Question

A paradox is an apparent contradiction that reveals a truth. The witches end the first scene with a paradox: "Fair is foul, and fouls is fair". Explain the ways in which this contradiction is shown to be true in Act I. (use evidence)

Answer 1

The phrase "Fair is foul, and fouls is fair" is spoken by the three witches present in the play written by Shakespeare, Macbeth. This sentence is part of the prophecy that the witches give to Macbeth and means that winning and losing depends on the perspective of MAcbeth, he can achieve victory in a fair way, but in a failed way, which makes the victory unpleasant and unfair.

As we know Macbeth manages to take the throne, which was a great desire of his heart, for him it seemed that the crown was just, but in his heart, he knew that his victory was granted by flawed, murderous and terrible methods, which haunted for a long time. However, if he had continued with his normal course, without killing the king and usurping his throne, he would have a life that would seem flawed, but it would be fair.

Answer 2

Answer&Explanation:

"Fair is foul and foul is fair" means that what seems fair or good is really bad, and what seems bad is really good. This also refers to deceitful appearances.

Macbeth wants the throne in whatever way he can have it even if that way can be deadly but it will still be beneficial to him.

He is a very loyal person at the beginning but eventhough he was loyal and seemed so to everyone else deep down he still have his darkness because of the desire to rule.

No one would have predicted that he will be a murder or will kill to have the throne.

At the end the he killed to have the throne that was a sweet achievement but a bad thing considering he was considered loyal to the king. Worse at the end the desire that was good to him end up killing him.