Project work:

analysis of the
Statement ‘fair is foul
and foul is fair’ said by
the witches in
Macbeth.

Name : Arsheya Dewan

Class: XI-A
Session: 2023 – 2024
 Index
1. Acknowledgement
2. Introduction to Macbeth
3. Analysis of the statement ‘fair is foul and foul is
fair’
4. Conclusion
5. Bibliography
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who
have supported and guided me throughout the completion of
this project. Firstly, I am deeply thankful to my subject
teacher, Ms. Ruma jain, for her invaluable guidance and
constant encouragement. her expertise and patience have been
instrumental in shaping my understanding of the subject
matter.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my
parents for their unwavering support and belief in my abilities.
Their constant motivation and understanding have been
crucial in helping me overcome challenges and stay focused.
Lastly, I am indebted to the school administration for
providing me with the necessary resources and a conducive
learning environment.
In conclusion, I am deeply thankful to everyone who played a
part, directly or indirectly, in the successful completion of this
project.
 Introduction to macbeth
Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, is a captivating
tragedy that explores the corrosive effects of unchecked
ambition and the devastating consequences of one's actions.
Set in medieval Scotland, the play follows the titular
character, Macbeth, a loyal and respected general, as he
succumbs to the allure of power and descends into a world of
treachery and bloodshed.
Driven by his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, and propelled
by a supernatural prophecy, Macbeth embarks on a murderous
path to seize the throne. As he ascends to power through a
series of ruthless acts, Macbeth becomes consumed by guilt
and paranoia. The play delves into themes of moral
corruption, fate, and the struggle between good and evil.
Shakespeare masterfully weaves a tale of psychological
complexity, showcasing the inner turmoil and moral
disintegration of a once noble protagonist. With its vivid
imagery, poetic language, and memorable characters,
Macbeth remains a timeless exploration of the human
condition and the consequences of succumbing to one's
darkest desires. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of
the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the tragic
consequences it can bring.
 Analysis
William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" opens with a paradoxical
and enigmatic statement that sets the stage for the unfolding
tragedy: "Fair is foul and foul is fair." This seemingly
contradictory declaration sums up the central themes of moral
ambiguity, disruption of the natural order, and the destructive
influence of unchecked ambition that permeate the play. In
this analysis, we will delve into Shakespeare's masterful use
of this paradoxical phrase to set the tone of the narrative and
explore the intricate interplay between appearance and reality.

The paradox serves as a thematic prelude that foreshadows the

moral complexities that will unfold in the story. At its core,
"fair is foul and foul is fair" reflects the blurred lines between
good and evil, beauty and ugliness. The inversion of these
opposites immediately draws attention to the ever-present
moral ambiguity that will characterize the actions of the
characters throughout the play.

The concept of moral ambiguity is illustrated in the character

of Macbeth himself. Originally portrayed as a loyal and
valiant general, Macbeth undergoes a profound transformation
when he succumbs to the allure of ambition. The phrase
reflects his moral origins and emphasizes the deceptive nature
of appearances. What appears to be just—Macbeth's rise to
power—becomes abhorrent as it is achieved through betrayal
and murder. Paradox becomes the lens through which the
audience is encouraged to question the true nature of
characters and events.

Moreover, the paradox sets the stage for the disruption of the
natural order, a theme that runs deep in "Macbeth". The
Elizabethan worldview was heavily influenced by the idea of
a divinely ordained hierarchy—the Great Chain of Being—
where each being had its predetermined place. By challenging
this natural order, the characters in the game unleash chaos
and disorder.

In addition, the disruption of the natural order is symbolized

by supernatural elements throughout the play. The three
witches who introduce the paradox embody a mysterious and
supernatural force that manipulates human affairs. Their very
presence blurs the lines between the natural and the
supernatural, further contributing to the pervasive sense of
disorder.

As the play progresses, the consequences of Macbeth's actions

intensify the disruption of the natural order. Unexplained
phenomena such as unnatural weather and ghostly apparitions
underscore the moral chaos that has been unleashed. The
paradox thus acts as a harbinger of the tumultuous events to
follow, signaling the profound consequences of tampering
with the established order.
The corrupting influence of unchecked ambition is another
major theme encapsulated in the paradox. Macbeth's ambition,
initially presented as a driving force for success, eventually
becomes a destructive and consuming force. The paradox
serves as a warning against the deceptive allure of ambition,
suggesting that what may seem just and promising can lead to
moral degradation.

