Banquo

• What is so significant about Banquo's introduction?

  Banquo is similar to Macbeth in that they both have ambitious thoughts, however Banquo demonstrates restraint as he doesn't act upon these desires. The character of Banquo is the opposite to Macbeth, as he represents the route that Macbeth chose not to take. The path where ambition doesn't lead to betrayal and murder. Thus it is Banquo's ghost, rather than Duncan's, that haunts Macbeth.
• What is Banquo's symbolism?

  Shakespeare uses the constructs of Macbeth and Banquo to show how men can react when shown temptation. Banquo is portrayed as Macbeth's foil and is therefore symbolic of man's ability to resist temptation.
• How does Shakespeare use straightforward language in Banquo's speech?

  He speaks plainly throughout the play, unlike Macbeth and Lady Macbeth: he earnestly supports his king and the established order and calls on his Christian beliefs frequently to show his honesty and integrity.
• How does Shakespeare use iambic pentameter in Banquo's speech?

  This shows he is a nobleman, while Macbeth's speech is intersperesed with prose or rhyming couplets to show his relative lack of virtue and the increasing corruption of his noble nature.
• How does Shakespeare use soliloquies and asided in Banquo's speech?

  Shakespeare reveals his integrity and moral clarity through his speeches. They reflect his concern that Macbeth has been decieved by the witches' prophecies and may have killed Duncan as a result.
• How does Banquo flatter King James?

  William Shakespeare's play Macbeth is loosely based on real events in Scotland in the early 11th century. James I - the king of Scotland and also the king of England at the time Macbeth was written and performed - believed himself to be the descendant of a historial figure called 'Banquo'. Banquo's characterisation can be seen as Shakespeare flattering his new royal sponsor.
• 'The instruments of darkness tells us truths,

  Win us with honest trifles, to betrays'


  Who: Banquo

  When: Act 1, Scene 3

  What: Banquo warns Macbeth that the witches' prophecies may be tempting him with a small truth to lead him to towards darker consequences that will cause him harm.

  Deeper Analysis: Banquo acts a foil to Macbeth - While Macbeth is uncertain, Banquo has clarity and self-assuredness. Macbeth is lured into betraying his king, but Banquo remains loyal. Banquo resists the witches and imagery emphasis his belifes that they are harmful and deceitful.
• "Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,

  As the weird women promised, and, I fear,

  Thou play'dst most foully for't"


  When: Act 3, Scene 1

  What: Banquo reflects on Macbeth's success (that he has "all" he was promised), but he is concerned that Macbeth has won this success by "playing" unfairly.

  Deeper Analysis: Shakespeare is illustrating the growing conflict in Macbeth and Banquo's friendship. Banquo suspects that his friend has acted foully and has become immoral. Shakespeare questions ideas about fate - the line is blurred between the prophecies and the way in which Macbeth responds.
• "O, treachery! Fly, goood Fleance, fly, fly, fly!

  Thou mayst revenge"

  Who: Banquo

  When: Act 3, Scene 3

  What: Banquo appears surprised that his friend, Macbeth, has betrayed him and sent men to murder him and his son

