Macbeth Vs Banquo

Both Macbeth and Banquo have unique reactions illustrated in their conversation to the news from Ross and Angus. Macbeth, while originally cautious yet interested, begins to believe what the witches foretold after part of their prophecy is fulfilled when the news is brought that Macbeth will be the Thane of Cawdor. Once this occurs, Macbeth gives great value to what the witches said and hopes that greater things await him in the future. Contemplating these great possibilities, he asks Banquo, “Do you not hope your children shall be kings, when those that gave the thane of Cawdor to me promised no less to them?” He asks this considering that Banquo too, was promised much by the witches. However, contrasting the faith Macbeth begins to put in …show more content…
This conflict causes him to be restless and doubtful, and as his darker side begins to take control, Macbeth shifts until he eventually becomes cruel, insecure, and threatened. If Macbeth had continued to live his life as he had before the prophecy, these many misfortunes might not have taken such a toll on his life; however, this change in his character alters his life with permanent consequences. Ultimately, the conflict increases the intensity and complexity of the play up to this point because it adds layers to Macbeth’s character. It also makes it more difficult for him to make decisions determining right from wrong and the correct course of action. He no longer has a clear moral compass or explicit loyalties; instead, he feels lost in his pursuit of something greater. Macbeth is not only battling with external forces; in addition, he is caught in a war between the angel on his right shoulder and the devil on his left …show more content…
Throughout the text, Macbeth’s internal concerns are repeated and emphasized as he toddles between right and wrong. At the beginning of the soliloquy, he worries about worldly punishment. “If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well It were done quickly… But in these cases we still have judgment here.” He then considers his duty and loyalty to Duncan, pondering, “as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself.” Macbeth even goes on to state, “I have no spur.” He describes that his ambition is the only part of him that causes him to even consider such a horrible deed. He concludes his soliloquy by stating, “To prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on th' other.” Even after this, he remains unconvinced until his wife persuades him that he is obligated to murder the