Character of Banquo

Question 1

Contrasting Macbeth

Answer 1

Banquo is a symbol of morality + loyalty which Macbeth later destroys
Banquo highlights Macbeth’s flaws by contrasting his character - noble, honourable, sceptical of the witches and their predictions

Question 2

‘That trusted home, / Might yet enkindle you unto the crown’

Answer 2

Act 1 Scene 3 - Banquo warns Macbeth not to trust the witches

Question 3

‘What, can the devil speak true?’

Answer 3

Act 1 Scene 3
Immediate suspicion how the witches accurately foreshadowed Macbeths promotion to Cawdor
Banquo is more rational and morally grounded showing his wisdom and integrity

Question 4

’ I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters’

Answer 4

Act 2 Scene 1
Banquo is tempted by the prophecies but is able to resist which contrast Macbeth who commits regicide to get his goal
Suggest the worry pressing Banquo

Question 5

‘Merciful powers, / Restrain in me the cursed thoughts’

Answer 5

Act 2 Scene 1
Banquo prays to be able to resist the dark thoughts of what the prophecies coud give Banquo
Shows much deeper moral integrity than Macbeth
Contrasting Macbeths ambition

Question 6

‘Thou shalt get Kings though thou be none’

Answer 6

Act 1 Scene 3
Banquo’s relationship with M get strained here as Macbeth sees him as a threat because his lineage will be king but not M’s

Question 7

‘Our fears in Banquo stick deep’

Answer 7

Act 3 Scene 1
Macbeth is highly fearful of Banquo and the prophecies he received
The paranoia encourages his descent into tyranny

Question 8

‘Thou canst not say I did it; never shake / Thy gory locks at me!’

Answer 8

Act 3 Scene 4
Even after Banquo’s murder a legacy is left behind which Macbeth fears - symbolising his guilt
The ghost is a reminder of Macbeth’s betrayal and moral decay

Question 9

‘Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!’

Answer 9

Act 3 Scene 3
Banquo’s legacy will live on through Fleance as he escapes to become father of kings too
Banquo dies protecting his son showing his loyalty and love
This contrasts Macbeth who sent the murders to kill both

Question 10

Banquo as a warning

Answer 10

The contrast of Banquo and Macbeth acts as a warning to the audience about unchecked ambition and betrayal
Banquo represents the path that Macbeth could have taken which would have been more moral, honourable and loyal however it shows the consequences of ambition.