A key figure in Macbeth's descent into corruption, Lady

Macbeth embodies the destructive influence of ambition. Her
unrelenting ambition and unscrupulous determination to see
her husband on the throne drives the couple to heinous acts.
The paradox reflects a twisted logic that justifies immoral
actions in pursuit of ambition. What seems righteous to Lady
Macbeth—the attainment of power—becomes vile because it
is stained with blood and guilt.

The play also explores the psychological toll of unchecked

ambition on the individual. Macbeth's soliloquies provide
insight into the inner conflict he experiences as he grapples
with his ambitious desires and the moral consequences of his
actions. Paradox becomes a recurring motif, echoing in
Macbeth's thoughts and reflecting the inner turmoil caused by
his insatiable ambition.

Moreover, the corrupting influence extends beyond the

individual into the wider social and political realm. Macbeth's
rise to power is marked by the decay of the social fabric. A
once noble and honorable Scotland is marred by deceit,
treachery and violence. Paradox encapsulates this social
corruption and highlights the pervasive nature of moral decay
caused by unchecked ambition.

Shakespeare's use of paradox goes beyond mere linguistic

cleverness; it serves as a thematic anchor that unifies the
different layers of the game. The interplay between
appearance and reality is a central aspect of the paradox,
reflecting the deceptive nature of ambition and the
consequences of moral compromise. The juxtaposition of
"fair" and "impermissible" underscores the difficulty of
distinguishing between good and evil, beauty and ugliness, as
the characters navigate a world where appearances often mask
true intentions.

As agents of prophecy and manipulation, witches further blur

the line between appearance and reality. Their ability to
present the appearance of truth while weaving a web of
deception contributes to the overarching theme of ambiguity.
The witches' influence on Macbeth exemplifies the dangers of
seeming credulous, as what seems fair—promises of greatness
—ultimately lead to wicked deeds and tragic consequences.

The motif of ambiguity, the use of ambiguous language to

deceive, reinforces the theme of appearance versus reality.
Characters often engage in verbal tricks to hide their true
motives or to manipulate others. Paradox becomes a linguistic
reflection of this ambiguity, a reminder that things may not be
as they seem.
 Conclusion
In conclusion, the statement "Fair is foul and foul is fair"
spoken by the witches in Macbeth encapsulates the central
themes of moral ambiguity, the disruption of natural order,
and the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition.
Shakespeare masterfully uses this paradoxical phrase to set
the tone for the play and to explore the complex interplay
between appearance and reality.
Through the character of Macbeth, the play delves into the
consequences of succumbing to ambition and the resulting
moral decay. The witches' statement foreshadows Macbeth's
transformation from a seemingly noble and loyal soldier to a
ruthless and power-hungry tyrant. The play also highlights the
disruption of the natural order, both in the physical world and
in the social and political realms. The witches, as agents of
chaos, upset the established norms, leading to a chain of
events that ultimately leads to tragedy.
Furthermore, the statement reflects the broader theme of
moral decay and the erosion of values. It serves as a reminder
that what appears fair can be foul and what appears foul can
be fair, blurring the boundaries between good and evil. The
corrupting influence of power, exemplified through characters
like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, underscores the destructive
force that can permeate individuals and society.
Overall, "Fair is foul and foul is fair" resonates as a
memorable and haunting phrase that captures the essence of
Macbeth. It reminds us of the dangers of unchecked ambition,
the complexity of human nature, and the consequences of
straying from moral principles. Shakespeare's exploration of
these timeless themes continues to captivate audiences,
making Macbeth a timeless masterpiece.
Bibliography
https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/
section1/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macbeth
https://www.jstor.org/stable/26302345
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fkwp8UbErcE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMQHaJtght0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaGh7WS9npw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHKrV6N_-JQ
https://nosweatshakespeare.com/quotes/famous/fair-
is-foul-and-foul-is-fair/