Banqou

• The word "cursed" suggests that Macbeth believes his mind has been affected by the witches, leading to evil thoughts
• The cursed thoughts might be his own desire to see Duncan die, as it would bring his son closer to becoming King
• These thoughts are against nature, the natural order, and what God would want, hence Macbeth sees them as cursed
• Macbeth gives way to these ideas in repose, possibly explaining why he is constantly on the move
• Banquo and Macbeth's relationship is strained, with Banquo subtly warning Macbeth not to kill the King
• Banquo emphasizes Macbeth's status and the vulnerability of the King, suggesting sympathy rather than murder
• Banquo highlights the King's generosity towards Macbeth and his wife, advising Macbeth not to kill the King for kingship
• Macbeth's language reveals his desire for power and status, as he sees being a servant to the King as a defect
• Macbeth dismisses Banquo's advice and offers him a bribe, promising titles, money, or land if Banquo remains loyal
• Banquo subtly reaffirms his loyalty to the King, hinting at a possible political deal with Macbeth
• Macbeth politely dismisses Banquo's offer to discuss further, indicating a lie and a refusal to negotiate
• Banquo is kind, caring, loyal, and trustworthy
• He fights bravely for King Duncan but does not involve himself in the murder plot
• When attacked, Banquo's first thought is to keep his son safe
• Banquo displays character traits of a truly noble person
• Macbeth fears Banquo and acknowledges his nobility and bravery
• Banquo has a 'royalty of nature' that makes Macbeth afraid of him
• Macbeth recognizes Banquo's bravery and wisdom in not taking unnecessary risks
• Banquo is less ready to believe the Witches than Macbeth and is suspicious of their motives
• Banquo realises that the things predicted by the Witches may cause harm to his friend, Macbeth
• Banquo, like Macbeth, is ambitious but thinks more carefully about the consequences of actions
• Banquo recognises that Macbeth has been given the spark of ambition by the Witches' predictions
• Banquo understands that the predictions are temptations that only reveal part of the truth ('honest trifles')
• The Witches' intentions are to set a trap for something of greater significance ('to betray's in deepest consequence')
• Banquo is another general in King Duncan's army and Macbeth's best friend. While both men have ambitious thoughts, Banquo is more cautious and does not resort to murder to get what he wants.

  Banquo is aware that the Witches' predictions may be tricking Macbeth into evil actions and is the first to suspect Macbeth of murder. He dies while protecting his son, Fleance, and comes back as a ghost to haunt Macbeth.
• Banquo's thoughts and feelings:

  • Banquo talks about there being husbandry in heaven, no stars, no light, echoing Macbeth's words about hiding desires from the night
  • Banquo fixates on heaven to expose the evil Macbeth is about to do
  • Banquo uses the metaphor of candles being out in heaven, foreshadowing death and linking it with himself
  • Banquo expresses worry and fear for his son, symbolically giving him a sword for defense
• How other characters react to Banquo:

  • Fleance is characterized as a young boy, left alone at night, pointing out the absence of the moon
  • Banquo refers to Fleance as "boy" instead of "my boy", showing a lack of affection and a focus on the prophecy of Fleance becoming king
  • Banquo's relationship with Fleance is formal and distant, with a strange mood between father and son
  • Banquo's lines in iambic pentameter are intentionally incomplete, signaling something is amiss in the scene
• Why Banquo is an important character:

  • Banquo is important to Shakespeare for dramatic purposes, foreshadowing death and exposing Macbeth's evil deeds
  • Banquo is politically important to King James, as Shakespeare is writing for his patronage and approval
  • Banquo's character is crucial for comparing and contrasting with Macbeth, highlighting their differences and similarities