"So foul and fair a day I have not yet seen."
This is a quote from Act I scene I, in which Macbeth is describing the day's mood to Banquo. They have been battling all day, hence the foul portion of that statement, yet they have won all of their battles, resulting in the "fair day." However, this statement could also be taken literally, meaning that the weather could simply be either bad or fair. Fair seems to be a common word used by many advanced writers, including Shakespear and Golding, as it can mean multiple things and is an excellent symbolic item in any literary work.
"Fair" can mean reasonable, unbiased, done according to the rules, not stormy or cloudy, and sunny or clear. In this quote, Macbeth could either be referring to clear and sunny weather (setting the mood for seemingly positive events to come), or could be referring to their victories in battle. "Foul" can mean disgusting, unappealing, covered in dirt, or possibly a dirty deed. In this quote, Macbeth could be referring to stormy weather, which forshadows negative events to come. However, he could also be referring to events that he is disgusted with himself for performing, such as killing many men.
Reading Log:
English Portfolio - 5/5/14: 45 min.
Reviewing Macbeth - 35 min.
writing world history book paper - 40 min.
Total: 120 min.
You picked such a great quote and described it really well! Good job!
ReplyDeleteMadison,
ReplyDeleteNice post! I like the analyzing of each major word of the quotation. Another thing to notice is that he is perhaps foreshadowing the whole book by outlining a struggle between good and evil.