Question

Foreshadowing is an instrumental literary device in Macbeth. Think about how events from early in the play are revealed to have deeper meaning as the story unfolds. Identify one excerpt from the play that uses foreshadowing. Be sure to explain its importance to the events that occur at a later time.

Answer 1

In the very first scene, the witches chant "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." This is foreshadowing on several levels. First of all, they are foreshadowing the unnatural events that are going to take place in the play, since only something unnatural can be foul and fair at the same time. Secondly, they are foreshadowing Macbeth's exterior versus his interior and how that will change through the play. He will become fair on the outside but foul on the inside when he welcomes Duncan into his home while planning to murder him.