Comparison Between Macbeth and Banquos Response to the...

Macbeth and Banquo’s reaction to the prophecy told to them by the witch’s gave way for two opposing opinions on both the validity and manifesting of the prophecy. Although their opinions throughout the unveiling of the prophecy were opposing throughout, at all times they both rendered the prophecy in contrastive ways, whether they contemplated on its benefit or hindrance towards their gleaming future. â€Å"All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!† Great fear was shown on Macbeth’s face suggesting he was very hesitant toward the idea of him becoming King. However Banquo was much more optimistic about the words of the witch’s, questioning Macbeth, â€Å"why do you start and seem to fear things that do sound so fair?† Macbeth is still in†¦show more content†¦It is now seen that the tides have shifted, and Macbeth is now very much engulfed in the prophecy, as Macbeth discovers that a portion of the prophecy has been fulfilled with the title ‘Thane of Cawdor’ being placed unto him. As Macbeth continues to be animated about the possibility of the entire prophecy being fulfilled, Banquo becomes hesitant towards the prophecy. It is this speech by Banquo that defines his reasons for being so cautious in his reaction to the prophecy. â€Å"oftentimes to win us to our harm the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray’s in deepest consequence.† This speech portrays Banquo’s new found reluctance towards the witch’s forecast of the future. He now sees what Macbeth is blind too, the possibility of knowledge becoming more harmful to the men rather than helpful in Macbeth’s want for more, particularly pertaining to him becoming King. As Macbeth begins to weigh the prophecy against logic and the now present, he accepts the fact that if â€Å"two truths are told, as happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme.† Macbeth is now beginning to assume that if portions of the prophecy are being fulfilled as the witch’s had said, it is only a matter of time before he shall become king. As Macbeth continues to be engulfed by what will be his future downfall, he assumes that all of his new foundShow MoreRelatedAudiences Sympathy f or Macbeth in William Shakespeares Play3064 Words   |  13 PagesAudiences Sympathy for Macbeth in William Shakespeares Play Macbeth was written during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the First, a period in history when people’s beliefs in their world were changing. People believed strongly in the Divine Right of Kings and that Regicide was an act against God’s will, making it an unforgivable sin. The worship of God was also incredibly important and people would be fined for not attending church on a Sunday and the priest would be the