Macbeth: Banquo Flashcards
Who is Banquo in Macbeth?
Banquo is a brave noble who fights alongside Macbeth. The Witches prophesy that while he won’t become king, his descendants will inherit the Scottish throne. He represents Macbeth’s antithesis (moral opposite).
How does Banquo function as Macbeth’s foil?
Banquo demonstrates restraint when faced with similar ambitious thoughts. Unlike Macbeth, he doesn’t act upon his desires, representing the path where ambition doesn’t lead to betrayal and murder.
Why is it Banquo’s ghost rather than Duncan’s that haunts Macbeth?
Banquo represents the route Macbeth chose not to take. His ghost serves as a constant reminder of Macbeth’s moral deterioration and the righteous path he abandoned.
What does Banquo symbolize in Macbeth?
Banquo symbolizes man’s ability to resist temptation. As Macbeth’s foil, he demonstrates moral strength and virtue in contrast to Macbeth’s moral weakness.
How does Shakespeare use the constructs of Macbeth and Banquo?
Shakespeare uses them to show contrasting responses to temptation. Through their different reactions, the audience can decide which man is morally righteous.
How does Banquo react to the Witches in Act 1, Scene 3?
Banquo is skeptical and indifferent to the Witches’ prophecies, stating he will “neither beg nor fear your favours nor your hate.” He perceives their prophecies with suspicion.
What language does Banquo use to describe the Witches?
Banquo uses metaphorical language and supernatural imagery, describing them as “the instruments of darkness” and questioning if they’ve “eaten on the insane root.”
What does Banquo mean when he says “the instruments of darkness tell us truths”?
He recognizes that the Witches might reveal partial truths to entice them, only to “betray’s in deepest consequence” - acknowledging they are agents of evil trying to lead them to sin.
How would a contemporary Jacobean audience view Banquo’s response to the supernatural?
They would see him as morally superior for resisting the temptations of evil offered by the Supernatural (Witches). This would appease audiences who believed the devil existed on earth trying to tempt humans.
What evidence shows Banquo recognized the Witches as agents of the devil?
When the prophecy starts coming true, Banquo responds with “what, can the devil speak true,” supporting James I’s view in Daemonologie that witches are controlled by the devil.
How does Banquo’s character align with Christian values?
Banquo turns to God for help in resisting temptation, praying “merciful powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in repose.” His struggles with temptation have Biblical connotations.
What evidence suggests Banquo is noble?
Shakespeare repeatedly refers to Banquo as “noble Banquo,” “worthy Banquo,” and describes his “royalty of nature.” He is honorable and virtuous, remaining loyal to King Duncan.
Why might Banquo be considered “strategic” in his response to the Witches?
Banquo uses carefully chosen, non-committal language (like “keep my allegiance clear”) that allows him to reserve judgment and potentially support whichever side benefits him most.
How does Banquo demonstrate resistance to evil?
Unlike Macbeth, Banquo turns to God for help in resisting evil and doesn’t act on his ambitions. He recognizes the Witches as supernatural and untrustworthy from the start.
How does Shakespeare draw parallels between Banquo and Jesus?
Both were tempted but resisted evil. Banquo confesses his dreams about the Witches and asks for divine help to remain moral and virtuous, similar to how Jesus was tempted three times by the devil but resisted.
What happens when Banquo and Macbeth first meet the Witches?
They receive their prophecies - Macbeth will be king, while Banquo won’t be king but his descendants will be. This sets up tension between them despite their friendship. Banquo is suspicious while Macbeth believes immediately.
Why does Shakespeare portray Banquo’s death as noble?
Shakespeare changed the original story (from Holinshed Chronicles where Banquo was Macbeth’s co-conspirator) to flatter King James I, who believed he was Banquo’s descendant. Having Banquo die saving his child while resisting evil portrays him favorably.
What happens in Act 3, Scene 3?
Banquo is murdered by Macbeth’s assassins but manages to help his son Fleance escape. This marks the breakdown in Macbeth’s marriage as Lady Macbeth disapproves of this murder.
What is significant about Banquo’s ghost appearing at the banquet?
The ghost is only visible to Macbeth and appears/disappears three times, increasing Macbeth’s paranoia and demonstrating his deteriorating mental state. It serves as a manifestation of Macbeth’s guilt.
Describe Banquo’s relationship with Macbeth.
Initially, they have a strong, loyal friendship from years of battle service. After meeting the Witches, this relationship is tested by Banquo’s skepticism versus Macbeth’s belief, creating division and setting up Banquo as Macbeth’s foil.
How does Banquo’s relationship with his son Fleance reveal his character?
Banquo shows a protective, affectionate attitude toward Fleance, instructing him to “fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly” when under attack. This sacrifice demonstrates his moral character, though some question whether it was motivated by love or ambition to fulfill the prophecy.
What does Macbeth mean when he says “Our fears in Banquo stick deep”?
Macbeth fears Banquo’s “royalty of nature” because Banquo represents how Macbeth should have acted. Banquo serves as a constant reminder of the morality Macbeth is losing.
What does Banquo mean when he says “the earth hath bubbles”?
This metaphorical language shows Banquo distancing himself from the Witches, recognizing them as supernatural and untrustworthy, unlike Macbeth who aligns himself with them.
What does Banquo’s statement “I dream’d of the three weird sisters last night” reveal?
It shows that even Banquo, while morally superior, is tempted by the prophecy. He subconsciously thinks about the Witches but differs from Macbeth by confessing this and asking for divine help to resist.
Explain the significance of “I fear thou played’st most foully for’t”
This shows Banquo suspects Macbeth of murdering Duncan but doesn’t openly accuse him. This could demonstrate his moral perception of evil or suggest that Banquo himself harbors similar “cursed thoughts.”
When the Witches predict Banquo being “lesser than Macbeth and greater,” how does this prove true?
In status, Banquo is lesser (he remains a noble), but he is morally superior with a stronger will. By remaining loyal to the king and obedient to God and the ‘Great Chain of Being,’ he achieves a greater afterlife.
