BANQUO key quotes

Banquo: what is a quote for Banquo (dream)

"I dream'd last night of the three weird sisters"

Banquo: analyse the quote "I dream'd last night of the three weird sisters"

"I dream'd last night of the three weird sisters" This suggests that Banquo had been thinking of the witches before they met, as when he admits this is still the same night as they met the witches. This point could just be an oversight on behalf of Shakespeare - which wouldn't be the first (for example, the thane of Cawdor had been killed...then executed?!?). Or, arguably, it could be evidence that Banquo is not entirely unconnected to the supernatural either, like Macbeth supposedly is.

What is a quote for Banquo (I fear thou)

"I fear thou played'st most foully for't.

Banquo : what is a quote for Banquo (counselled)?

"I shall be counselled"

What is a quote for Banquo (our fears in Banquo)

"Our fears in Banquo / Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature / Reigns that which would be feared.

Banquo : what is a quote for Banquo (consent and clear)?

"cleave to my consent", Banquo vows to "keep my allegiance clear"

What is a quote for Banquo (lesser)?

"lesser than Macbeth and greater"

Banquo: what is a quote for Banquo (allegiance etc.)?

"my allegiance" "Augment" "Franchised "

Banquo: what is a quote for Banquo ( noble Banquo)

"noble Banquo", "worthy Banquo", "no less deserv'd", "wisdom that doth guide his valour" and a "royalty of nature"

BANQUO: what is a quote for Banquo (speak and seeds)

"speak then to me" as he wants to know what the "seeds of time"

What is a quote for Banquo ( Earth hath)?

"the earth hath bubbles" and questions "have we eaten on the insane root?"

Banquo: what is a quote for Banquo (instruments of darkness)?

"the instruments of darkness tell us truths; win us with honest trifles to betray's in deepest consequence"

Banquo: analyse the quote "the instruments of darkness tell us truths; win us with honest trifles to betray's in deepest consequence"

"the instruments of darkness tell us truths; win us with honest trifles to betray's in deepest consequence" Here, Banquo is referring to the Witches as being "the instruments of darkness". Unlike Macbeth, who is refusing to see the potential consequences of believing in the prophecies, Banquo is aware that there is likely a trap involved in the predictions.

BANQUO: what is a quote for Banquo (meet)

"there to meet with Macbeth"

Banquo: what is a quote for Banquo ( imperfect, fly, avenge)

'Imperfect' 'Fly' 'Thou must avenge' 'Boy' 'Sir'

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: aligned with Jesus

Banquo could be used by Shakespeare to give a moral message to the audience about rejecting evil thoughts and the importance of turning to God in times of temptation. Banquo isn't perfect, and is tempted on some level by the Witches prophecy, however his ability to reject evil is what makes him a moral character. He is less able to resist ambition when he sleeps, shown by the comment: "I dream'd of the three weird sisters last night' (showing he subconsciously thinks about the Witches' prophecy). But instead of trying to hide this, he confesses to God and asks for help in remaining moral and virtuous. This has Biblical connotations as Jesus was tempted three times by the devil and resisted; perhaps Shakespeare is attempting to draw parallels between the Banquo and Jesus.

Banquo : analyse the quote "my allegiance" "Augment" "Franchised "

Banquo frequently speaks in terms of business: "my allegiance" - loyalty and commitment - "my" - almost like he's selling it. "augment" - make something greater / increase. "franchised" - a privilege or authorisation granted by a governing power. This gives the sense of him playing strategically - carefully chosen and non-committal language. Allowing him to reserve his judgement so he can choose to support whichever side will best benefit him.

Banquo: analyse the quote "noble Banquo", "worthy Banquo", "no less deserv'd", "wisdom that doth guide his valour" and a "royalty of nature"

Banquo is repeatedly referred to as being noble and honourable throughout the play. Shakespeare thus makes it clear that he is widely regarded as such and there should be no doubt to his loyalty. Yet, in Shakespeare's play 'Othello' the antagonist lago is similarly known to be honest and honourable - yet is anything but these qualities.

