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Why is Macbeth both excited and fearful after hearing the witches prediction about his future?

When Macbeth first encounters the witches, he is initially intrigued by their prophecies. He is particularly excited about the possibility of becoming king, and he begins to imagine the power and glory that he could achieve. However, he is also fearful of the consequences of his actions. He knows that in order to become king, he will likely have to kill King Duncan, and he is worried about the guilt and remorse that he might feel after committing such a crime.

Macbeth's excitement and fear are both understandable. He is ambitious and wants to be king, but he is also a moral person and does not want to hurt anyone. The conflict between these two desires creates a great deal of tension in the play, and it is ultimately what leads to Macbeth's downfall.

In addition to his own personal feelings, Macbeth is also influenced by the words of the witches. The witches tell him that he will be king, but they do not tell him how he will become king. This leaves Macbeth to his own devices, and he ultimately decides to take matters into his own hands. He kills King Duncan, and in doing so, he sets himself on a path of destruction.

Macbeth's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and greed. It shows that even the best of intentions can lead to terrible consequences.

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