Meaning: The quote "So foul and fair a day I have not seen" is from the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. The line is spoken by Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 3, as he and Banquo encounter the three witches for the first time. The witches have just prophesied that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually king, and Banquo's descendants will also inherit the throne. The quote captures Macbeth's conflicting emotions as he processes the strange and contradictory nature of the prophecies.

The use of the words "foul" and "fair" in the quote reflects the theme of ambiguity and paradox that runs throughout the play. In Macbeth, the boundary between good and evil, right and wrong, is often blurred, and characters struggle with conflicting impulses and desires. The quote serves as a foreshadowing of the moral and psychological turmoil that Macbeth will experience as he grapples with his ambition and the consequences of his actions.

The line also highlights the role of the supernatural in the play. The witches, with their prophetic powers and ability to manipulate events, embody the mysterious and unsettling forces at work in the world of Macbeth. Their presence introduces an element of uncertainty and unpredictability, adding to the sense of unease and foreboding that permeates the play.

Furthermore, the quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the broader themes of fate and free will in Macbeth. Throughout the play, characters struggle with the idea of predetermined destiny versus personal agency. Macbeth's initial reaction to the witches' prophecies suggests a sense of fatalism, as if he is resigned to whatever fate has in store for him. However, as the play unfolds, it becomes clear that Macbeth's choices and actions have a significant impact on the course of events, raising questions about the extent to which individuals can control their own destinies.

In addition to its thematic significance, the quote "So foul and fair a day I have not seen" also showcases Shakespeare's masterful use of language and imagery. The juxtaposition of "foul" and "fair" creates a striking contrast that captures the complex and contradictory nature of the world of Macbeth. The quote's concise and evocative phrasing conveys a depth of meaning and emotion, demonstrating Shakespeare's ability to distill profound ideas into a few powerful words.

Overall, the quote "So foul and fair a day I have not seen" from Macbeth encapsulates some of the central themes and motifs of the play, including ambiguity, the supernatural, fate versus free will, and the mastery of language. It serves as a memorable and thought-provoking expression of the moral and existential dilemmas that drive the action of the play and continue to resonate with audiences centuries after its composition.