Similarities Between Macbeth And Banquo

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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 simply brushes aside these prophetic words, in comparison to his counterpart, Macbeth. 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! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All Hail,…show more content…
Here the reader sees the sisters speak of three prophecies, one of which has already been fulfilled [Thane of Glamis]. Macbeth is instantaneously transfixed by these glamorous predictions spoken over his life. “Stay you imperfect speakers, tell me more!” (1.3.70). These words consequently send Macbeth into a state of delirium. This is the first instance where we see Macbeth consumed by the predictions of the witches. Later on in Act 1, another of the witches’ predictions comes through when Macbeth is greeted with the title ‘Thane of Cawdor’. Immediately Macbeth backtracks to his previous encounter with the weird sisters. “Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor! The greatest is behind.”(1.3.116). Macbeth being addressed as Thane of Cawdor is enough to affirm his beliefs in the witches predictions and further preoccupy his mind with thoughts of what is to come. Macbeth, in an aside,

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