Throughout Macbeth there is a strong contrast between what seems to be and what really is. The play begins with Macbeth saying, "So foul and a day I have not seen." Macbeth is rejoicing over a marvelous victory as a captain of the army, while complaining about the weather. It is ironic that this day would bring the news of his future that would soon lead to his death. Shakespeare uses this theme of appearance verses reality through the entire play.
             Scene one shows the three witches discussing their plans to meet with Macbeth. Used to draw the crowd's attention, these witches speak in riddles and odd sayings. The scene closes with the witches chanting in unison, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair..." This signifies the forthcoming differences between appearance and truth. The witches, upon meeting him, hail Macbeth "that shalt be king hereafter!" Macbeth is startled by this news, which confuses his companion Banquo. Banquo asks, "Good sir, why do you start: and see, to fear Things that do sound so fair?" Macbeth realizes that this seemingly good news means the death of people close to him. Troubled by this Macbeth pleads with the "imperfect speakers" to reveal to him more of his future, but the witches "made themselves air, into which they vanished."
             In Act III, Macbeth comes again upon the three witches. The witches reveal more to Macbeth through three apparitions that they pull from their boiling cauldron. The first apparition was an armed head. The witches warn Macbeth, "beware Macduff." Macbeth claims to be struck with fear, and asks the apparition to explain itself. However, the apparition is gone.
             The second apparition was that of a bloody child saying, "Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth." This gives great boost to Macbeth's pride, &quo
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