ncan, for it is a knell/That summons thee to heaven or to hell” (1051).
In comparison to Macbeth’s ambition is the character of Banquo, a man of humility. Banquo was told by the witches that his sons would be kings, even as Macbeth is king. Banquo tries to warn Macbeth that the witches represent the forces of darkness and often try to persuade men to take a dangerous and evil course. Despite Banquo’s warnings and despite the opening words from the witches (“fair is foul, and foul is fair”), Macbeth does not heed his sound advice (1045). However, Macbeth also imagines he hears a voice inform him, “sleep no more.” This represents the beginnings of Macbeth’s wavering emotions and his weakness compared to Lady Macbeth at the outset of the play.
When Macbeth returns back to his castle, he finds Lady Macbeth waiting for him. Lady Macbeth is practically salivating at the prospect of raising her home to that of the highest level of power attainable. Once she is informed about the witches’ prophecies and her husband’s new title, she becomes fixated on seizing the throne. Macbeth’s ambition is typical of many men of great achievement. However, Lady Macbeth’s character is portrayed as evil from the word go. She tells her husbands he lacks ambition and is “too full of the milk of human kindness” to do what it takes to usurp the crown (1052). She tells her husband he must “screw [his] courage to the sticking place” and kill Duncan so he can seize the crown. At this point we see the perfect balance of their yin and yang character qualities. Macbeth is affronted by her overzealous ambition, but he knows she is right and stronger than him in will. Together they manifest the balance it takes to kill the king.
Macbeth will continue to exhibit weakness to Lady Macbeth’s strength, even though he continues to murder others to ensure that there is not threat to his position on the throne. Macbeth co...