Religion/Banquo Flashcards
“merciful powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in repose”
Banquo would have been perceived by a contemporary audience as a moralistic character as his values were in line with those of the Christian Church. He calls upon God for help in resisting temptation: “merciful powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in repose”. Shakespeare uses the theme of temptation, which has Biblical connotations, in reference to Banquo.
“are you aught that man may question?”
“what, can the devil speak true”
Banquo’s response to evil separates him from Macbeth. They are exposed to the same influences – witches and promises of greatness - however, Banquo turns to God, asking for help in resisting evil and ultimately doesn’t act on his ambitions as he recognises they are a force of evil.
This is evident as he is suspicious from the start, as he questions “are you aught that man may question?”. Here, he is recognising the Witches supernatural and therefore untrustworthy. When he finds that the prophecy is coming true he responds with “what, can the devil speak true” and this implies that he views them as agents of the devil– sees them for what they are; Banquo knows that the witches are a route of
temptation to sin so he is able to resist them.
“I dream’d of the three weird sisters last night”
Banquo could be used by Shakespeare to give a moral message to the audience about rejecting evil thoughts and the importance of turning to God in times of temptation. Banquo isn’t perfect, and is tempted on some level by the Witches’ prophecy, however his ability to reject evil is what makes him a moral character. He is less able to resist ambition when he sleeps, shown by the comment: “I dream’d of the three weird sisters last night” (showing he subconsciously thinks about the Witches’ prophecy). But instead of trying to hide this, he confesses to God and asks for help in remaining moral and virtuous. This has Biblical connotations as Jesus was tempted three times by the devil and resisted; perhaps Shakespeare is attempting to draw parallels between the Banquo and Jesus.
“lesser than Macbeth and greater”
The Witches predict Banquo being “lesser than Macbeth and greater”. This becomes true: In status, he is lesser (sir) but he is morally superior, with a stronger will. He remained loyal to the kind and obedient to God and the ‘Great Chain of Being’ and therefore he will have a greater afterlife
“yield to that suggestion”
“the instruments of darkness tell us truths; win us with honest trifles to betray’s in deepest consequence”
The contemporary audience widely believed that the devil existed on earth and walked amongst humans trying to tempt them. Thus, the witches can be seen as a symbol of temptation to sin that Banquo, as a moral superior, is able to resist. Macbeth being crowned as the Thane of Cawdor gives credibility to the Witches’ prophecy and makes it seem like they will come true. Macbeth responds with additional ambition: “yield to that suggestion”, while Banquo recognises it is a trick as he states “the instruments of darkness tell us truths; win us with honest trifles to betray’s in deepest consequence”. Banquo recognises that this is temptation, and giving into it will have severe (religious) consequences. His suspicion doesn’t protect him from death, but it protects him from moral and religious disgrace. Will still die in God’s favour as he resisted sin.
