macbeth essay questions banquo

by William Shakespeare

Macbeth essay questions.

Macbeth is often cited as a famous example of what the American sociologist Robert Merton called a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Discuss how the mechanism of the witches’ prophecy works in terms of its self-fulfillment.

Suggested Answer

The question may be approached by examining the psychology behind Macbeth’s character and his relationship with Lady Macbeth (e.g. his easily-tempted character becomes his fate). It may also be fruitful to perform a close reading of the passage around Banquo’s famous lines “If you can look into the seeds of time / And say which grain will grow and which will not, / Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear / Your favours nor your hate” (1.3.55-59). An ambitious essay might also consider a comparison to Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex or another play containing a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Imagine a staging of Macbeth. Who would play the third murderer who appears unannounced? Who would play the anonymous messenger who warns Lady Macduff about her imminent doom? Why?

Consider current and past productions of Macbeth. There is a certain logic to staging Macbeth as the third murderer, for example, and Ross as the messenger. How would a different staging change the dynamics of the play?

Some critics have considered the porter scene out of place in an otherwise cruel and compact play. Does it really provide comic really relief? How do you imagine the scene to be staged?

Suggest Answer

Compare and contrast a lighter, comic staging to a darker, hellish staging. Here, the issue is simply tone, as the text supports either interpretation. If the porter's comic relief is properly juxtaposed against the violent circumstances, he comes across more as pitiable than a discordant jester.

Macbeth is the one to express doubts over murdering Duncan but it is Lady Macbeth on whom the burden of crime takes its toll. How do the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth develop differently over the course of the play?

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth can be considered to have switched characters, in a broad sense, over the course of the play. Lady Macbeth goes from proclaiming “unsex me here” to “All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand” (I v 39; V i 42-43), Macbeth becomes more resolute and tyrannical as the play progresses. And yet Lady Macbeth also shows a morsel of humanity early on in the play. After she has intoxicated Duncan’s two guards, she remarks: “I laid their daggers ready; / He could not miss’em. Had he [Duncan] not resembled / My father as he slept, I had done’t” (2.2.11-13). The question lies in the judgment of whether a coherent psychological picture underlies the two characters, or whether they serve to illustrate some more or less formulaic “meaning.”

Perform a close reading of Macbeth’s soliloquy beginning “She should have died hereafter” and ending “It is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing” (5.5.7-27). Why does Macbeth believe that Lady Macbeth should have died on a future date? What does he think lies in the future? What does this say about his character?

There are many possible interpretations of the passage—in particular of his comment about Lady Macbeth’s death. One answer will draw on Macbeth’s lines immediately preceding the soliloquy in question. In the past, he claims, a sound such as Lady Macbeth’s shriek of death would have shocked him deeply, but at present he has become unmoved and apathetic. Macbeth still seems to believe that the future holds peace for his reign. At the same time, he seems to have already accepted Lady Macbeth’s death as inevitable. What does this calm acceptance say about how his character has changed?

What is the significance of Macbeth’s vision of the dagger and of Banquo’s ghost in the play?

Macbeth’s visions seem to be indicative of his guilty conscience. At the same time, they also seem to interact with the supernatural order that the witches have brought about - the three apparitions and their specific prophecies. It would also be interesting to consider different stagings of such visions.

Discuss the exchange between Malcolm and Macduff in Act V Scene iii. Is Malcolm really testing Macduff—and if so, why does he do it? What is the dramatic significance of the testing?

The scene immediately proceeds the murder of Lady Macduff and Macduff’s son. Given the dramatic irony that Macduff has yet to hear the news, the scene seems to heighten the sense of cruelty that pervades the play. It may also be worthwhile to consider a counterfactual alternative: what would have happened if Macduff had responded differently? Could he have responded differently?

Discuss the dramatic conclusion of Macbeth. The resolution to the problems presented by the later prophecies relies on a play of words. Macduff was not technically “born” of a woman, so to speak, and Birnam Wood only “comes” to Dunsinane Hill in a manner of speaking. For a play as grave as Macbeth , does not such a resolution seem strangely lacking in gravity?

The resolution of the play may attest to the power of words. The plot of the play—in all its terrible events of regicide and murders—are after all driven by nothing but a few words uttered by three weird sisters. These same words, of course, are powerful enough to overthrow a kingdom twice.

