ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Simply, it means that appearances are often deceptive, and that things are different from what they appear to be. This line also points towards the play’s concern with the inconsistency between appearance and reality.

Detailed explanation-2: -After discussing their next meeting with Macbeth, they depart saying, “fair is foul and foul is fair” (1.1. 12). Their words seem to contradict each other, presenting the conception of appearance versus reality. In other words, appearances are often deceiving and what appears to be good additionally be deplorable.

Detailed explanation-3: -The ‘fair and foul’ tool refers to sudden contraries, or reversal: something seems fair and then is revealed to be foul, or something seems foul and then we realize it’s fair. Let’s put this tool into practice by looking at several of the most famous moments in Macbeth. Banquo and Macbeth are confronted by the witches.

Detailed explanation-4: -The witches later say, ‘Fair is foul, and foul is fair. ‘ The witches are saying that what is fair to man is foul to the witches, but what men may see as foul, the witches see as fair. Put simply, the witches are seen as evil, but they see themselves as good.

Detailed explanation-5: -Third Witch: There to meet with Macbeth. Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air. It were done quickly.