Final answer:
The phrase 'Fair is foul and foul is fair' is a paradox that presents contradictory ideas of appearance versus reality. It reflects the theme of deception, implying that appearances can be deceptive. Its significance lies in foreshadowing the morally blurred and deceptive nature of events in Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'Fair is foul and foul is fair' is a famous quote from Shakespeare's play, Macbeth. It is a paradox because it presents two contradictory ideas - 'fair' and 'foul'. Essentially, what seems to be good ('fair') could turn out to be bad ('foul') and what seems bad ('foul') could prove to be good ('fair'). The witches in the play use this phrase to depict the uncertainty and ambiguity of appearances and foreshadow the deceptive nature of events that unfold in the play.
In essence, this quote is significant as it underscores the thematic heart of the play – the blurring of traditional moral boundaries and the deceptive quality of appearances. It encapsulates the paradoxical nature of reality in Macbeth’s world, where morality, loyalty, and personal ambition intermingle, creating a space for intrigue, deception, and treachery.
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