Banquo

     In Shakespeare’s Macbeth the character of Banquo is a Scottish Nobleman and Thane of Lochaber. As such he is a Commander in the Scottish King Duncan's army along with Macbeth, with whom his is a friend. In act 1 scene 2 the discussion between Duncan and the sergeant make it clear that Banquo as well as Macbeth were heroes in the battle. Banquo has one son in the novel, named Fleance.

 

     In the play Banquo is depicted as an antithesis to Macbeth. While both are ambitious and brave men Macbeth acts on these ambitions despite the immoral acts he must do in order to achieve his goals while Banquo does not allow his ambitions to translate into actions and become him. Banquo is depicted throughout the novel as a brave and moral character, acting without regard for himself, only for what he feels is right. To counter this bravery and honesty Macbeth kills the King in his sleep and eventually hires assassins to kill Banquo, rather than face him himself. The ultimate loyalty of Banquo is shown after the murder of Duncan when there is suspicion of Macbeth being the murderer of King Duncan. Banquo says nothing to accuse his friend and stands by him loyalty. On the other hand when Macbeth begins to see Banquo as a threat to him he casts aside his friendship and hires men to have Banquo and his son Fleance murdered. After his murder Banquo's ghost continues to haunt Macbeth at his banquet, distressing him enough to rave in front of the other nobles and reveal to them that he is the actual killer of Duncan.

 

     Both Banquo and Macbeth receive a prophesy from the Weird Sisters. While Macbeth is told he will be king Banquo is told that his son's will be kings. The way Banquo acts on this prediction is with instant rejection of it while Macbeth is shown to embrace it. Banquo's handling of the prophesy shows the route opposite that which Macbeth took, the route of loyalty rather than greed and self interest. In Act II, Scene I Banquo says "Hold, take my sword. There's husbandry in heaven: Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, And yet I would not sleep: merciful powers, Restrain me in the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to repose" In this line he gives his sword to Fleance and speaks of restraining himself from his cursed thoughts and the summons that lies upon him. This line shows Banquo has been dreaming of treachery against the king to fulfill the prophesy but has decided to do all he can in order to restrain himself from that action.

 

 

    Banquo's role in the play is very important despite his relative lack of lines. His character symbolizes all that is noble, loyal, and pure in contrast to Macbeth, and his ghost causes Macbeth to reveal his murder of Duncan to the other Scottish nobles, which leads to his downfall. In the end Macbeth is killed but his son lives on, and eventually his descendant do become the kings of Scotland and eventually Britain itself. This fulfillment of the prophesy despite Banquo's loyalty perhaps shows that in the end it is the good who will succeed, even if they have to suffer and sacrifice, while those who are dishonest and use un-natural means to  benefit will truly suffer in the long run.

 

 

 

Banquo and MacBeth with the Wierd sisters.

Banquo being murdered while Fleance escapes.

Banquo's ghost at the Banquet.

By Mr. Robert John Patrick Masciantonio