Macbeth Characters Essays (902 words) - Characters In Macbeth

Macbeth Characters Acts I and II Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Banquo are all tempted with the witches' prophecies. Horrid images immediately begin to invade the minds of these three characters. However, it is their responses to this and the choices they make that distinguish them from one another and ultimately change lives forever. Macbeth and Banquo respond to the witches' predictions in different ways. Banquo is very skeptical. Although he begs for their prophecy of his future, he is not so taken with their revelations as he says, "Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear/ Your favours nor your hate" (I.iii.60-61). Fair words can mean foul things. Their replies are tempting but he passes them off as only trouble. Macbeth is understandably thrilled at the sudden reality of the truths and becomes obsessed with the idea of being king. He claims to have decided to allow fate to direct his destiny, but their predictions have left a frightening impression in his mind. Banquo uses good judgment believing that the witches represent evil and will bring more harm than good, but the rapid occurrence of events clouds Macbeth's judgment and cause him to fall prey to this deep impatient ambition. From the moment Lady Macbeth reads the letter, she is determined to make the witches prophecy come true. Her mind is an echo of the witches predictions, "Fair is foul and foul is fair"(I.i.10). However, the witches are forces of nature and fate and Lady Macbeth is human. They may have pointed Macbeth in a direction but did not force him to commit to anything as she did. Their predictions only came true because of her push. The quick decisions begin as she plans the ?quickest way' to get Macbeth on the throne. Shakespeare introduces her character as a dominant and controlling wife. Contrary to her heartless nature though, Macbeth addresses her as a pure being because only he knows of her hidden weaknesses. Lady Macbeth's character portrays many rich combinations of personality: evil, manipulating, delicate, kind. Her resolution is so intense that it frightens Macbeth. The sickening determination is expressed with potent imagery in scene 5, "Come to my woman's breast, and take my milk for gall"(I.v.48-49). As soon as she sees Macbeth's apprehensions, she mocks him by implying that he is a coward. She even questions his manhood. Although Macbeth is chilled by his wife's hard attitude, he succumbs to her prodding and prepares to commit to the murder. His goodness and loyalty can be seen as he struggles with the foulness of his ambition. But when the king tells of his visit to their home, Macbeth realizes that the time and opportunity are perfect to quench this "burning of desire" (I.v.3). Banquo and Macbeth's contrasting characters are obvious in Act II. Banquo has some strange uneasiness which makes him unwilling to go to sleep. His nervousness is evident when he hears somebody coming and calls for his sword, even though he should feel safe in Macbeth's castle. Banquo tells Macbeth about his fear to sleep because of the witches' predictions. He is having"cursed thoughts" (II.i.8) and is fearful for Macbeth also. Macbeth bluntly lies and claims that he has thought "not of them" (II.i.22). While Banquo is confiding his private thoughts to his friend, Macbeth is dodging honesty and hints at business that will "make honor" (II.i.26). Banquo, although tempted by the thoughts of his heirs, rejects the prophecies and rationally overcomes the sinful thoughts. He proves his integrity by never truly considering to act of these evil dreams. Banquo maintains a clean conscience and responds cautiously but begins to suspect that something is amiss. Macbeth's character seems to have become more independent at this stage. He has gained a sense of purpose and does not need his wife's demands anymore. However, in the moments before the crime is committed, Macbeth sees visions and seems to have lost his mind. He does not know whether to trust his eyes or his reason: "Mine eyes are made the fools of the other senses, or else worth all the rest" (II.i.44-45). His rationality takes over and the murder is done. He immediately changes once again into a frightened child. Macbeth is nearly driven mad by the horror of his actions but his wife urges him to be practical. Tension is seen when the deed is done and husband and wife exchange sharp, quick words. Macbeth is horrified with what he has done while Lady Macbeth takes a soldier's stance as she says, "These deed must not be