Macbeth/Banquo and loyalty Flashcards
Banquo on the prophecy
“May they not be my oracles as well, and set me up in hope? But hush! no more.” (Act 3 scene 1)
Translated: and what they told you, Macbeth, was brilliantly true—then maybe their prophecies about me are true as well. But now I must be quiet.
Context/historical
According to chain of beings, Banquo was content with his position in the social hierarchy and did not have the ambition to change that in fear of punishment. Christianity values selflessness and established contentment with life which was all good for a Jacobean audience
Context/within play
Macbeth is portrayed as self-serving which is not good compared to Banquo who is selfless and serving others. Proves selflessness is rewarded as assuming the truth of the prophecy, Banquo’s descendants will be rewarded.
