Macbeth: Are Things as They Seem?

All things have an appearance, usually a good or a bad one. Depending on the appearance something has we form an opinion about it. Sometimes the appearance something has can mislead one in forming an accurate opinion about it. In Macbeth, Shakespeare shows us that things are not always as they appear to be. This is shown through the duplicity of Macbeth and his wife, the king’s sons and the servants being blamed for Duncan's death and King Duncan's inaccurate opinions.

In the beginning of the play Macbeth is a well respected hero who appears to be a great man. However, by the end of the play it is clear that Macbeth is a selfish, troubled man with a conscience that seems to serve no purpose. In Act 1, Scene 2, Macbeth tells how he must hide his dark side from the world.
"Away, and mock the time with fairest show,
False face must hide what the false heart doth know."
In Act 2, Scene 3, Macbeth does well in hiding his dark side before finding the dead king with Macduff.
"Is the king stirring, worthy Thane?" asks Macduff.
"Not yet," replies Macbeth.
--
"Goes the king hence today?" asks Lenox.
"He does-he did appoint so." answers Macbeth.

Although Macbeth has full knowledge of the king's death, he plays it off well and appears to know nothing. Lady Macbeth appears to be a nice hospitable woman. However, her heart is dark and full of evil. In Act 1, Scene 6, the king talks to Lady Macbeth, telling her of the honour and love that he has for her.
"See, see, our honoured hostess. - The love
That follows us sometime is our trouble,
Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you
How you shall bid God yield us for your pains
And thank us for your trouble."
His opinion of Lady Macbeth highly exceeds that of which it should. He has such a high opinion of Lady Macbeth because he is misled by her good appearance.

It is ironic that Duncan thinks so highly of Macbeth and his wife, as in Act 1, Scene 4, when he says.
"There's no art
To