banquo Flashcards
1.4 “The service and the loyalty I owe”
-BQ emphasises that a true king serves the people + upholds justice - loyal
-contrasts with MB’s self-serving ambition
-shakespeare presents an ideal model of kingship based on duty + loyalty
-highlights difference between just ruler + one driven by ambition
-BQ represents nietzsche’s “noble” man, who values honor and integrity over ambition. unlike MB, he resists the temptation of power, staying true to his moral code
2.1 “Their candles are all out”
-BQ is the antithesis of deceitful, he is honest + sincere + confesses his temptation - he is emblematic of Jesus
-comments on the lack of stars in the sky - he seeks solace from heaven
-MB tries to hide this, opposed to confess “stars hide your fire” - this motif of stars exposes MB + BQ as diametrically opposed in their aspirations
-MB wants to hide his malicious intentions from God yet BQ wants to confess his temptations to be free of them
-pathetic fallacy: creates atmosphere of obscurity + fear
2.1 “restrain in me the cursed thoughts”
-BQ understands the ludicrousness of plotting to kill the king based on the unsubstantiated prophecies of the witches - morally conscious
-antithesis to LMB who voluntarily calls the “spirits”
-BQ wants to blockade any corruption by unnatural force - he perceptively recognises them as “cursed”
3.1 “royalty of nature”
-BQ is depicted as having an exemplary balance of ambition + respectability
-his noble + majestic nature is not overpowered by his ambition
-“royalty” connotes “power” + “status” - MB recognises BQ has maintained his power as an ambitious stoic hero whilst maintaining his status as a rational + intelligent being
-suggests MB is jealous of BQ or maybe fears him
3.1 “As the weird women promised, and I fear Thou play’dst most foully for’t”
-BQ reflects on witches’ prophecy
-expresses fear that MB has gained titles though foul means - persceptive + astute
-his words reveal suspicion showing BQ’s moral integrity + caution
-BQ remains skeptical + morally aware highlighting his role as a foil to MB
3.1 “He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour”
-BQ is a foil to MB - MB embodies reckless power whereas BQ has self-constraint + control
-MB is envious (7 deadly sins) of BQ’s ability to restrain his ambition + refrain from over-indulgence into “deep desires”
-BQ is more shrewd than MB
