Macbeth Vs Banquo Essay

657 Words3 Pages
In the tragic play “Macbeth”, written by William Shakespeare, Macbeth and Banquo’s first encounter with the witches is used as a means to give the reader a look into the personalities of both men. Upon listening to the witches predictions, both Macbeth and Banquo’s curiosities are piqued. However, whereas Macbeth allows the witches predictions to consume his thoughts, Banquo accepts these prophetic words but, unlike his counterpart Macbeth, remains skeptic. Shakespeare conveys these reactions clearly to the reader by providing a deep contrast in the actions of Macbeth and Banquo. In the early scenes of Act I it is Macbeth who is first to receive the prophecies of the witches. “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! All Hail Macbeth!…show more content…
Early into his meeting with the witches, the reader can see Banquo’s curiosity, just like Macbeth’s previously, aroused. “To me you speak not. If you can look into the seeds of time “(1.3.57-58). To Macbeth did the witches utter words of great fortune and promise, Banquo, intrigued by these prophecies, inquires into the future of his own life. The witches speak of Banquo’s children becoming kings. Unlike Macbeth, Banquo does not dwell on these predictions; he instead allows the moment to pass. It is not until Macbeth is addressed as Thane of Cawdor that Banquo considers that the witches’ prophecies may in fact have truth behind them. “What, can the devil speak true?” (1.3.107). Banquo, while entertaining the idea that the weird sisters may have spoken truth remains skeptic, still questioning these fortunes, although clear evidence had been presented. While his companion, Macbeth, impulsively consumes himself with the witches’ predictions at the first sight of truth, Banquo takes a level headed approach. “Oftentimes to win us to our harm. The instruments of darkness tell us truths ..”(1.3.123-24). Banquo has, unlike Macbeth, carefully analyzed the principal of the situation, presumably by being cynic, noting that there must be an underlying reason for the witches appearance. Banquo’s logical approach to the witches’ prophecies allows him to gather his thoughts and arrive to thought out conclusions contrasting the actions of
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