Macbeth and Deception

Macbeth and Deception Throughout the first three acts of the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the character Macbeth uses deception to his advantage in many ways. Three notable times are when he uses deception to make it easier for him to kill Duncan, aid in framing the guards for Duncan’s murder, and remove suspicion that he killed Banquo. First, he deceives King Duncan by seeming loyal and winning Duncan’s trust. After Macbeth returns from the battle against Norwegians, Duncan praises him, “O worthiest cousin! / The sin of my ingratitude even now / was heavy on me” (I.iv.19). Macbeth continues acting loyal to the king, even though he is considering killing Duncan and taking his throne. Duncan’s trust in Macbeth makes him vulnerable, allowing Macbeth to kill to him with very little difficulty. Second, after Duncan’s murder, Macbeth pretends to be furious at the guards and kills them. He says “O, yet I do repent me of my fury, / That I did kill them” (II.iii.54). He uses this anger as an excuse to kill the guards, whom he and his wife had framed for Duncan’s murder. This prevents others from being able to question the guards. Finally, during the feast, Macbeth toasts to Banquo. He says “I drink to the general joy o’ the whole table, / And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss; / Would he were here!” (III.iv.83). He says he misses him and wishes Banquo was at the feast. This makes it seem as if Macbeth had no idea about Banquo’s death, removing suspicion. In conclusion, Macbeth uses deception to his advantage in the first three acts making his goals easier to reach, create excuses and remove suspicion.
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