Peifer 4
10 IB English
1 March 2009
Macbeth LRJ #1
My initial impression of Macbeth is that he was an honorable, brave man, who was very kind. His wife even thought that he was too kind: "Thy nature,/ It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness" (1.5.16-17). Macbeth is also described by a dying soldier as a hero who fought valiantly against the evil rebels. Lady Macbeth also appears brave, but for different reasons. She is determined to make her husband man up and follow his destiny of becoming king. Lady Macbeth chose to become stronger by asking the spirits to "unsex me here,/ and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full/ Of direst cruelty" (1.5.48-50). In contrast to the Macbeths, Banquo seems cautious and noble. He tries to warn Macbeth about the witches, stating that "The instruments of darkness tell us truths,/ Win us with honest trifles, to betray 's" (1.3.135-136).
The quest for power is the main theme in Act One. Macbeth gets very excited when the witches tell him he will gain power and prominence: "Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more" (1.3.73). Banquo did not seem to be as impressed by the witches as Macbeth, he appeared to dismiss the prophecies they told: "have we eaten on the insane root/ That takes the reason prisoner?" (1.3.87-88). He thinks that both Macbeth and himself are imagining the witches. Banquo distrusts them because he does not want to think they can know the future so precisely.
The quest for power is the main theme in Act One. Macbeth gets very excited when the witches tell him he will gain power and prominence: "Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more" (1.3.73). Banquo did not seem to be as impressed by the witches as Macbeth, he appeared to dismiss the prophecies they told: "have we eaten on the insane root/ That takes the reason prisoner?" (1.3.87-88). He thinks that both Macbeth and himself are imagining the witches. Banquo distrusts them because he does not want to think they can know the future so precisely.
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