MEET MACBETH

     Macbeth's characterization begins with the Sergeant, "For brave Macbeth--well he deserves that name."  Macbeth is immediately introduced as a brave soldier.  From then on, he is praised by his peers (other than his wife).  We can see into his inner thoughts through his asides to himself which gives the audience the knowledge that he's not as courageous as the people around him think he is.  The witches have a large role in foreshadowing as the play begins.  Their famous line, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair.."  tells the reader that what will happen will happen and it can't be changed.  I also think that there is some foreshadowing in them saying that Banquo's son will become king because I think that this means that Banquo's son will end up killing Macbeth for the crown.  They also foreshadow Macbeth killing Duncan and becoming king.  Shakespeare's use of the witches was a great way to set up the play without giving away what will actually happen.  Shakespeare's characterization of Macbeth immediately evokes a dork and questioning tone because he struggles making decisions for himself mentally, but seems perfectly sane on the outside which is really suspicious for a reader.  He is already thinking about murder for self-gain which makes the audience seem weary and skeptical of what's to come next.  At this point in the play, one act in, the theme seems to be centered around the quote, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair.."  I think that this phrase will stay as a recurring motif throughout the rest of the play because it's meaning is dismal and anyone who reads Macbeth knows that it doesn't have a sugar-coated plot line.