Banquo

Question 1

“Lesser than Macbeth, but greater”
“Thou shalt get Kings, though thou be none”
(Act 1, scene 3)

Answer 1

•Shows that despite how Macbeth will rise to a higher status, Banquo will remain morally superior
•His descendants will become kings, creating a sense of anxiety in Macbeth to keep his hop for power.

Question 2

“What, can the devil speak true?”
Banquo’s reaction to Macbeth becoming Thane of Cawdor.
(Act 1, scene 3)

Answer 2

Shows his distrust towards if something so evil could tell the truth. He is wise enough to see that these small revelations will lead them to their downfall, but the same cannot be said for Macbeth.

Question 3

“Noble Banquo!”
Duncan to Banquo
(Act 1, scene 4)

Answer 3

The King acknowledges and appreciates Banquo’s qualities, honouring him and greeting him like a hero.

Question 4

“A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, and yet i would not sleep”
Banquo struggles to sleep
(Act 2, scene 1)

Answer 4

Banquo is desperate to sleep but he cannot due to bad dreams- which may be due to the strange interaction with the weird sisters. His struggle to sleep may also foreshadow the King’s regicide.

Question 5

“Dear Duff … say it is not so”
Banquo’s reaction to King Duncan’s death.
(Act 2, scene 3)

Answer 5

Banquo speaks in a very familiar way to Macduff: they are obviously good friends. His denial and desperateness for hope shows how he doesn’t want the news to be true.