Characted Analysis Banqou

Question 1

How is Banquo a foil to Macbeth ?

Answer 1

Macbeth will be king yet Banquo will not
The key differences is their reaction to the supernatural and the witches information

Question 2

How are Macbeth and Bqnou similar ?

Answer 2

Both are captains ‘our captains, Macbeth and Banquo’
Both are warriors’ cannons overcharged with double cracks’
Both are well respected and ‘noble’

Question 3

What is key piece of historical context that it important for our understanding of Banquo’s portrayal

Answer 3

King James I was a descendant of the real Banquo
It was imperative that Shakespeare therefore present a positive depiction of him as James I was a patron and big supporter of Shakespeare works

Question 4

How can we see Banquo being sceptical of the witches prophecies in Act 1 scene 3??

Answer 4

‘ neither beg nor fear your favors of hate ‘
- Banquo also asks Macbeth ‘why do you start’ as He questions his reaction to the witches information
- Macbeths is startled and subtly conveys his ambition being given voice yet this is juxtaposed by Banquo skepticism

Question 5

How can we analyze some of Banqous key quotes in Act 2 scene 1 ?

Answer 5

‘ take my sword ‘
Could he not trust himself as the audiance question his resolve
‘ cursed thoughts’
Describing the witches and the dreams he has had of them, Banquo seems fearful of their prophesies which is in stark contrast to Macbeth

Question 6

How can we see Banquo questioning Macbeth ?

Answer 6

‘ I fear thou play’dst most foully’
- acknowledgments of Banqous suspicions

Question 7

How does Macbeth appear fearful of Banquo ?

Answer 7

‘ wisdom that doth guide his valor’
- he fears Banqous food and wise nature and therefore is fearful of the conventional noble stereotype