  Deeper Analysis: The climax of the play singals a turning point for Macbeth, the tragic hero. His submission to egomania and violence leads to mental decline and, ultimately, his downfall. His treachery makes him irredeemable. However, notably, Banquo calls to his son to seek vengeance: Perhaps Shakespeare implies that loyalty can create a continuous cycle of violent revenge,
• We can see the differences between the two men when we observe their reactions to the witches' prophecies. Macbeth is "rapt withal" which bears connotations of being entranced and absorbed by the Witches. However, Banquo will "neither beg nor fear your favours nor your hate" as he is indifferent to their prophecies. He takes the witches for what they physically appear to be - ragged old women. He doesn't trust them so he perceives their prophecies with scepticism.
• Banquo's role as foil emphasised by the juxtaposition of his prophecies with Macbeth's "lesser" and "greater", with "happier" and "not so happy". Here, Shakespeare's use of antithesis in his phrasing hints that Banquo serves as Macbeth's antithesis. This suggests Banquo is a morally strong and virtuous character who resists evil, providing a contrast to Macbeth, who is morally weak, innately flawed and evil character who gives into temptation.
• Shakespeare's exposure of both Banquo and Macbeth to temptation is necessary for the audience to view the contrasting responses to temptation. This allows them to decide which man is the morally righteous one.
• Shakespeare portrays temptation as the crux of the play. It is vital for Banquo to be faced with temptation and ambition as it proves that Banquo is morally strong; his strength doesn't come from an easy path, but from resisting temptation. Macbeth's hamartia is that he is too weak to resist the influence of the Witches and Lady Macbeth.
• Arguably, this is a message from Shakespeare to the audience that everyone is capable of evil and they must resist it. Banquo doesn't speak out against injustice and corruption, despite being tempted by the promise of being "the root and father of many kings". He won't reveal the evil prophecy that promises him attractive things; perhaps this is because he wants it to come true too and has the flaw of ambition. However, his flaw is not his hamartia; he can resist it.
• • Banquo resist the temptations of evil offered by the Supernatural (in the form of the Witches) throughout the play. This would have appeased a contemporary audience, which widely believed that the devil existed on earth and walked amongst humans trying to tempt them. Thus, the witches can be seen as a symbol of temptation to sin that Banquo, as a moral superior, is able to resist.
  • When Banquo finds that the prophecy is coming true he responds with "what, can the devil speak true". This implies that he views them as agents of the devil and sees them for what they are. This supports James I's view in Demonology that witches are controlled by the devil.
• Banquo would have been percieved by a contemporary audience as a moralistic character as his values were in line with those of the Christian Church. He calls upon God for help in resisting temptation: "merciful powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in repose". Shakespeare uses the theme of temptation, which has Biblical connotations, in reference to Banquo.
• Shakespeare demonstrates the noble qualities and Banquo's "royalty of nature" as he is literally royal in nature - it was prophesied that "thou shalt get kings". Also, royal in terms of virtue - he is honourable and virtuous. Thus he will disapprove of the murder, fight for justice and remain loyal to the king (Duncan) - as warned by "keep my bosom franchised".
• The honour of Banquo is debatable as it could be argued that his response to the Witches' prophecy is actually strategic. It is important to consider why Shakespeare allows for this debate to be had, through his ambivalent portrayal of Banquo. Banquo is repeatedly referred to as being noble and honourable, throughout the play: "worthy/nobl Banquo", "no less deserv'd", "wisdom that doth guide his valour" and a "royalty of nature". Banquo states that he must "keep allegiance clear" - is this allegiance to the past king which would make him a threat to Macbeth, or allegiance to any king. He speaks in term of business: "my allegiance" - loyalty and commitment - "my" - almost like he's selling it and "augment" - make something greater/increase. This gives the sense of him playing strategically - carefully chosen and non-committal language. Allowing him to reserve his judgement so he can choose to support whichever side will best benefit him.
• • Banquo's resonse to evil separates him from Macbeth. They are exposed to the same influences - witches and promises of greatness - however, Banquo turns to God, asking for help in resisting evil and ultimately doesn't act on his ambitions as he recognises they are a force of evil.
  • This is evident as he is suspicious from the start, as he questions "are you aught that man may question?". Here, he is recognising the Witches supernatural and therefore untrustworthy.
  • When he finds that the prophecy is coming true he responds with "what, can the devil speak true" and this implies that he views them as agents of the devil - sees them for what they are; Banquo knows that the witches are a route of temptation to sin so he is able to resist them.
• • Banquo could be used by Shakespeare to give a moral message to the audience about rejecting evil thoughts and the importance of turning to God in the times of temptation. Banquo isn't perfect, and is tempted on some level by the Witches' prophecy, however his ability to reject evil is what makes him a moral character.
  • He is less able to resist ambition when he sleeps, shown by the comment: "I dream'd of the three weird sisters last night" (showing he subconsciously thinks about the Witches' prophecy). But instead of trying to hide this, he confesses to God and aks for help in remaining moral and virtuous. This has Biblical connotations as Jesus was tempted three times by the devil and resisted; perhaps Shakespeare is attempting to draw paralles between the Banquo and Jesus.
• Initially, Macbeth and Banquo are portrayed as having a very strong and loyal friendship due to their many years serving beside each other in battle. However, this relationship is tested when the two characters meet the Witches. From them on, Banquo is skeptical of their prophecies whereas Macbeth is not, causing a division and setting up Banquo as Macbeth's foil for the rest of the play. Banquo has always been overshadowed by Macbeth's victories. In Act Three, murders were instructed by Macbeth to kill Banquo, and Banquo's ghost then appears to haunt Macbeth.
• Banquo is suspicious of the Witches and their prophecies from when he and Macbeth first meet them in Act One Scene Three. They create friction between Banquo and Macbeth by telling them that whilst Macbeth will become King, Banquo's children will also become kings which in turn makes Macbeth suspicious of Banquo.
• Banquo appears to have a very protective and affectionate attitude towards his son, instructing him to "fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly" when it is apparent he is under attack from Macbeth (who thinks Fleance will become king eventually, due to the Witches' prophecies, and therefore is a threat). He manages to escape, but comes abck at the end of the play to avenge his father and take the throne of Scotland, with the help of Macduff.
• Act and Scene: Act 1 Scene 3

