The Character Of Macbeth In William Shakespeare's Play

Both the witches and Lady Macbeth are involved in Macbeth’s sins, but they never actually wield the knife. Every time, Macbeth actually does what other characters merely suggest. The witches tell Macbeth “All hail Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter”, and this prophecy, without mentioning murder, leads Macbeth to jump to the conclusion of killing King Duncan (1.3.48). When the witches tell Macbeth’s comrade (and foil) Banquo “Thou shalt get kings, though thou shalt be none. /So all hail Macbeth and Banquo.” Banquo doubts them, and the prophecy is fulfilled regardless of his inaction (1.3.65-66).

He remains much indifferent to their oracles unlike Macbeth. Banquo serves as a foil to Macbeth, showing an different reaction to prophecy. Banquo retains his morals and allegiances, but ends up dying at the hands of Macbeth’s hired murderers. In Act 2 scene 3 of Macbeth, we read about Banquo’s death in which his last words are for his son to flee and get away, so he will live another day instead and possible avenge him. In Macbeth’s case, he is willing to kill anyone who will get in his way so he may keep his throne.

This decision was not an easy one for Macbeth to make, as he constantly battles with himself over it. After being named Thane of Cawdor like the witches prophesied, he wonders “why [does he] yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix [his] hair and make [his] seated heart knock at [his] ribs” (1.3.147-149). Just thinking about Duncan is unsettling to Macbeth. Duncan is a good king and thinks very highly of Macbeth. However, part of the prophecy had already come true.

In fact, Macbeth becomes fascinated by them, "would they had stayed." Banquo serves as his conscience, perhaps representing the period audience who would have also thought the witches to be evil and unnatural, and warns him of the dangers of trusting such supernatural messengers; a warning that goes unheeded. After hearing the prophecy, Macbeth already thinks about, "murder," and becomes preoccupied with thoughts of becoming king showing the powerful hold they have over him with only one meeting, scaring the audience who would have believed in Witches. Macbeth believes the Witches as there first prophecy came true and ignores the fact that they’re evil beings whereas Banquo recognizes them for what they are. He even informs his most beloved, Lady Macbeth, who also shares his ambition.

Macbeth kills King Duncan to obtain the power he was told he’d get. Despite that, the witches never said to kill King Duncan; they told him he would become king. Macbeth’s true character reveals his natural cruelty when Lady Macbeth persuades him to kill Duncan for

They also use manipulation by greeting Macbeth by his current title 'The Thane of Glamis', to capture his attention and trust. Next, they greet him as the Thane of Cawdor, which is what King Duncan names him for his nobility, after hearing about the betrayal of the previous Thane of Cawdor. Then, they give him a third prophecy saying that he shall take Duncan's seat and be the next king of Scotland. Upon hearing that, a murderous ambition awakes in Macbeth and he immediately tells his wife, Lady Macbeth, about his encounter with the witches. " --Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings.

After a battle with rebel forces lead by Macdonwald in Act 1, Macbeth and Banquo were on their way to meet Duncan to give him a full report of the battle. However, as they walked, they came upon the witches who greeted only Macbeth until Banquo bade them speak to him. They hailed Macbeth the Thane of Glamis, which he was, Thane of Cawdor, which he did not yet know, and hailed him to be the future King. After the visit from the witches, Ross and Angus ran up to them and hailed him Thane of Cawdor, a title that Duncan gifted him for his part in winning the battle. Once the witches’ prophecy began to come true, Macbeth was smitten by the idea of being King, though he didn’t really want to kill Duncan and his sons for it.

Alyssa Latham Mrs. Cross Honors English 12 6 March 2018 A story of death and savagery describes the “Tragedy of Macbeth.” by William Shakespeare. This legendary story follows a man’s ruthless actions, in order to carry out the prophecy put before him. Macbeth’s horrid actions are escalated from the prophecy, of him becoming king, from three witches(1.3.48-50). The third witch brings the inviting line to Macbeth when she says, “All hail, Macbeth,that shalt be king hereafter”(1.3.50)! This implies that Macbeth will become king, even though there is currently a great king who everyone adores.Macbeth realizes that the only way for them to become royal is through the murder of King Duncan and his sons.

Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!”- Witches (1.3.49-51). When the first part comes true, it pushes some of his morals aside, giving him the idea to kill King Duncan. The second prophecy, which tells him to watch out for Macduff, tells him that he could not be killed by a man born of a woman, and that he will not die until the Birnam Wood marched to fight him, is used to make him arrogant. It also makes him think that he will never die.

At this point, Macbeth nearly entirely trusts the witch’s prophecies. This further deepens Macbeth’s ambition to become king and creates uncertainty in him. After learning that king Duncan has made Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland and heir to his throne, Macbeth thinks to himself "Stars, hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires. / The eye wink at the hand, yet let that be / Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see" (1.4.57-60). This further shows Macbeth’s greed and intent to become king has grown.