Equivovation in Macbeth

            In Shakespeare's Macbeth the theme of equivocation arises numerous times throughout various portions of the play in order to make the plot effective. His unique representation of Macbeth's uncontrollable desire for power that often leads to irregular or violent actions, resulting in death and/or destruction is an incredible force that attracts all sorts of audiences. The way that this force is conveyed is through the theme mentioned above, equivocation. Webster's Dictionary defines equivocation as the use of expressions susceptible of a double signification, with a purpose to mislead. There are several key moments involving equivocation that allowed the entire story to evolve the way it has. The main example is when Macbeth began wondering whether or not what the witches were telling him was true or merely a fib. Another example is when Macbeth was planning the murder of Duncan and uses equivocation in order to persuade himself that it is fate that is making him commit this crime, not himself. The final example is the apparition with two meanings given to Macbeth by the witches stating that he doesn't have to fear any man or woman for he cannot be killed by someone who was conceived from a woman.
             Soon after he had been named Thane of Cawdor and had encountered the witches for the first time, Macbeth was wondering if the rest of the witch's prophecies could come true. Here, Banquo remarks, "oftentimes, to win us to our harm, / The instruments of darkness tells us truths, / Win us with honest trifles, to betray us / In deepest consequence" (1.3.123-126). Banquo attempts to warn Macbeth that the witches could lure him to great evil by telling small truths. The way that this is equivocation is because what Banquo is saying is correct and the witches are using their prophecies of Macbeth to .
             mislead him and take control of his actions in order to negatively affect his life. Even though Banquo does not use the word equivocation, it is what he is referring to.