Things Are Not Always As They Seem In Macbeth

In Macbeth, there is a common underlying theme of “things are not always as they seem” and this is especially noted in the subtext behind Act 2, Scene 1, where Banquo and Macbeth are talking as if nothing is wrong, but they are actually having an underlying conversation about Macbeth potentially murdering Duncan. In Act 1 Scene 3, the three witches prophesize to Macbeth and Banquo that not only would Macbeth, at that time thane of Glamis, become thane of Cawdor, but would also eventually become king. After the prophesy of Macbeth becoming the new thane of Cawdor comes true, Macbeth and Banquo both know that the current king Duncan being alive is the only thing standing in the way of Macbeth becoming the new king. This is why, when Banquo sees
Macbeth roaming the castle at night, he immediately knows what Macbeth is plotting. However, Banquo’s son, Fleance, is with them, he knows that he cannot give away Macbeth’s secret plans, so he tells Macbeth that King Duncan “…hath been in unusual pleasure, and sent forth great largess to your offices.” So as to make Macbeth realize that Duncan trusts Macbeth. Banquo acts as a moral compass in this scene for Macbeth, as he tries to convince him not to kill the king. As further reason, he gifts Macbeth with a diamond given to Banquo by Duncan and intended for Lady Macbeth. He does this to attempt to put some sense into Macbeth and stop him from what he is about to do.