Talk about banquos response to the supernatural

Banquo resists the temptations of evil offered by the Supernatural (in the form of the Witches) throughout the play. This would have appeased a contemporary audience, which widely believed that the devil existed on earth and walked amongst humans trying to tempt them. Thus, the Witches can be seen as a symbol of temptation to sin that Banquo, as a moral superior, is able to resist. When Banquo finds that the prophecy is coming true he responds with "what, can the devil speak true". This implies that he views them as agents of the devil and sees them for what they are. This supports James I's view in Daemonologie that witches are controlled by the devil.

Banquo: analyse the quote "I fear thou played'st most foully for't.

Banquo suspects Macbeth but doesn't speak out as he states "I fear thou played'st most foully for't. He suspects Macbeth because he can identify evil as a moral person. Or, perhaps, he suspects Macbeth because it's what Banquo would have done in Macbeth's position, as he had "cursed thoughts" himself.

Talk about Banquo and the church

Banquo would have been perceived by a contemporary audience as a moralistic character as his values were in line with those of the Christian Church. He Talk about banquos response to the supernatural TERM Banquo resists the temptations of evil offered by the DEFINITION Talk about Banquo and the church TERM DEFINITION + www.pmt.education O©O© PMTEducation ‚PMT calls upon God for help in resisting temptation: "merciful powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in repose". Shakespeare uses the theme of temptation, which has Biblical connotations, in reference to Banquo.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: resistive to evil

Banquo's response to evil separates him from Macbeth. They are exposed to the same influences - witches and promises of greatness - however, Banquo turns to God, asking for help in resisting evil and ultimately doesn't act on his ambitions as he recognises they are a force of evil. This is evident as he is suspicious from the start, as he questions "are you aught that man may question?". Here, he is recognising the Witches supernatural and therefore untrustworthy. When he finds that the prophecy is coming true he responds with "what, can the devil speak true" and this implies that he views them as agents of the devil - sees them for what they are; Banquo knows that the witches are a route of temptation to sin so he is able to resist them.

Banquo: analyse the quote 'Imperfect' 'Fly' 'Thou must avenge' 'Boy' 'Sir'

Both Macbeth, who describes the witches as "imperfect", and Banquo have recognisec the witches as unnatural and evil, yet Macbeth chooses to ignore this because he wants to believe their prophecies. dearthatne wanis rieanceno take the crown and therefore fulfill the prophecy. Earlier in the play, the father-son relationship is not depicted as being close or loving, as Shakespeare employs the formal language of "boy' and "sir,rather than 'father or son. Here, he makes the audience question whether his sacrifice is out of love, or out of ambition

Banquo:analyse the quote neither beg nor fear your favours nor your hate" 'Stay you imperfect speakers'

In this situation, he remains composed and in control as he stales neither beg nor fear your favours nor your hate" This reveals that Banquo is a pery moralistic and responsible character who is not easily led astray. This juxtaposes Macbeth's response, who commands the Witches to "stay, you imperfect speakers", revealing his desperation.

Banquo: Analyse the quote: "Our fears in Banquo / Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature / Reigns that which would be feared.

Macbeth is shown to fear Banquo's "royalty of nature" Banquo has had the same experience as Macbeth, yet Banquo has responded as Macbeth should have. This means Banquo serves as a constant reflection of how Macbeth should have acted. He also serves as a constant reminder of the morality Macbeth started with and is losing.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS- Banquo : noble

Shakespeare demonstrates the noble qualities and Banquo's "royalty of nature" as he is literally royal in nature - it was prophesied that "thou shalt get kings" Also, royal in terms of virtue - he is honourable and virtuous. Thus he will disapprove of the murder, fight for justice and remain loyal to the king (Duncan) - as warned by "keep my bosom franchised" P

