Banquo And Macbeth Essay

Banquo and Macbeth Controlled Assessment Practice

Throughout the play of Macbeth, the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo changes largely, due to the events of Act 1, scene 3. This essay will not only highlight this change of relationship, during Act 1, scene 3 and the rest of the play, but also show the differences in both characters personalities and reactions and how those around them react to them. Throughout, the essay will also refer, and compare to the 1971 film of Macbeth, directed by Polanski.

At the beginning of the play, it is quite clear that the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo is one of strength and closeness. They are often coupled, for example, during Act1, scene 2, where they are referred to as Our captains, Macbeth and Banquo after the battle. The witches also refer to them as a pair, hailing both Macbeth and Banquo together, and then repeating this in opposite direction. All hail Macbeth and Banquo, Banquo and Macbeth all hail. In the film, the audience immediately realises the closeness of the pair, as they ride in together in a very relaxed and content manner. As they are alone, it gives the impression that they enjoy each others company, and so are always together. However, throughout the scene, there relationship begins to deteriorate, starting with the prophecy given to Banquo. Indeed, at the end of the scene in the film, the two ride of separately, with quite a distance between them, showing how their relationship has changed. With Macbeth previously been told that he is to be King, it is then proclaimed that Banquos children shall follow, Thou shalt get Kings. This means that Banquos children must remove Macbeth from the throne, and so Macbeth becomes wary of this. During the film, Macbeth tells Banquo that the witches have vanished, even though he watched them disappear into the ground. Macbeth later visits this place, but does not tell Banquo where they are, and so this secrecy from Banquo is another event in which part of their relationship, trust, is broken. During Act 2, scene 1, Macbeth requests to converse with Banquo of the witches and his opinion in the matter, let us speak our true hearts to each other. Here, it could be viewed, Macbeth is deciding whether to entrust his ideas of murder with Banquo, however, these thoughts could be crushed when Macbeth replies My bosom franchisd and allegiance clear, making it clear that he wants no handling in the matter. At the finality of Banquos words, it is palpable that Macbeth cannot share his ideas with Banquo, and so their relationship is fully broken, as there is no trust left. In the performed version, whilst in Macbeths tent, Banquo hovers near the entrance of the tent, and does not enter. Also, Macbeth does not reply to his friend, and this makes Banquo leave, showing a lack in communication. Banquo also is suspicious of Macbeth, and, after the murder, believes Macbeth played most foully for the role of King. This means that their relationship is now one of negative suspicion, much different to the beginning of the play. The reason for this is due to their differences in reaction to the prophecies, and their differences in personality. Where Macbeth decides it cannot be ill, Banquo refers to the prophecies as instruments of darkness.

Although, at the start of the play, both friends appear very close, their reactions to the prophecies are very different. This could be due to the prophecies referring directly to Macbeth, whereas Banquos are less clear and still concern Macbeth. Instead of taking the prophecies seriously, as Macbeth does, Banquo ridicules the witches in the film, with a grin on his face and a small sarcastic bow of the head, in fake respect. He appears not bothered of whether he receives a prophecy, as he neither begs nor fears the witches. Quite opposite, Macbeth appears rapt and is intrigued and desperate to know more of his supposed future. He is very demanding and tells the witches tell me more, whilst in the film, charging after them. Some may view Macbeths reaction as one of fright, and this could be because he has previously had thoughts about being King, and so is shocked that it has been pronounced true. Alternatively, Macbeths reaction could simply be perceived of one of shock, as he has never thought of the idea before. Macbeth appears very ambitious, the greatest is behind, and later in the play comments the firstlings of my heart shall be the firstlings of my hand. This shows that whatever he sets his mind to, he follows through, and Macbeth may be well known for this character. If this is the case, it may worry Banquo that the idea of royalty has been planted in Macbeths mind, as he may be a person who will not stop until he has conquered. Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way in repose is a perfect example of this, as it shows that Banquo is frightened of the thoughts that the prophecies may have provoked. Macbeth. Where Banquo suggests the prophecies as an insane root, Macbeth refers to them as intelligence, showing he truly believes in the prophecies. After the prophecies, Macbeth immediately thinks evil thoughts, and of murder whose murder is yet fantastical and is frightened by the prospect of what lays ahead, as it unfixes his hair. Toward the end of the play, this fear is vanished, as his thoughts have become so evil, and he comments I have almost forgot the taste of fears, showing the development and evil thoughts of his character. In the performed version, ss soon as Banquo comments how Macbeth is rapt with awe, Macbeth changes back to normal, to try and cover these thoughts. He also comments If chance shall have me King, why chance may crown me without my stir, perhaps trying to convince Banquo, or himself, that he has no evil thoughts and is innocent.

The difference in status between the two characters is quite important, as allows the audience to see deeper into their relationship. Macbeth appears of higher status of Banquo, as he is referred to first in Act 1, scene 2, and also receives Thane of Cawdor where Banquo receives nothing. Also, Banquo refers to him as Good Sir and My noble partner, perhaps showing how he gives him respect, but this does not seem to be returned by Macbeth. Others view Macbeth as very brave and strong, with both characters being referred to as cannons overchargd with double cracks. It appears that Banquo is treated second in command, and that the King favours Macbeth, as he gives him honours and stays in his castle, where Banquo is given very little praise. However, Banquo is not used to Macbeth being Thane of Cawdor, and perhaps is jealous or views himself just as worthy, as he refers to the title as a strange garment on Macbeth. This imagery of ill-fitting clothes is repeated throughout the play, showing how Macbeth, perhaps, does not deserve or is not worthy of the titles he receives. Near the end of the play, his role of King is viewed as hanging loosely about him, like a giants robe upon a dwarfish thief. Although Macbeth seems much more praised and respected than Banquo, Banquo is portrayed, especially in the performed version, as very relaxed and content, as he often smiles and jokes with his friend, as well as Angus and Ross later on. This means that he is, perhaps, viewed as less of a serious character, and so may be the reason for his lack of praise. During the performed version, part of the scene is filmed in Macbeths tent, which he has a private tent. The audience cannot see whether others share their tents, but this may also be a sign of his leadership and high status, is he has his own tent. Also in the film, others are always waiting for Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure, which could also show respect for him and how he is the leader.

Due to the prophecies told my the witches, and the differences in reactions of both characters, it is difficult for Macbeth and Banquo to stay close and communicate, as it affected Macbeth much more than it affected Banquo, and both are aware of this. Due to this, it results in Banquos death, as Macbeth cannot let Banquos suspicions and knowledge follow him. Banquo would perhaps have never have acted on his suspicions, however, Macbeth acted out, and so it is not known. The performed version reflects these points, as the difference in characters is very obvious, and so it is easy to see the change in relationship. This essay has made references to both the text and 1971 performed version of Macbeth, directed by Polanski, making an analytical overview of the two characters and their relationship.