Present a discussion of the way the “fair is foul and foul is fair” motif runs throughout Act 1. Explore its relevance to what happens in this act and

The idea that 'fair is foul and foul is fair' is one that runs through all of the first act in Shakespeare's Macbeth. The idea is first introduced by the weïrd sisters in scene one and is continually brought up by different characters, to describe views when something is not as it seems. Macbeth is the first to reiterate this idea in scene three, saying 'so foul and fair a day I have not seen,' (1.3.36) this is Macbeth's first line in the play, and contributes significantly to the construction of his character. Macbeth's statement represents the happiness he feels after winning a great battle, but also the sadness he feels from killing many men. This battle is Macbeth's head between good and bad is worsened by the three witches prediction that he shall be king, and the inescapable knowledge that do so, he would have to murder the current king. The idea of "fair is foul and foul is fair," is also visited by Banquo after the witches pronounced Macbeth as king, "why do you start and seem to fear things that sound so fair?" (1.3.49-50) Macbeth is obviously taken aback my the witches words and Banquo can see this, but does not understand it is because he knows the only way he can become king is to murder Duncan, the current king.