"Look like th' innocent flower, but be the serpent under't". (Lady M Act 1)
Lady Macbeth incorporates a biblical allusion by employing the term
"serpent," drawing parallels to the Genesis narrative depicting the fall of mankind.
This deliberate choice of diction serves to underscore her belief in the effectiveness of
deception, akin to the serpent's manipulation of Adam and Eve.
Lady Macbeth adeptly highlights the effectiveness of deception when cloaked in an
"innocent" flower-like façade (mask), emphasising the ease with which such deceit
can be orchestrated, especially when temptation and pride are at play.