Banquo: analyse the quote "lesser than Macbeth and greater"

The Witches predict Banquo being "lesser than Macbeth and greater" This becomes true: In status, he is lesser (sir) but he is morally superior, with a stronger will. He remained loyal to the kind and obedient to God and the 'Great Chain of Being' and therefore he will have a greater afterlife.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS- Banquo: strategic

The honour of Banquo is debatable as it could be argued that his response to the Witches' prophecy is actually strategic. It is important to consider why Shakespeare allows for this debate to be had, through his ambivalent portrayal of Banquo . Banquo is repeatedly referred to as being noble and honourable, throughout the play: "noble Banquo", "worthy Banquo", "no less deserv'd", "wisdom that doth guide his valour" and a "royalty of nature". Banquo states that he must "keep my allegiance clear" - is this allegiance to the past king (Duncan) which would make him a threat to Macbeth, or allegiance to any king (which could make him an ally). He speaks in terms of business: "my allegiance" - loyalty and commitment - "my". - almost like he's selling it and "augment' - make something greater / increase. This gives the sense of him playing strategically - carefully chosen and non-committal language. Allowing him to reserve his judgement so he can choose to support whichever side will best benefit him.

BANQUO: analyse the quote "there to meet with Macbeth"

The two character's contrasting responses to the prophecies could be explained as Macbeth's name was first mentioned by the Witches, who were "there to meet with Macbeth" Therefore Macbeth knows he is the focus of their intent and thus allows them to control him as he is aligned and connected to the Witches. whereas Banquo could be less susceptible as the prophecies are not directly aimed at him, even though they concern his children.

BANQUO: analyse the quote "speak then to me" as he wants to know what the "seeds of time" PT 1

This demonstrates that though Banquo is interested by the prophecy and does show his own ambition, the ambition he possesses is not as strong as Macbeth's (or he tries to disguise it).

BANQUO: analyse the quote "the earth hath bubbles" and questions "have we eaten on the insane root?"

This quote demonstrates how Banquo works to distance himself from the witches whilst Macbeth aligns himself with them. The contemporary audience would recognise the witches as a force of evil and thus favour Banquo. While a modern audience would perhaps view the Witches as humorous, due to the lack of a belief in witches' existence

Talk about Banquo and the witches properties

We can see the differences between the two men when we observe their reactions to the witches' prophecies. Macbeth is "rapt withal' which bears connotations of being entranced and absorbed by the Witches. However, Banquo will "neither beg nor fear your favours nor your hate" as he is indifferent to their prophecies. He takes the witches for what they physically appear to be - ragged old women. He doesn't trust them so he perceives their prophecies with scepticism. Banquo's role as foil emphasised by the juxtaposition of his prophecies with Macbeth's "lesser" and "greater", with "happier" and "not so happy". Here, Shakespeare's use of antithesis in his phrasing hints that Banquo serves as Macbeth's antithesis. This suggests Banquo is a morally strong and virtuous character who resists evil, providing a contrast to Macbeth, who is a morally weak, innately flawed and evil character who gives into temptation.

Banquo: analyse the quote "cleave to my consent", Banquo vows to "keep my allegiance clear"

Whereas Macbeth asks Banquo to "cleave to my consent", Banquo vows to "keep my allegiance clear" This demonstrates he will not go against the king even if it benefits him.

Banquo: what is a quote for Banquo (neither beg and stay)

neither beg nor fear your favours nor your hate" 'Stay you imperfect speakers'

Banquo: analyse the quote "I shall be counselled"

shall be counselled" He is willing to be advised and tempted by Macbeth, which shows he's franchised - wants to retain the privileges he has gained from loyalty to the king and this may change to new king. States that "my duties" are "forever knit" to Macbeth o He has shifted his loyalties and allegiance to Macbeth rapidly. Therefore, it is clear that his loyalty is not fixed - to any king, but rather, he is loyal only to serve himself.