  Occurrence: Banquo meets the Witches

  Significance: Here, Banquo and Macbeth meet the three Witches and are told the prophecy. For Banquo, whilst they say he won't be King, they say his descendants will be. As Macbeth has just been told that he will be King, this sets up a tension between Banquo and Macbeth despite their long standing friendship. Banquo's reaction to the Witches is one of suspicion, whilst Macbeth immediately believes the prophecies.
• [1]

  Act and Scene: Act 3 Scene 1

  Occurrence: Macbeth plots Banquo's murder

  Significance: Death at the peripeteia (sudden reversal of fortune). Shakespeare has an ulterior motive to portray Banquo's death as a noble one. It is important to understand why Shakespeare deliberately decides for Banquo to be killed by Macbeth's assassins and die while saving his child. This death would have been more compelling to James I than the death of Duncan, due to James' personal connection and interest in Banquo and will, therefore, care about his death at the hands of Macbeth.
• [1]

  Act and Scene: Act 3 Scene 1

  Occurrence: Macbeth plots Banquo's murder

  Significance: This plotline is significant as Shakespeare made a change from the original version of Macbeth: His original source material of Macbeth has been changed by Shakespeare for this very reason. Originally, Banquo was portrayed as the co-conspirator of Macbeth and was involved in the murder. Shakespeare changed this story line to flatter Banquo and thus James I, who believed he was the descendant of Banquo. By presenting Banquo favorably, Shakespeare is showing support and praise for James. He needed to make the play enjoyable to the king and thereby win him as a patron - support his play company and win his political support against Puritans trying to ban theatre.
• [1]

  Act and Scene: Act 3 Scene 1

  Occurrence: Macbeth plots Banquo's murder

  Significance: Banquo serves as a dramatic device - to act as Macbeth's foil and highlight his moral weakness through juxtaposition - but also a politcal device to simultaneously entertain the king and demonstrate Shakespeare's loyalty and support.
• [1]

  Act and Scene: Act 3 Scene 3

  Occurrence: Banquo is murdered

  Significance: Banquo's death marks the breakdown in Macbeth's marriage, and Lady Macbeth's mental deterioration increases. They start to distance from one another after this point as Lady Macbeth disapproves of Banquo's murder "you must leave this" and thus Macbeth stops involving her in his plans.
• [1]

  Act and Scene: Act 3 Scene 1

  Occurrence: Macbeth plots Banquo's murder

  Significance: Macbeth starts acting independently of his wife, as she is no longer necessary and is redundant. Lady Macbeth has lost her reason to be evil and powerful - she can't support her husband. She gives in to her guilt as her conscience starts to take over and she goes insane.
• [1]

  Act and Scene: Act 3 Scene 3

  Occurrence: Banquo is murdered

  Significance: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth develop in reverse directions. Macbeth becomes more like how Lady Macbeth was formerly, while Lady Macbeth becomes more like Macbeth was. This is therefore a reversal of gender roles and the point at which Macbeth cannot return to virtue, which is evidenced through the extended metaphor: "I am in blood stepp'd in so far that should I wade no further, returning were as tedious as to go o'er" - here the metaphor of wading through "blood" is symbolic of guilt. Macbeth was a reluctant killer, tempted by Lady Macbeth and the witches.
• [1]

