BANQUO 🤺

• “if you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me “

  • biblical allusions
  • natural imagery is parallel to the bible; Banquo seeks solace in biblical teachings - protecting him from malevolent supernatural forces
  • semantic field with “seeds” and “grains will grow” - reinforces how Banquo remains obedient to the natural order and God
  • he doesn’t alter his position unlike Macbeth
• “candles are all out”

  • emblematic of Jesus - confesses his temptation
  • claims heavens “candles are all out” referring to lack of stars in the sky
  • seeks solace from heaven
  • juxtaposes “stars hide your fires”
• “ I dream’d of the three weird sisters”

  • still plagued by thoughts of the witches prophecies
  • superstition is taking a hold of him and trespassing on his unconscious
  • contrast to macbeth “i think not if them“ he is honest, characterising him as moral in order to amplify Macbeths dishonesty and deception
• “he hath the wisdom and that doth guide his valour in safety“

  • said by Macbeth about Banquo
  • Banquo is a foil to macbeth as macbeth embodies reckless power, whereas Banquo has self-constraint and control
  • Macbeth envies Banquo ability to restrain his ambition and refrain from over-indulgence into ”deep desires“