Lecture notes
Banquo Essay example
- Module
- English Literature
- Institution
- GCSE
Lecture notes of 2 pages for the course English Literature at GCSE (English Literature)
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Banquo example essayShakespeare presents Banquo in Macbeth as both a foil and a rival to Macbeth, beginning as his
closest ally and eventually becoming a significant threat. Banquo embodies the forces of good,
contrasting with Macbeth, who increasingly symbolizes evil. Initially, Banquo is Macbeth’s equal in
terms of reputation and ambition. This is evident in Act 1, Scene 3, when Banquo expresses a keen
interest in the witches’ prophecies: "Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear / Your favours nor
your hate." Like Macbeth, Banquo is curious about his future. In Act 3, Scene 1, his soliloquy
beginning "Thou hast it now" reveals a hint of resentment and jealousy, reflecting an ambition that
mirrors Macbeth’s. However, despite his ambition, Banquo is wise and perceptive, recognizing the
witches as "instruments of darkness" and warning Macbeth against their deceit. This awareness and
moral discernment make him an effective foil to Macbeth. Shakespeare uses Banquo’s ambition to
highlight Macbeth’s flaws and demonstrate that temptation can be resisted, underscoring that
Macbeth’s actions are a result of his own free will.
Banquo is also depicted as a character of high respect and loyalty. Duncan praises him in glowing
terms, calling him "worthy Banquo! He is full so valiant." This respect becomes a source of fear for
Macbeth, leading to Banquo’s death. In Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1, he admits his fear of
Banquo: "There is none but he / Whose being I do fear: and, under him, / My Genius is rebuked."
Macbeth acknowledges Banquo’s bravery, integrity, and intelligence, qualities that constitute his
"royalty of nature." Banquo’s loyalty is further highlighted after Duncan’s murder when he vows to
fight against "treasonous malice." His unwavering loyalty and honor become motivations for
Macbeth to eliminate him.
Despite his virtues, Banquo is not without flaws. His tragic flaw lies in his failure to act on his
suspicions about Macbeth in time to prevent his own murder. He suspects Macbeth of foul play, as
indicated in his soliloquy, "Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all / As the weird women
promised, and I fear / Thou play'dst most foully for't." His vague responses to Macbeth’s inquiries
about his plans, such as "As far, my lord, as will fill up the time," reflect his suspicions. Yet, he does
nothing to accuse Macbeth, demonstrating a moral lapse. Unlike Macduff, who flees to England after
Duncan’s murder, Banquo stays with Macbeth, possibly out of reluctance to accuse his friend or an
honorable man of regicide. This hesitation may also stem from his hope that the prophecy might
favor his lineage, as he wonders, "May they not be my oracles as well / And set me up in hope?"
Through Banquo, Shakespeare illustrates that even the best men can succumb to temptation and
ambition.
However, Banquo’s response to the prophecy differs significantly from Macbeth’s. Unlike Macbeth,
Banquo does not immediately contemplate murder. Although the prophecy affects him gradually, he
remains skeptical and cynical. His ambition is not for himself but for his children, who are prophesied
to be future kings. Aware of the prophecy’s seductive power, Banquo prays to the "merciful powers"
to resist temptation, contrasting with the dark forces that influence Macbeth. In one scene, he gives
his sword to Fleance, which could symbolize his struggle against the temptation to commit evil for
his son’s sake. When Macbeth approaches, Banquo asks for his sword back, signaling his suspicion of
Macbeth. Banquo’s ability to recognize and work on his faults, unlike Macbeth, makes him a more
admirable character, though he ultimately fails to act on his suspicions before his death.
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