Banquo

• What is a foil?

  A character who has contrasting values and characterises to the protagonist.
• Who is Banquo?

  • Banquo and Macbeth are both captains and have been praised as being noble and loyal subjects.
• What did the witches say to Banquo?

  • One prophecies his descendants will be king.
  • Banquo says "neither beg nor fear your favours or your hate."
• What does Banquo say to fleance?

  In act 2,scene 1.

  Ask his son fleance to "take his sword." As he's having these cursed thoughts."

  Cursed thoughts being -"I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters."
• How does Macbeth and Banquo contrast?

  • Macbeth takes fate into his own hands whereas banquo doesn't.
  • The prophecies only macbeth takes matters into his own hand whereas banquo doesn't as he doesn't have a fatal flaw.
• "... Are ye fantastical or that indeed which outwardly ye show?"

  • Doubtful about the witches prophecies.
  • Witches have sold the seed of ambition to both men yet their reactions are different.
  • Banquo isn't sure if this is a hallucination or a hoax.
• "The instruments of darkness tell us the truth, win us with honest trifles to betray in deepest consequence." -Act 1,Scene 3.

  • Banquo's response to Macbeth; "Do you not hope your children shall be kings when those that gave me Thane of Cawdor promise no less to them"?"
  • The advice banquo gives back foreshadows the upcoming consequence that Macbeth must face.
  • Banquo's aware of aligning yourself to dark spirits will lead to a tragedy.
  • Banquo would rather preserve his upright moral charcter than risk everything he has.
• "A heavy summons lies upon me...merciful powers..restrain in me the cursed thoughts that Nature gives way to and propose." -Act 2,Scene 1

  • Banquo's temptation.
  • Banquo talking to his Son fleance.
  • Not immune from the temptation of Ambition.
  • Possibly Could be guilty about fantasizing removing Duncan from the throne.
• "It was said...that myself should be the root and father of many kings."-Act 3, Scene 1

  • Benefit from Macbeths coronation
  • Talking about his ambition
  • Banquo can see Macbeths treachery has lead to him fulfilling the witches prophecies.
  • But Banquo cannot cross the ethical boundaries that Macbeth has crossed.
• "O treachery! Fly,good Fleance...Thou mayst revenge-O slave!"- Act 3, Scene 3.

  • Macbeth hired assassins to kill Banquo as he wasn't confident Banquo was on his side.
  • Banquo's last line.
  • He realised his friend betrayed him.
  • But still wanted Fleance to get away for revenge.
• "Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that

  Which might appall the devil." -Act 3,Scene 4.

  • Appearance as a ghost. Macbeth pointing shocked
  • Could be a ghost or manifestation of guilt.
  • Makes Macbeth's panic
  • He is a symbol of Macbeth's crimes.