  Act and Scene: Act 3 Scene 3

  Occurrence: Banquo is murdered

  Significance: Macbeth felt regret and recognised the injustice of Duncan's death - "wake Duncan with thy knocking, I would thou couldst". Before, he was killing only to speed up the prophecy. However, now he is killing despite it. He is attempting to change it. Shakespeare does this to portray his greed - what he has will never be enough, he will never feel secure. Thus he will keep doing evil because "things bad begun make strong themselves by ill".
• • The contemporary audience widely beleived that the devil existed on earth and walked amongst humans trying to tempt them. Thus, the witches can be seen as a symbol of temptation to sin that Banquo, as a moral superior, is able to resist. Macbeth being crowned as the Thane of Cawdor gives credibility to the Witches' prophecy and makes it seem like they will come true.
  • Macbeth responds with additional ambition: "yield to that suggestion", while Banquo recognises it is a trick as he states "the instruments of darkness tells us truths; win us with honest trifles to betray's in deepest consequence".
  • Banquo recognises that this is temptation, and giving into it will have severe (religious) consequences.
  • His suspicion doesn't protect him from death, but it protects him from moral and religious disgrace. He will still die in god's favour as he resisted sin.
• "I shall be counselled"


  Who: Banquo

  When: Act 2, Scene 1

  What: He is willing to be advised and tempted by Macbeth, which shows he's franchised - wants to retain the privileges he has gained from loyalty to the king and this amy change to new king. States that "my duties" are "forever knit to Macbeth. He has shifted his loyalties and allegiance to Macbeth rapidly. Therefore, it is clear that his loyalty is not fixed - to any king, but rather, he is loyaly only to serve himsef.
• Whereas Macbeth asks Banquo to "cleave my consent", Banquo vows to "keep my allegiance clear".


  What: This demonstrates he will not go against the king even if it benefits him.

  When: Act 2, Scene 1
• Shakespeare uses metaphorical language and supernatural imagery as Banquo proclaims "the earth hath bubbles" and questions "have we eaten on the insane root?".

  • This quote demonstrates how Banquo works to distance himself from the witches whilst Macbeth aligns himself with them.
  • The contemporary audience would recognise the witches as a force of evil and thus favour Banquo.
  • While a modern audience would perhaps view the Witches as humorous, due to the lack of a belief in witches' existence.
• "Our fears in Banquo / Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature / Reigns that which would be feared."

  • Macbeth is shown to fear Banquo's "royalty of nature"
  • Banquo has had the same experience as Macbeth, yet Banquo has responded as Macbeth should have. This means Banquo serves as a constant reflection of how Macbeth should have acted. He also serves as a constant reminder of the morality Macbeth started with and is losing.
• The two character's contrasting responses to the prophecies could be explained as Macbeth's name was first mentioned by the Witches, who were "there to meet with Macbeth".


  Therefore Macbeth knows he is the focus of their intent and thus allows them to control him as he is aligned and connected to the Witches. Whereas Banquo could be less susceptible as the prophecies are not directly aimed at him, even though they concern his children.
• "the instruments of darkness tells us truths; win us with honest trifles to betray's in deepest consequence".


  Here, Banquo is referring to the Witches as being "the instruments of darkness". Unlike Macbeth, who is refusing to see the potential consequences of believing in the prophecies, Banquo is aware that there is likely a trap involved in the predictions.
• Banquo frequently speaks in terms of business:

  • "my allegiance" - loyalty and commitment - "my" - almost like he's selling it.
  • "augment" - make something greater/increase.
  • "franchised" - a privilege or authorisation granted by a governing power.

  This gives the sense of him playing strategically - carefully chosen and non-committal language. Allowing him to reserve his judgement so he can choose to support whichever side will best benefit him.
• "noble Banquo", "worthy Banquo", "no less deserv'd", "wisdom that doth guide his valour" and a "royalty of nature".

  • Banquo is repeatedly reffered to as being noble and honourable throughout the play
  • Shakespeare thus makes it clear that he is widely regarded as such and there should be no doubt his loyalty