Macbeth Characters Essay, Research Paper

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 thought/ After these ways; so, it will make us mad?

(II.ii.32-33). His guilt and remorse are also controlled by his wife?s

reassurance as she has him literally ?wash this filthy witness?(II.ii.46) of

the deed. After the murder is discovered, Macbeth has to take control when Lady

Macbeth gives a blundering response to the death of Duncan. Banquo scolds her

for being distant and cold to the situation. Macbeth covers for his wife?s

lack of sympathy until he is caught in a lie regarding the slain watchmen. To

take the attention away from the crime, Lady Macbeth cleverly faints, showing

that she is still the collected and horrifyingly calm partner. No matter, the

atmosphere of suspicion had already been strengthened. The characters chose

different paths, good and evil, which eventually brought tragedy. Although Lady

Macbeth?s sick persuasion gave Macbeth courage to act on his ambition, his own

images and passions deceived him into changing his virtues for unrest and

immorality. A short period of fast and unsure actions led to the deterioration

and downfall of the characters.