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.

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.

cbeth 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.

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

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 983
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)