So Foul and Fair a Day

A detailed Summary of So Foul and Fair a Day

Throughout Macbeth there is a strong contrast between what seems to be and what really is. The play begins with Macbeth saying, "So foul and a day I have not seen." Macbeth is rejoicing over a marvelous victory as a captain of the army, while complaining about the weather. It is ironic that this day would bring the news of his future that would soon lead to his death. Shakespeare uses this theme of appearance verses reality through the entire play.

Scene one shows the three witches discussing their plans to meet with Macbeth. Used to draw the crowd's attention, these witches speak in riddles and odd sayings. The scene closes with the witches chanting in unison, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair..." This signifies the forthcoming differences between appearance and truth. The witches, upon meeting him, hail Macbeth "that shalt be king hereafter!" Macbeth is startled by this news, which confuses his comp

The second apparition was that of a bloody child saying, "Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth." This gives great boost to Macbeth's pride, "Then live, Macduff: what need I fear of thee?" This self-confidence leads Macbeth into fearless battle against Malcolm's followers in Act V. Macbeth slays young Siward and states, "though wast born of woman. But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn, Brandish'd by man that's of woman born." Macbeth is reassured by the knowledge that no man born of a woman can harm him, and thus enters into a fight with Macduff. Macbeth tells Macduff, "thou losest labour...I bear a charmed life, which must not yield to one of woman born." Macduff stuns Macbeth with his reply that he was "untimely ripp'd" from his mother's womb. Macduff then proceeds to cut of Macbeth's head. Macbeth's interpretation of this second apparition ultimately le

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Approximate Word count = 630
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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So Foul and Fair a Day

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