done, then 'twere well it were

done quickly." This is one of the last times Macbeth is contemplating before he takes action. In

this quote he is saying if it were done it would be best to do it quickly," (I.vii.1-2). Finally he

agrees to murder Duncan and he and Lady Macbeth begin to plan. "When we have marked with

blood those sleepy two of his own chamber and used their daggers, that they have done't,"

(I.vii.75-78). In this quote, Macbeth is conversing with Lady Macbeth about their plan. He is

stating that after they kill Duncan, they will smear blood on the guards and place daggers on

them so it will appear as if they were the ones who murdered Duncan. Duncan fully trusted

Macbeth and treated him like a son, but Macbeth deceived him due to his aspirations to be the
king as the three witches foretold. Even though this is a major betrayal, this event is just the start

of further deception that is to come.

Furthermore, Shakespeare displays deception in "Macbeth" through the death of Banquo.

At this point in the play, Banquo is becoming more suspicious of Macbeth and his actions. One

day, Macbeth and Banquo are talking and Banquo says "Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor,

Glamis, all, as the weird women promised, and I fear Thou played'st most foully for't," (I.i.1-3).

This is the first time Banquo hints at his suspicion to Macbeth and it creates Macbeth's sense of

paranoia. As a result of this he plans to betray Banquo and he summons two murderers. He lies

to them and tries to convince them that Banquo is an enemy to both him and the killers. "Know

that it was he in the times past which held you so under fortune, which you thought had been our

innocent self," (III.i.78-80). He lies to the men and says Banquo is to blame for their misfortune

and he had nothing to do with it. The men believe his lies so they ambush Banquo and Fleance,

and they murder Banquo. Macbeth's ambition finally consumes him and he will rid of anyone he

believes is suspicious of him or stands in his way. Although most of the deceit seen in the play to

this point has been created by Macbeth, the audience finally witnesses Macbeth falling to

deception.

Lastly, Shakespeare showcases deception through Macbeth. At the beginning of the

scene, the witches show Macbeth three apparitions. The second apparition tells Macbeth "Be

bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm

Macbeth," (IV.i.81-83). The apparition is deceiving Macbeth because the witches were instructed

to do so. When Macbeth is about to face off with Macduff he says he does not fear him because

only man not born of woman can harm him. Macduff says "Despair thy charm and let the angel

whom thou still hast served. Tell them Macduff was from his mother's womb untimely ripped,"
(V.viii.13-16). When Macbeth hears this, he knows he will be defeated by Macduff, and the

apparition's deceit of Macbeth becomes his downfall.

Shakespeare incorporates deception in "Macbeth" through King Duncan, Banquo, and

Macbeth. His implementation of deceit greatly improves the quality of the play.