BANQUO

Question 1

Banquo
Line of arguement

Answer 1

Banquo represents the values of loyal friendship and thehorror and guilt it causes when this is
rejected.

Question 2

A1S3: Banquo is immediately
suspicious of the
witches, unlike
Macbeth.

Answer 2

A1S3: ‘the instruments of darkness tell us truths
[…] to betray us’

Question 3

A1S3: ‘the instruments of darkness tell us truths
[…] to betray us’

Answer 3

• symbolism of the witches as ‘instruments of darkness’ highlights their immoral intentions and Banquo’s suspicion
• juxtaposition between ‘truths’ and ‘betray us’ foreshadows
  the way characters will manipulate each other in the play, leading to Banquo’s ultimate murder
• ‘instruments’ implies the characters are victims of fate and
  cannot fully control their own immoral actions

Question 4

A3S4: Banquo’s ghost stares silently at Macbeth, forcing him to face the consequences of his actions.

Answer 4

A3S4: [Macbeth to
Banquo’s ghost:] ‘Never
shake thy gory locks at
me!’