Macbeth's world is a place where the good is bad and the bad is good. From the very first scene, the deception within Macbeth's world is clearly defined. When the witches say "fair is foul and foul is fair" (1.1.11) in scene one, the play's theme is quickly introduced to the audience. The quick introduction of the deceptive world gives the audience excitement as they are left in suspense. One cannot readily determine who the good and bad characters are for the remainder of the play. Du

ring scene two the audience starts to become more familiar with Macbeth as an army captain recounts Macbeth's courageous efforts in the war in support of king Duncan. The general, talking about Macbeth, says, "If I say sooth, I must report they were/ As cannons overcharged with double cracks, so they/ Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe/" (1.2.36-38). Through this, Macbeth is portrayed as a valiant soldier. In scene one, the witches present a world in which the forces between good and evil are not easily identified. Macbeth is described as a valiant and noble person however the audience cannot simply accept this to be true (because fair is foul and foul is fair). Lady Macbeth is portrayed as a very well mannered and well-groomed housewife when in reality, she is an evil witch. When King Duncan comes to the Macbeth residence, she seems as though she is happy and delighted to see the king saying, "All our service/ In every point twice done and then done double/" (1.6.14-15). Lady Macbeth demonstrates hypocritical traits through her behavior, actions and speech. The audience is introduced to the interesting idea that a housewife could force her will upon a supposedly strong-minded husband (In Elizabethan times, women were portrayed to be weaker than men as the men were the workers who provided for their family). Act 1 of Macbeth presents and demonstrates a world full of deception. The uncertainty and inconsistency in the characters keep interest level up and the audience on the edge of their seats. The audience is forced to think about the concept of good and evil. This mental involvement in the play draws a lot of interest to the play and also forces the audience to think carefully before judging each character.

In conclusion, act one of Macbeth is important for a number of reasons. First, the playwright displays the deceptive environment, in which Macbeth lives. Secondly, the characters' personalities, motives and ambitions are depicted, and finally, the constant struggle between good and evil is defined. Interest in the play is created by the playwright's emphasis on forces of good and evil and deceptive society outlined in act 1. During act 1, much is learnt about the characters of the play of which two important traits are present. Ambition plays a key role as it drives many of the characters to their fate. William Shakespeare portrays ambition

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Approximate Word count = 1595
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)