Supernatural/Banquo Flashcards
“what, can the devil speak true”
Banquo resists the temptations of evil offered by the Supernatural (in the form of the Witches) throughout the play. This would have appeased a contemporary audience, which 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. When Banquo finds that the prophecy is coming true he responds with “what, can the devil speak true”. This implies that he views them as agents of the devil and sees them for what they are. This supports James I’s view in Daemonologie that witches are controlled by the devil.
“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.
”the earth hath bubbles” and “have we eaten on the insane root?”
Shakespeare uses metaphorical language and supernatural imagery as Banquo proclaims ”the earth hath bubbles” and questions “have we eaten on the insane root?”. This quote demonstrates how Banquo works to distance himself from the witches whilst Macbeth aligns himself with them. The contemporary audience would recognise the witches as a force of evil and thus favour Banquo. While a modern audience would perhaps view the Witches as humorous, due to the lack of a belief in witches’ existence.
“I dream’d last night of the three weird sisters”
This suggests that Banquo had been thinking of the witches before they met, as when he admits this is still the same night as they met the witches. Arguably, it could be evidence that Banquo is not entirely unconnected to the supernatural either, like Macbeth supposedly is.
