Banquo And Macbeth Comparison Essay

This scene introduces a certain amount of distrust that Macbeth has for Banquo. Macbeth contradicts himself in saying that he does not think of the prophesies that the three witches gave but then wishes to speak with Banquo about it at a later time. Macbeth appears to be quickly dismissive of the whole situation with the witches which suggests a larger plan that Macbeth is hiding from Banquo. In this scene we see Macbeth act in the opposite of the way he did when the pair first encountered the witches. This shows how heavily this has affected Macbeth’s mentality.

Banquo's declaration of allegiance also allows for proof towards his unchanging ideals, whereas immorality and blind ambition poison Macbeth?s thoughts. Macbeth describes his fear of Banquo shrewdly in that they ?stick deep, and his royalty of nature reigns that which would be feared. ?Tis much he dares he hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor to act in safety? (III.i). Macbeth concludes his friend has remained his pure self and therefore is his moral antithesis. Banquo continues to hold a much clearer grip on life and real quality as a man in comparison to Macbeth, hence, Macbeth is forced to kill him if he is to follow through with his plan and go down a dark road.

I introduces the characters Macbeth and Banquo. They are both portrayed as brave, honorable individuals by a Captain in their army. Comparing them to cannons, the captain tells us that they acted bravely and loyally on the battlefield. Shortly afterwards, Banquo and Macbeth come across three

Banquo is a Sympathetic figure because he is concerned about the murder of King Duncan And he is a father that has an affectionate relationship with his son. Banquo is a Character that is suspicious because the audience doesn’t know much about Banquo only that he was jealous of MacBeth because of the prophecy that The three witches told Macbeth would be king and not Banquo. Banquo Later gets a bad vibe that MacBeth killed King DUncan just so he could Be king so that tells you that Banquo is also a smart person and could Put the pieces of the puzzle together unlike everybody else in the play. Banquo is a very loyal person because he seems very loyal to his kingdom Banquo is a very important character in the play because he represents

This speech portrays Banquo’s new found reluctance towards the witch’s forecast of the future. He now sees what Macbeth is blind too, the possibility of knowledge becoming more harmful to the men rather than helpful in Macbeth’s want for more, particularly pertaining to him becoming King. As Macbeth begins to weigh the prophecy against logic and the now present, he accepts the fact that if “two truths are told, as happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme.” Macbeth is now beginning to assume that if portions of the prophecy are being fulfilled as the witch’s had said, it is only a matter of time before he shall become king. As Macbeth continues to be engulfed by what will be his future downfall, he assumes that all of his new found

Yes, as sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion. If I say sooth, I must report they were as cannons overcharged with double cracks..." (Act 1, Scene 2). In fact, Banquo even states, "Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all, as the weird women promised, and I fear thou played’st most foully for ’t. Yet it was said It should not stand in thy posterity, but that myself should be the root and father of many kings. If there come truth from them— As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine— Why, by the verities on thee made good..." (Act 3, Scene 1). Here, Banquo admits that he knows Macbeth killed the King to gain the crown, and rather than being outraged or tempted to tell someone, he hopes that his fortune will come true as well. Banquo knew what Macbeth was up to, but chose to not act because he wanted his descendants to become Kings. He was tired of being in Macbeth's shadow and for once wanted the glory. It is because of this that Banquo should be responsible for the death of King

The main interest of the character of Banquo arises from the changes that take place in him, and from the influence of the witches upon him. And it is curious that Shakespeare's intention here is so frequently missed. Banquo being at first strongly contrasted with Macbeth, as an innocent man with a

Macbeth is the “bravest” soldier, very noble, courageous. He is also the honorable Thane of Glamis, but he is not a virtuous one. Macduff is very loyal Scottish nobleman, courageous and is also a Thane of a city. Banquo is a brave, courageous noble general who like Macbeth thinks ambitious thoughts. MacDuff and Banquo are very loyal to their King. When King Duncan was killed they do everything that they possibly can to find out who murdered the King and to properly hand the killer the consequences.

After Macbeth and Banquo receive prophecies, the foil characters start to diverge as Banquo’s takes the moral path of goodness while Macbeth takes the immoral path towards his ultimate decline. Banquo and Macbeth have the opportunity to pursue the same path, but because of his unchecked ambition, Macbeth deviates from Banquo's path of good morals. Immediately after the witches tell their prophecies, Banquo’s mindset is wary and rational. He warns Macbeth that, “oftentimes, to win us to our harm, / the instruments of darkness tell us truths...” (1.3.125-126). Banquo is not obsessed with the prophecies and the idea that one day his ancestors will be kings. On the other hand, Macbeth speculates, “Two truths are told, / as happy prologues to the swelling act / of the imperial theme.” (1.3.130-132) Because two of the three prophecies have come true, Macbeth is blinded by his ambition and seems to fantasize about the idea of being king. These contrasting reactions show that Macbeth takes a

Macbeth develops into a pernicious king as the play advances, as he commits horrendous actions that result in his own wrecking. Nevertheless, he has differentiated himself during the battle against the treacherous Thane of Cawdor, and the King of Norway. He is the brave soldier who leads King 's Duncan force to victory through his strength and skill level. King Duncan addresses Macbeth as his "…valiant cousins (and) / (A) worthy gentleman" (I.ii.25). This shows, how the King recognizes Macbeth 's skill on the battlefield, and therefore rewards Macbeth with a higher title, the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth displays these characteristics once again in Act IV, as he ignores the witches ' prophecies, don 's his armour and fights against a heavily armed army, which is a greater size than his own Scottish infantry. This performance displays that Macbeth still holds the attributes of bravery as he did initially. For the first time, he makes a decision by setting aside the prophecies. In the play, the townsfolk see their malicious

In this play, the three equivocators have a resilient effect, not only on Macbeth but on the other characters too. ‘Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings though thou be none.' (Act 1 Scene 3) Banquo is directly involved with the three witches; he talks to them face to face. Being at first strongly contrasted with Macbeth, as an innocent man with a guilty one, it seems like this contrast must be continued to his death; while, in reality, though it is never removed, it is gradually diminished. Banquo in fact may be described much more truly than Macbeth as the victim of the Witches.

Macbeth's reaction is as if someone has read his mind, whereas Banquo is reluctant to believe the witches and is aware that they are not what they seem. If their predictions were already thoughts in the back of Macbeth's mind, then the witches don't have very much power over him at this

“Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings though thou be none.” said Banquo while he was directly involved with the witches, when he talked to them in person. At first he was very different than Macbeth, he was an innocent person accompanied by a guilty man, this contrast lasted until his death. Although never fully changed it slowly went away as the play goes on. Banquo is actually described as a much better person than Macbeth as a chosen one of the witches. There were other characters besides Banquo who were affected by the prophecies. Duncan being one of the primary ones. Because of the prophecies he was killed off very early in the play. The witches were the ones who caused this evil action to occur which greatly affected Duncan and Banquo.

of King Duncan's army. His personal powers and strength as a general won him the

Shakespeare uses Banquo to highlight the fact that Macbeth is “Rapt withal”, Macbeth is very gullible and takes things at face value and he begins to think of the witches’ statements as providence rather than prophecy. Shortly after, during his aside he state that he will leave it to chance but the seeds of ambition are already beginning to grow in his mind due to these prophecies. Also, the quote “to me you speak not” shows that Banquo, contrasting heavily from Macbeth, is rather unfazed by these prophecies. This also furthers their character’s differences, in the sense that Macbeth is more easily persuaded and not questioning anything, while Banquo is more down to earth and is taking the witches words