At the start of the play, Shakespeare parallels Macbeth and Banquo. Both are courageous warriors responsible for winning the battles against Ireland and Norway, and both are described in Act 1 Scene 2 as fearsome animals (“eagles” and like a “lion”). Duncan rewards both men for their bravery, making Macbeth Thane of Cawdor and telling Banquo that he will make him “full of growing”. And both receive prophecies from the witches.
However, it is in their responses to the witches that Banquo and Macbeth start to differ. Whereas Shakespeare presents Macbeth as believing in the witches almost immediately, Banquo reasons that “to win us to our harm, / The instruments of darkness tell us truths”. Shakespeare shows how Banquo is more sceptical than Macbeth, and that he is better at spotting the truth: Banquo recognises the witches as “instruments” of the devil, who spread “darkness” – or evil – in order to cause “harm”. Yet whereas Macbeth commits murder to clear his path to the throne and hasten the witches’ prophecies, Banquo simply waits.
However, this does not mean that Banquo isn’t tempted. After Macbeth is crowned King, Banquo says “myself should be the root and father of many kings”. Here, Shakespeare reveals the hold that the prophecy has over Banquo’s imagination as he sees himself as the leader of the monarchy – even though he will not be king himself. This is suggested by the metaphor of the “root”, which also indicates that Banquo wishes to be a strong, powerful leader.
At this point in the play, Shakespeare also reveals Banquo’s intelligent understanding of the situation, as he suspects that Macbeth “played most foully for” the throne. The verb “played” communicates a sense that Macbeth has won a risky game, whilst “foully” echoes the witches opening lines (“fair is foul and foul is fair”). Banquo’s use of this adverb communicates his growing understanding that Macbeth is evil, ensnared by the witches.
After acceding to the throne, Macbeth orders Banquo’s murder, having become worried that his friend is the only one knows about the witches’ prophecies – and therefore that he will deduce that Macbeth murdered Duncan. The audience feels great pathos for Banquo’s death, as he fights heroically to save his son, Fleance, and has been betrayed by his closest friend. Whilst Shakespeare presents the murder of Duncan as a challenge to the Divine Right of Kings, the killing of Banquo is deeply personal and the audience are unsettled by Macbeth’s ability to put friendship aside in order to succeed in his ambitions.
Yet this is not the end for Banquo’s character: his ghost appears at Macbeth’s banquet in Act 3 Scene 4. This is perhaps the most dramatic scene in the play, and the appearance of the ghost is a visual symbol of Macbeth’s guilt and torment at the sacrifices he has made to secure his kingship. Overcome by horror, Macbeth cries at the ghost: “never shake thy gory locks at me”. The imperative phrase (“never shake”) falls on deaf ears and Shakespeare reveals how Macbeth is completely unable to command supernatural forces. Additionally, the “gory locks” continue the motif of blood which is found throughout the play. From the blood on Macbeth’s hands after Duncan’s murder, to the blood that Lady Macbeth imagines in Act 5, a trail of gore follows the ruthless couple’s journey to power.
Overall, Shakespeare presents Banquo as a character foil for Macbeth. Whilst he is given a similar prophecy to his friend, Banquo chooses the righteous path, ignoring temptation and remaining loyal to the true king. Therefore, he is the epitome of integrity.
Amy Smith Literature 