banquo

• Look not like th'inhabitants o'th'earth

  Banquo percieves their overt evil and hehumanises them in his description . The withches physiognomy exposes them and inhumane and evil. Banquo is portrayed as perceptive as it was believed that he was an ancestor of james I thus this is a form if indirect flattery
• If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me.


  He references the bible. This natural imagery is parallel to the bible thus Banquo seeks solace in biblical teachings - using these to protect him from malevolent supernatural forces. Moreover a natural semantic field is created with seeds and grains . This reinforces how Banquo remains obedient to god and the natural order- he doesn't try and alter his position akin to Macbeth
• I dreamed of the three weird sisters last night

  He is still plagued by thoughts of the witches prophecies . It seems like superstition is taking a hold on him and trespassing g on his unconsciousness . This is a contrast to Macbeth who claims I think not of them - Banquo is honest characterising him as moral in order to amplify Macbeths dishonesty and deception
• restrain in me the cursed thoughts'


  Banquo understands the ludicrousness of plotting to kill the king based on the unsubstantiated prophecies of supernatural beings. This is the antithesis to Lady Macbeth who voluntarily calls the "spirits" and supernatural forces. Banquo wants to blockade any corruption by unnatural force- he perceptively recognises them as "cursed".
• "royalty of nature" (said by Macbeth)


  Banquo is depicted as having an exemplary balance of ambition and respectability . His noble and majestic nature isn't overpowered by his ambition. Royalty connotes power and status . Macbeth recognises the Banquo has maintained his power as an ambitious stoic hero whilst maintaining as a rational and intelligent being
• "he hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor to act in safety"


  As envy is one of the seven deadly sins , a cardinal sin, Banquo is used by Shakespeare to explore the detrimental effects of envy and unchecked ambition - Macbeths envy if banquos ability to restrain himself. Thus Macbeth is envious of banquos ability to restrain his ambition and refrain from over indulgence into deep desires
• The heavens "candles are all out"

  The is the antithesis of evil and he is honest and sincere and confesses his temptation - he is emblematic of Jesus as he confesses his temptations. He comments on the lack of stars in the sky - Banquo seeks solace from heaven. Macbeth tries to hide this opposed to confess "stars hide your fires" this motif of stars exposes Macbeth and Banquo as diametrically opposed in their aspirations . Macbeth wants to hide his malicious intentions from god yet Banquo wants to confess his temptations to be free of them