Macbeth- Banquo

Banquo flashcards

what kind of character is Banquo overall

a misunderstood and forgotten character

how is Banquo misunderstood and forgotten

many label him as a mere victim of the ambition and cruelty of Macbeth, however, in reality he is not just a victim of Macbeth's ambition, but of the witches and ultimately his own implicit thirst for power

how is Banquo at the beginning presented as a clearly virtuous and noble man, with traits of bravery, courage and loyalty

he has just fought in a bloody battle. His physical prowess on the battlefield is acknowledged and celebrated amongst superiors such as Duncan

what two quote are used to show Banquo as brave and courageous in act 1 scene 1

"noble Banquo"

"so valiant"

how does Banquo feel when he first meets the witches

skeptical, he is intrigued by their presence yet not entranced

what quotes does Banquo use to describe the witches

"so withered and wild" "should be women"

how do we know Banquo is ambitious and wants to know his prophecy

"speak to me"

how do we know banquo has changed after Macbeth is granted thane of Cawdor in Act 1 scene 3

he says "the instruments of darkness tells us truth"

he is no longer a neutral skeptic. The possibility of the witches truths have taken its toll on banquo. the fantasy of lavish power, glory and ultimately selfish indulgence prove far too tantalizing to ignore

How does the break in iambic pentameter in act 2 scene 1 suggest something is wrong

Almost like banquo knows macbeth is about to kill Duncan

the break in form, suggests something unusual and suspicious is about to happen

when does Banquo begin to suspect Macbeth

act 3 scene 1

what quote suggests Banquo is suspicious

"you played most foully for it"

how does Banquo feel about King Duncans death

he is deeply troubled by it, however, he also is hopeful- the fact that all of Macbeth's prophecies have come true, gives him hope that his will too, here we see Banquos ambition "And set up my hopes?"

what quote suggests Banquo will not keep quiet about Macbeth murdering Duncan

"ill be quiet, no more"

Macbeth is in the way of Fleance becoming future king

how is Banquo considered neutral

He is considered neutral because he doesn't do anything to directly hurt anyone, like Macbeth, but his selfishness and ambition indirectly causes many deaths

what are all the quotes i must remember

"noble banquo" ,"so valiant" - a1s1

"so withered and wild" "should be women" - a1s3

"speak to me" - a1s3

"instruments on darkness tell us truths"- a1s3

"you played most foully for it" - a3s1

"and set up my hopes" - a3s1

"ill be quiet no more" - a3s1