Banquo Character Flashcards
How would you describe Banquo’s character in Macbeth?
Loyal & noble → A brave Scottish general and Macbeth’s friend.
Skeptical → He doubts the Witches’ intentions.
Symbol of morality → Unlike Macbeth, he doesn’t act on ambition.
A threat to Macbeth → The Witches predict his descendants will be kings.
Ghostly reminder → His ghost haunts Macbeth, showing his guilt.
quote that shows Banquo is curious but cautious about fate.
“If you can look into the seeds of time, And say which grain will grow and which will not, Speak then to me.” (Act 1, Scene 3)
How does Banquo contrast with Macbeth?
Both hear the Witches’ prophecies, but only Macbeth acts on them.
Banquo remains loyal and moral, while Macbeth turns to murder.
Banquo’s descendants will be kings, but Macbeth has no heirs.
Banquo’s ghost haunts Macbeth, symbolizing guilt and justice.
➡️ Shakespeare uses Banquo as a foil to Macbeth, showing what Macbeth could have been if he had resisted temptation.
What is the significance of Banquo’s ghost?
Represents Macbeth’s guilt → Only Macbeth can see it.
Disturbs Macbeth’s rule → Appears at the banquet, showing instability.
Symbolizes fate and justice → Banquo’s descendants will become kings, fulfilling the prophecy.
Shows Macbeth’s descent into paranoia → He becomes more reckless after seeing the ghost.
: How does Banquo connect to historical context?
King James I (who ruled when Shakespeare wrote Macbeth) claimed to be a descendant of Banquo.
Shakespeare presents Banquo as noble and honorable, possibly to flatter the king.
In real history, Banquo may have been involved in Duncan’s murder, but Shakespeare changes this to make him look good.
Does Banquo have ambition like Macbeth?
Yes, but he does not act on it → He wonders if the Witches’ prophecy for him will come true.
He remains honorable → Unlike Macbeth, he refuses to commit evil acts to gain power.
He is suspicious of Macbeth → But he does not try to stop him.
➡️ Banquo shows ambition without corruption, making him a contrast to Macbeth.
What do the Witches predict for Banquo, and why is it important?
They say he “shalt get kings, though thou be none.” → His descendants will rule, but he won’t.
This makes him a threat to Macbeth → Macbeth kills Banquo to stop this future.
It raises the question of fate vs. free will → Banquo does nothing to make the prophecy happen, but it still does.
Why does Macbeth see Banquo as a threat?
The Witches’ prophecy → Banquo’s heirs will be kings, not Macbeth’s.
Banquo suspects Macbeth → He worries Macbeth got the throne dishonestly.
Macbeth is paranoid → He fears Banquo will take his power.
Banquo’s nobility → Macbeth knows Banquo is seen as honorable and respected.
➡️ Killing Banquo shows how far Macbeth has fallen—he is willing to kill his best friend to keep his throne
What is the significance of Fleance escaping?
It keeps the prophecy alive → Banquo’s descendants can still become kings.
It means Macbeth’s fear wasn’t resolved → Killing Banquo did not remove the threat.
It leaves the audience uncertain → We don’t see Fleance again, but we know the prophecy could still come true.
➡️ Fleance’s survival represents hope and shows that Macbeth cannot fully control fate.
What does Banquo’s character reveal about Macbeth?
Banquo resists the Witches’ influence, while Macbeth gives in.
Banquo is loyal, while Macbeth betrays Duncan and Banquo.
Banquo’s death is tragic, while Macbeth’s is deserved.
Banquo represents fate’s true path, while Macbeth tries to force his own.
➡️ Banquo’s presence highlights Macbeth’s moral corruption and downfall.
