Banquo

• Who is Banquo?


  A Scottish nobleman and general in King Duncan's army, and a loyal friend to Macbeth.
• "Thou hast it now: kill mortal guts!"

  This quote is from Act 1, Scene 3, when Macbeth and Banquo are discussing the prophecies of the witches, with Macbeth urging Banquo to kill.
• What does Banquo's ghost represent?


  Banquo's ghost represents Banquo's own demise and Macbeth's guilt, symbolizing Macbeth's inability to shake off the memory of his crime.
• This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill, Why hath it us'd no other means but this of vanishing? If good, why did it lend it me?

  This quote is from Act 3, Scene 1, when Banquo's ghost appears to Macbeth, with Macbeth struggling to reconcile the moral implications of the ghost's appearance.
• What is Banquo's significance in the play?


  Banquo is a key character in the play because he serves as a foil to Macbeth's ambition and morality, and his ghostly appearance serves as a catalyst for Macbeth's descent into madness and guilt.
• I'll take my leave of thee by and by, For yet I hear thee speak'st Of Banquo, and the air Nimbly and swallow'd in the wind of his despair Drowns his whole sense Is this Trip? Is this Machination?


  This quote is from Act 3, Scene 1, when Banquo's ghost appears to Macbeth, with the quote highlighting Macbeth's growing unease and his inability to shake off the feeling that he is being manipulated by supernatural forces.
• Why is Banquo important to Macbeth?


  Banquo is important to Macbeth because he is a reminder of Macbeth's own mortality and the consequences of his actions, serving as a constant presence that reminds Macbeth of his guilt and the pain he has caused.
• Why does Banquo refuse to kill the witches' prophecies?


  Banquo refuses to kill the witches' prophecies because he is a loyal and noble man who believes in the power of good and justice, and is hesitant to take matters into his own hands.
• What is Banquo's most famous speech?


  Banquo's most famous speech is his "I Warrant Him, Duncan" speech in Act 1, Scene 3, where he warns Macbeth to be cautious of the witches' prophecies and the consequences of taking their advice.
• How does Banquo die?


  Banquo is killed by Macbeth's servants while he is sleeping, as an act of revenge for his perceived betrayal of Macbeth's trust.
• What is the symbolism of Banquo's ghost?


  Banquo's ghost serves as a symbol of the consequences of Macbeth's actions, reminding him of his guilt and mortality, and haunting him until the very end of the play.
• Why does Banquo's ghost appear to Macbeth?


  Banquo's ghost appears to Macbeth as a result of Macbeth's own guilt and conscience, serving as a form of psychological torment and punishment for his crimes.
• What is the significance of Banquo's children?


  Banquo's children, Fleance and his daughter, are significant because they represent the continuation of Banquo's line and a potential challenge to Macbeth's rule, serving as a reminder of the natural order of succession and the consequences of Macbeth's actions.