MEET MACBETH

We are introduced to Macbeth in a way that makes him look like a ruthless, bloodthirsty killer. But when we actually meet him, he doesn't seem to necessarily exhibit the traits of your typical fear-inspiring soldier. When the witches tell him he will become the thane of Cawdor and then subsequently the king, Macbeth shakes this off and is cautious of this, exhibiting signs of humility. This is something that would seem as an uncommon trait in a supposed discriminant killer. The witches also tell Banquo that he will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater,” and “not so happy, yet much happier,” which gives us a sense of foreshadowing. Shakespeare does this foreshadowing in such a way that the reader must read between the lines and get the references he makes in order to see the foreshadowing. The whole "fair is foul and foul is fair" line is a bit of a foreshadowing that the reader should not come in with any prior expectations but at the same time, expect the unexpected. The characterization of Macbeth reflect a sense of a dark and ominous tone.