What first impressions are made of Macbeth and Duncan in the opening of the story?

Answer 1

Act 1 begins with the witches talking about meeting up with Macbeth. They don't seem like good witches. Then in Scene 2, readers and viewers hear good reports of Macbeth's bravery in his defense of king and country. So my very first impression of Macbeth is somewhat confused, somewhat questionable. But my first impression of Lady Macbeth isn't confused at all. Scene 5 begins with her reading the letter from her husband about his promotion and the witches' predictions. She has an assertive, pushing, strong character that creates a negative impression with its total disregard for human life other than her own.

Answer 2

Macbeth is a very strong character, bold and noble and fearless in battle. Duncan sees this in him when they win the battle and is angry at the thayne of Cawdor and wants him killed as he was a traitor. This gives a strong impression also of him as he is not afraid to have someone executed. There is also a slightly dark side to Macbeth because it also quotes in the book that he slaughtered everyone in his way of winning the battle. This suggests that he is ruthless and won't let anyone stand in his way.

Answer 3

At the beginning of the play we see a notable reversal of genders in the marriage. The brave, powerful Macbeth is submissive to a manipulative, dominant lady Macbeth, who's ambition for her husband drives her to convince a timid Macbeth to kill Duncan.

However, as the play progresses, we see a shift in the power. Macbeth, with false confidence from the witches' prophecies, is driven mad with ambition and determination not to bear the consequences of his actions, begins making the decisions without even bothering to tell his much-loved wife.

Lady Macbeth, one the other hand, succumbs to the guilt and repercussions of her unconventional actions. She is driven to madness by her guilt, and this eventually leads to her killing herself.

"Here's the smell of blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand." - Lady Macbeth

Answer 4

"Till brave Macbeth, well he deserves that name . . . carved out a passage till he faced the slave, wqhich ne'er shook hands nor bade farewell to him, till he unseamed him from the nave to the chops and fixed his head upon our battlements."

Very brave, very violent.

Answer 5

The first we hear about him is in Act I Scene 2 where he is described as a great warrior by the bloody sergeant.