Banquo Flashcards
(5 cards)
“candles are all out”
act 2
appearnece vs realtiy
- Banquo’s line “candles are all out” carries a Christ-like resonance, as it symbolizes his awareness of darkness and temptation, yet he seeks solace from heaven. The imagery of “candles” suggests a loss of divine light or guidance, highlighting Banquo’s struggle to resist the lure of ambition and darkness.
This contrasts sharply with Macbeth’s “stars hide your fires”, where he wishes to conceal his malicious intentions from God. The motif of light versus darkness in these two quotes illustrates their diametrically opposed approaches: Banquo desires to confess his temptations to remain pure, while Macbeth seeks to hide his desires to secure his power.
“royalty of nature” (said by Macbeth)
act 3
ambition
The phrase “royalty of nature” invokes the concept of divine right, suggesting that Banquo, with his moral integrity, possesses a noble stature akin to that of a God-chosen king. Macbeth, torn between admiration and envy, acknowledges Banquo’s superior virtue, yet feels threatened by it. The phrase “of nature” implies that Banquo’s greatness is natural and divinely sanctioned, contrasting Macbeth’s ascent, which is steeped in violence and supernatural interference.
Banquo functions as a foil to Macbeth, representing the ideal balance between ambition and moral integrity. While Macbeth descends from “worthy” to “hell-hound”, Banquo maintains both his ambition and piety. This contrast highlights Macbeth’s moral decline and the corrupting power of unchecked ambition.
The reference to “royalty” also aligns with the Jacobean belief in the Divine Right of Kings, emphasizing the contrast between Macbeth’s usurpation of power and Banquo’s natural legitimacy, which would have resonated with Shakespeare’s audience, especially under the rule of King James I.
“he hath wisdom that doth guide his valour to act in safety”
(about Banquo from Macbeth)
Act 3
ambition
. 7 deadly sins: Macbeth epitomises the sin of envy, one of the seven deadly sins, as he desires for Banquo’s capacity for courage in tempering ambition and abstaining from succumbing to these “deep desires.”
The diction of “guide” connotes leadership and control, revealing Banquo’s wisdom as an active force that directs his courage towards moral action, in contrast to Macbeth, whose ambition spirals out of control. Banquo’s ability to temper his courage with wisdom highlights his self-control, while Macbeth’s unchecked desires lead to his vulnerability. In stark contrast, Banquo emerges as a figure capable of self-guidance, steering clear of the temptations of sin.
The term “safety” further emphasizes Banquo’s calculated bravery—his actions are grounded in moral awareness, unlike Macbeth’s reckless pursuit of power. The ambivalent portrayal of Banquo stands as the antithesis to Macbeth’s bloodthirsty depiction, underscoring the contrast in their responses to ambition’s compelling force.
” I dream’d of the three weird sisters last night”
supernatural
act 3
-Abstract noun dreamed: The abstract noun “dreamd” signifies Banquo’s affliction and guilt, suggesting that he is haunted not only in his waking moments but also in the realm of sleep. This implies the intrusion of superstition into Banquo’s consciousness, trespassing on his unconscious mind.
Notif of sleep: The motif of sleep in the play becomes synonymous with the loss of innocence. As Macbeth grapples with guilt, he declares he “sleeps no more,” also echoing Lady Macbeth’s somnambulant (sleep-walking) state.
* Intriguingly, Banquo retains the capacity to sleep but acknowledges his ability to”dream.” This contrast illuminates Banquo’s preservation of innocence, as despite his guilt for being entranced by the supernatural, he truthfully admits to being captivated by the supernatural without succumbing to guilt-induced insomnia like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
* Banquo’s sincerity operates as a foil to Macbeth’s deceit, as Macbeth falsely asserts that he does not “think” of the prophecies. Banquo’s moral characterisation is strategically employed to heighten the contrast with Macbeth’s dishonesty and duplicity. This deliberate juxtaposition serves to accentuate the moral divergence between the two characters.
* In Jacobean England, dreams were often seen as supernatural omens, suggesting that Banquo’s dream reflects the play’s themes of fate and temptation.
“look not like th’inhabitants o’th’earth”
act 1
supernatural
Context: The witches’ physiognomy exposes them as inhumane and immoral. Banquo’s perceptiveness in recognising their depraved demeanour is important, especially considering the historical belief that he was an ancestor of King James I.
* This perceptiveness serves as a subtle form of indirect flattery, aligning Banquo with a quality associated with the monarch and subtly reinforcing his sagacity
* Image on “earth”: The noun “earth” cultivates a natural image, accentuating the Witches’ unnatural essence and their deliberate attempt to subvert the natural order. Shakespeare uses the contrast between the earthly and the unearthly to foreshadow the disruption they will cause.
* Banquo’s perceptiveness, unaffected by the malevolent allure crafted by the Witches, serves as a testament to his purity and moral integrity – he is immune to the corrupting influences that engulf others like Macbeth. This moral resistance elevates Banquo as a symbol of order and virtue, in direct opposition to Macbeth’s descent into chaos.
