Banquo + Duncan

• Who is Banquo in relation to Macbeth?


  Banquo is Macbeth’s brave and noble best friend.
• What role does Banquo play in the play?


  Banquo is Macbeth's second victim.
• How does Banquo enter the play?


  Banquo enters the play with Macbeth after fighting valiantly for Duncan’s side.
• What does Duncan acknowledge about Banquo?


  Duncan acknowledges Banquo as “no less deserved” of praise than Macbeth.
• How is Banquo's ambition portrayed in the play?


  Banquo has ambition of his own, as he asks for a prophecy from the Witches.
• What prophecy does Banquo learn from the Witches?


  Banquo learns that his children will rule Scotland.
• What is the cost of the Witches' prophecy for Banquo?


  The cost will be his life.
• Who kills Banquo and why?


  Banquo is killed by murderers at Macbeth’s command.
• What happens to Fleance during Banquo's murder?


  Fleance manages to escape the murderers.
• What significant event occurs after Banquo's death?


  Banquo appears as a ghost at the banquet the Macbeths give.
• What does Banquo's son, Fleance, represent at the play's end?


  Fleance represents the potential for revenge and the fulfillment of the Witches' prophecy.
• What does King Duncan symbolize in the play?


  Duncan symbolizes stability and just leadership.
• How is Duncan characterized in the play?


  Duncan is characterized as level-headed and kindly.
• What does Duncan's character contrast with in the play?


  Duncan's character contrasts with those who engage in threats and sabotage for power.
• What does Duncan's death signify in the play?


  Duncan's death signifies the end of peace and the onset of a corrupt regime.
• How does Duncan's trust in others affect the plot?


  Duncan's trust in Cawdor and Macbeth leads to his dramatic betrayal and death.
• What does Duncan represent in relation to power?


  Duncan represents the precariousness of power in a corrupt world.
• How does Duncan's character influence the status quo in the play?


  Duncan's character forces the status quo to either remain or be destroyed entirely.
• What are the key characteristics of Banquo and Duncan in the play?


  • Banquo:
  • Brave and noble
  • Ambitious
  • Second victim of Macbeth
  • Duncan:
  • Symbol of stability
  • Kind and level-headed
  • Represents just leadership
• What are the consequences of Duncan's death in the play?


  • Signifies the end of peace
  • Onset of a corrupt regime
  • Leads to Macbeth's rise to power
  • Sets the stage for revenge by Banquo's son, Fleance