Banquo

Question 1

how is Banquo an foil to Macbeth

Answer 1

• in their response to the witches

- emphasies Macbeth’s weaknesses and lack of self control

Question 2

Banquo after witches prophecies

Answer 2

“Look how our partners rapt”

• latin word raptus = to be seized or kidnapped
• INT gives word rape
• Macbeth seized by something outside of his control - supernatural (where Macbeth is enchanted and trapped by the supernatural Banquo is more suspicious and can recognise this)
• banquo still wants a prophecy ‘look into the seeds of time - speak to me then who neither beg nor fear” - but Banquo doesn’t actually care
• but why would he ask?
• -> Banquo just a many Jacobean men is privy to desires but he has the ability to be reasonable (Macbeth immediately writes to LM but Banquo is cautious - as he questions the authenticity to witches ‘instruments of darkness - tunes pleasing to ears but also ominous )
• seeds -natural - Banquo implies witches know who will grow and prosper and who will die and this should not be tampered with (Macbeth does)

Question 3

A1S4 to duncan “then if I grow the harvest is your own”

Answer 3

• -metaphor

- expresses loyalty = honourable and loyal character as a foil to Macbeth’s selfish hamartia

Question 4

Banquo’s death why does he die ? A3S3

-“myself should be the root and father of many Kings”

Answer 4

• Banquo too has a flaw of ambition
• • imaginary convo w/ Macbeth before death
• he suspects Macbeth of foul play and doesn’t tell anyone and tells himself to ‘hush’
• ->perhaps he’s excited about his prophecy – suggests his ambition too disrupts natural order
• (he showed ambition perhaps he was killed to massage James’ ego as he is said to be a descendant of banquo

Question 5

(requests for merciful powers to )”restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in repose”
before Duncans murder

Answer 5

• foreshadows what is to follow
• Banquo agitated about thoughts - asks for help in fighting them
• ‘cursed thoughts’ is unclear as to whether he is thinking of committing murder himself or just agitated
• SP uses scene to contrast directly w/ M’s following scene as M does not request for the heavens to restrain his unholy and unnatural thoughts ( so vulnerable to LM’s persuasion

Question 6

Macbeth before killing him ‘My genius is rebuked”

Answer 6

• M fears Banquo’s bravery and wisdom – he knows Banquo is questioning the authenticity of his right to the throne (play’d most foully for the crown)
• this idea of Banquo’s superiority stays constant as ultimately kings such as James are descendants of Banquo
• -SP massages James’ ego as his ancestor is portrayed in such a way