Banquo Character Plan Flashcards
Banquo - first time
The first time we see Banquo he, like Macbeth, is a rave and noble warrior. He and Macbeth have been fighting against the Norwegian forces and both characters show great bravery. The messenger describes Banquo’s heroic exploits in battle.
“ As sparrows eagles or hare the lion” - Macbeth and Banquo were as frightened of the enemy as fierce creatures would be of timid ones. He was not at all daunted by the Norwegian forces which emphasises his bravery. A hare would not frighten a lion just like the enemy did not frighten Banquo. He remained a brave and noble warrior throughout battle.
“ Redoubled strokes upon the face” - Macbeth and Banquo’s braveness was proportional to that of the enemy. As the enemy forces doubled in strength, Banquo and Macbeth also doubles in strength. Nothing intimidating them; they just retaliated with just as much force as the enemy fought with.
Banquo - second time
Banquo and Macbeth meet with the witches and they both receive prophecies. Macbeth is informed that he will be thane of Glamis, thane of Cawdor and king whilst Banquo will be “ lesser than Macbeth but greater … not so happy, yet much happier “ and “ shall be ancestor to king though will not be one”. He will not be as great as Macbeth however, he will be much more contended with his life. He will not be king yet his children will be kings. Fleance may become king which makes Macbeth realise that Fleance must die.
“ have we eaten on the insane root” - Banquo cannot believe what he has heard. Unlike Macbeth, he doesn’t believe it to be true.Or perhaps he does believe it however his good nature isn’t convinced and believes that they have eaten hemlock and the witches’ predictions were nothing more than hallucinations, perhaps linked with insanity.
“With honest trifles to betray in deepest consequence” - if Macbeth believes what the witches are saying, it may encourage his hopes of becoming king and ultimately lead to destruction. Banquo is cautious and perhaps suspicious of Macbeth already. He doesn’t want to believe it but is concerned that perhaps Macbeth does and will do something wrong in order to gain power like the witches suggested he would have.
