Banquo Flashcards
“If you can look into the seeds of time,// and say which grain will grow and which will not,// speak then to me”
act 1
religious + supernatural
- Banquo carries the message about the importance of resisiting evil; Shakespeare advocates turning to God for support
- In the bible it says “Sow your seed in the morning”
- The natural imagery parallels to the Bible; thus Banquo seeking solace in Biblical teachings - using these to protect him from malevelent supernatural forces
- A natural semantic field is established with “seeds” and “grains”. This reinforces how Banquo remains obident to the natural order and to God - he does not try to alter his position akin to Macbeth
“candles are all out”
act 2
appearnece vs realtiy
- Embelmetic of Jesus as he confesses his temptation, Banquo claims the heaven’s “candles are all out”. Banquo seeks solace from heaven
- Opposed to Macbeth “stars hide your fires”. This motif os stars exposes Macbeth and Banquo as diametrically opposed in their aspirations
-Macbeth wants to hide his malicious intentions from God yet Banquo wants to confess his temptations to be free
“royalty of nature” (said by Macbeth)
act 3
ambition
-Imagery on “royalty”: The portrayal of “royalty” conjures an image of divine ordination (chosen by God to be king), signalling Macbeth’s acknowledgment of Banquo’s moral stature and respectability akin to one chosen by God.
• Foll: Banquo serves as a foil (contrast) to Macbeth, epitomising an ideal balance between ambition and respectability. As Macbeth descends from being “worthy” to a
“hell-hound,” he contrasts sharply with Banquo’s ability to retain both ambition and piety (being religious).
“he hath wisdom that doth guide his valour to act in safety”
(about Banquo from Macbeth)
Act 3
ambition
He hath wisdom that doth guide his valour to act in safety” (said by Macbeth in Act 3). 7 deadly sins: Macbeth epitomises the sin of envy, one of the seven deadly sins, as he desires for Banquo’s capacity for courage in tempering ambition and abstaining from succumbing to these “deep desires.”
Diction 4 connotation: The diction of term “guide” connotes leadership, revealing Macbeth’s initial attempt to direct and lead his ambition. However, he succumbs to its potent influence, rendering him vulnerable. In stark contrast, Banquo emerges as a figure capable of self-guidance, steering clear of the temptations of sin.
• The ambivalent (uncertain) portrayal of Banquo stands as the antithesis (contrast) to Macbeth’s bloodthirsty depiction, underscoring the contrast in their responses to ambition’s compelling force.
“look not like th’inhabitants o’th’earth”
supernatural
act 1
” I dream’d of the three weird sisters last night”
supernatural
act 3
-• Context: The witches physiognomy (when appearances are believed to be reflective of your true character) exposes them as inhumane and evil. Banquo’s perceptiveness in recognising their depraved demeanour is important, especially considering the historical belief that he was an ancestor of King James I.
• This perceptiveness serves as a subtle form of indirect flattery, aligning Banquo with a quality associated with the monarch and subtly reinforcing his sagacity (deep wisdom).
Image on “earth”: The word “earth” cultivates a natural image, accentuating the Witches unnatural essence and their deliberate attempt to subvert the natural order.
• Banquo’s perceptiveness, unaffected by the malevolent allure crafted by the Witches, serves as a testament to his purity and moral integrity - he is immune to the corrupting influences that engulf others like Macbeth
-Abstract noun dreamed: The abstract noun “dreami d” signifies Banquo’s affliction
(pain) and guilt, suggesting that he is haunted not only in his waking moments but also in the realm of sleep. This implies the intrusion of superstition into Banquo’s consciousness, trespassing on his unconscious mind.
Notif of sleep: The motif of sleep in the play becomes synonymous with the loss of innocence. As Macbeth grapples with guilt, he declares he “sleeps no more,” also echoing Lady Macbeth’s somnambulant (sleep-walking) state.
• Intriguingly, Banquo retains the capacity to sleep but acknowledges his ability to
“dream.” This contrast illuminates Banquo’s preservation of innocence, as despite his guilt for being entranced by the supernatural, he truthfully admits to being captivated by the supernatural without succumbing to guilt-induced insomnia like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
• Fell to Macoat Banquo’s sincerity operates as a foil to Macbeth’s deceit, as Macbeth falsely asserts that he does not “think” of the prophecies. Banquo’s moral characterisation is strategically employed to heighten the contrast with Macbeth’s dishonesty and duplicity (deceitfulness). This deliberate juxtaposition serves to accentuate the moral divergence (dividing) between the two characters.
“Oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths; Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s In deepest consequence.”
Act 1
Banquo is warning that the witches tell small truths to trick people into trusting them. He suggests that the witches give people just enough truth to make them believe their lies, leading them into making bad decisions. Banquo’s words show his caution and wisdom, as he recognizes the witches’ ability to deceive and lead people into dangerous situations. Unlike Macbeth, Banquo doesn’t let ambition cloud his judgment, and he understands the witches’ true intentions.
