The words "Foul" and "Fair" are generally used together throughout the play Macbeth. They rarely appear without being compared to one another and this has a significant effect to the theme and development of the story. However, the words are used separately only a few times. Fair; is used to describe beautiful ladies, one being, Lady Macbeth who was described as fair by King Duncan. Duncan's description of Lady Macbeth is ironic because Lady Macbeth had plotted to kill King Duncan. The use of "fair" in this context relates to the chant of the Weird sisters "Fair is foul and foul is fair", what seemed to be fair was truly foul. Lady Macbeth's fair appearance was the exact opposite of her intentions and personality.
             Where foul is used by itself in the play it represents wickedness and treachery.
             The two words which are generally compared to one another in the same phrase "fair is foul and foul is fair" show the disillusionment of the characters perception of good and bad. The play demonstrates that desire can be so strong that people become overwhelmed with their own desires and often are oblivious to what may actually be "foul" or bad. They look merely at what is good or fair for them.
             Shakespeare is also saying in the play Macbeth that desire is the root of all greed and foulness, he demonstrates the power of greed and desire which is greatly inspired by the witches chant to Macbeth "fair is foul and foul is fair", this chant drives Macbeth and his wife to look past the consequences greed and push towards what they believe is "fair" for them.
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