BANQUO Flashcards
overview
Banquo is presented as a noble and honorable character who contrasts with Macbeth’s ambition and corruption. He is loyal, wise, and suspicious of the witches, but unlike Macbeth, he does not act on their prophecy. Even after his death, Banquo’s presence haunts Macbeth—his ghost represents guilt, and the witches’ vision of his descendants becoming kings reminds Macbeth that he cannot change fate. Banquo’s legacy shows that true power comes from honor and integrity, not murder and ambition, making him a symbol of justice and morality in the play.
The instruments of darkness tell us truths”
Banquo is presented as wise and cautious, recognizing the deceptive nature of the witches. The metaphor “instruments of darkness” portrays them as manipulators, using partial truths to lead people toward destruction. His words suggest an understanding of how evil operates—not through outright lies, but by planting dangerous ideas that can corrupt a person’s mind. This immediately contrasts him with Macbeth, who is already fixating on the witches’ prophecy. Banquo’s skepticism reflects his strong moral compass and rationality, positioning him as a voice of reason in the play. Shakespeare uses this contrast to foreshadow Macbeth’s downfall, as Banquo’s cautious nature highlights Macbeth’s reckless ambition
“He seems rapt withal”
Banquo observes how deeply Macbeth is affected by the witches’ words. The word “rapt” suggests that Macbeth is completely entranced, almost as if he has lost control of his own thoughts. This foreshadows his descent into obsession and the dangerous lengths he will go to in pursuit of power. Banquo’s detached, analytical response further establishes him as a rational and perceptive character. Unlike Macbeth, who is immediately consumed by ambition, Banquo questions fate rather than blindly following it. This difference is crucial—Shakespeare uses Banquo to emphasize that ambition alone does not lead to downfall, but rather the inability to control it.
“Thou hast it now… and I fear / Thou played’st most foully for’t.”
Banquo immediately suspects Macbeth of wrongdoing, showing his intelligence and moral awareness. The verb “fear” suggests unease rather than certainty, showing that Banquo is cautious but not reckless. The phrase “most foully” intensifies his suspicion, linking Macbeth’s actions to themes of corruption and moral decay. Structurally, the pauses in Banquo’s speech reflect his internal conflict—he acknowledges that Macbeth’s rise fulfills the witches’ prophecy, yet he refuses to act dishonourably to ensure his own descendants inherit the throne. This contrast with Macbeth highlights Banquo’s virtue; while Macbeth forces fate through murder, Banquo is willing to let destiny unfold naturally. Shakespeare presents him as a character governed by morality rather than ambition, making him a foil to Macbeth’s ruthless nature.
O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance… Thou mayst revenge.”
The exclamation “O, treachery!” conveys Banquo’s shock and betrayal, emphasizing Macbeth’s descent into paranoia and tyranny. However, instead of pleading for his life, Banquo prioritizes his son’s safety, reinforcing his selflessness. The urgent repetition of “fly” reflects his desperation, showing his unwavering commitment to his family. The phrase “Thou mayst revenge” is particularly significant—Banquo does not demand vengeance but leaves it to fate, reinforcing his belief in destiny. This contrasts with Macbeth, who actively tries to defy fate by eliminating threats. Even in death, Banquo remains honourable, elevating him as a symbol of virtue. His murder also marks a turning point in the play, as it deepens Macbeth’s paranoia and leads to his eventual downfall.
“Thou canst not say I did it: never shake / Thy gory locks at me!”
When Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost, he panics: “Thou canst not say I did it: never shake / Thy gory locks at me!” The imperative command (“never shake”) reflects Macbeth’s desperation to reject guilt, yet the ghost’s silent accusation makes it clear that Macbeth cannot escape responsibility. The phrase “gory locks” emphasizes the brutality of Banquo’s murder, reinforcing the idea that Macbeth’s crimes will not be forgotten. The ghost acts as a hallucination and supernatural symbol, showing that Banquo, even in death, holds more power than Macbeth expected. His silent presence unnerves Macbeth, proving that Macbeth’s reign is unstable and built on fear rather than legitimacy.
“Horrible sight! Now, I see ’tis true
Later, when Macbeth visits the witches, he sees a vision of Banquo’s descendants as future kings: “Horrible sight! Now, I see ’tis true” (4.1). The phrase “horrible sight” highlights Macbeth’s terror at the idea that Banquo’s prophecy is inescapable. Unlike Macbeth, Banquo never sought power through betrayal, yet his bloodline will rule, reinforcing the idea that fate and justice are stronger than ambition. The fact that Macbeth reacts with horror rather than acceptance shows his inability to control destiny, making Banquo’s presence even more powerful despite his deat
conclusion
Banquo is shown as a noble and honorable character who contrasts with Macbeth’s ambition and corruption. Even after his death, he haunts Macbeth—his ghost represents guilt, and the witches’ prophecy proves that his bloodline will take the throne. This shows that fate is stronger than Macbeth’s attempts to control it. In the end, Banquo’s legacy lives on, proving that honesty and righteousness outlast greed and betrayal.