Why can Macbeth not bring himself to pronounce one “Amen” when Duncan’s guards say “God bless us” on their deathbeds (2.2.26-27)? Does this paint a coherent psychological picture? If not, what dramatic purpose does the scene serve?

Although Macbeth does not always act rationally, he is by no means an unintelligent character. On the contrary, his famous soliloquy beginning “She should have died hereafter” in Act V Scene v is testament to his perceptive worldview—if not his poetic sensibility. His inability to pronounce “Amen” may attest to the fact that he finds such a pronouncement overwhelmingly hypocritical.

The account of Duncan and Macbeth differs significantly between Macbeth and its primary source, Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland . Compare the two accounts and discuss the effects of Shakespeare’s changes.

In Holinshed's account, Macbeth is a ruthless and valiant leader who rules competently after killing Duncan, whereas Duncan is portrayed as a young and soft-willed man. Shakespeare draws out certain aspects of the two characters in order to create a stronger sense of polarity. Whereas Duncan is made out to be a venerable and kindly older king, Macbeth is transformed into an indecisive and troubled young man who cannot possibly rule well.

Macbeth Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Macbeth is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

The third which says that Banquo's sons shall be kings, Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!

Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3 questions

What is significant about the first words that Macbeth speaks in the play?

A motif or recurring idea in the play is equivocation. There is the balance of the dark and the light, the good and the bad. Macbeth's first line reflects this. It...

What news took the wind out of Macbeth's invincibility?

Macbeth rethinks his invincibility when MacDuff tells him that he was torn from his mother's womb.

Study Guide for Macbeth

Macbeth study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Macbeth
• Macbeth Summary
• Macbeth Video
• Character List

Essays for Macbeth

Macbeth essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

• Serpentine Imagery in Shakespeare's Macbeth
• Macbeth's Evolution
• Jumping the Life to Come
• Deceptive Appearances in Macbeth
• Unity in Shakespeare's Tragedies

Lesson Plan for Macbeth

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Macbeth
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Macbeth Bibliography

E-Text of Macbeth

Macbeth e-text contains the full text of Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

• Persons Represented
• Act I, Scene I
• Act I, Scene II
• Act I, Scene III
• Act I, Scene IV

Wikipedia Entries for Macbeth

• Introduction
• Sources for the play
• Date and text

Character: Banquo

• Banquo introduction in the opening scenes portrays him as Macbeth’s comrade and earned equal merit in their successful battle.
• Banquo, known for his integrity , presents a stark contrast to Macbeth as he navigates the prophecy with caution.

Relationships

• Banquo shows a cordial relationship with Macbeth initially, but grows progressively doubtful and wary as Macbeth ascends to the throne.
• As a father, Banquo is shown to have a loving relationship with Fleance , which contrasts with Macbeth’s lack of legitimate heirs.

The Witches’ Prophecy

• The witches prophesy that Banquo will be the ‘father of kings’ , which forms a major part of his character arc. Buf he doesn’t interpret or manipulate these predictions as Macbeth does.

The Ghost of Banquo

• After his murder, Banquo’s ghost is seen by Macbeth, suggesting the guilt and terror haunting Macbeth’s conscience.

Loyalty and Courage

• Loyalty is a significant trait seen in Banquo. He stays loyal to his king and suspicions about Macbeth do not deviate him into treachery.
• Despite suspecting that Macbeth had a role in Duncan’s murder, Banquo shows courage in maintaining composure and not rushing into accusations.

Banquo as a Foil to Macbeth

• Banquo acts as a foil character for Macbeth; where Macbeth succumbs to ambition, Banquo remains loyal and virtuous.
• Banquo’s character highlights Macbeth’s lost morality and tragic deterioration.

Banquo’s Legacy

• Banquo’s lineage eventually takes the throne, fulfilling the witches’ prophecy, and correcting the damaging course set by Macbeth.
• Banquo’s character lives beyond his physical presence in the play, demonstrating the continued power of his integrity.

Themes Associated

• Ambition and its Consequences : Banquo’s response to the prophecy shows a contrasting approach to Macbeth’s ruthless ambition.
• Appearance vs Reality : Banquo’s scepticism towards the witches points to this central theme of the play.
• Banquo’s Ghost : The appearance of Banquo’s ghost serves to symbolise Macbeth’s guilt and the dire consequences of his actions.
• Fleance’s Escape : The escape of Banquo’s son Fleance symbolises the hope for justice and the future restoration of order in Scotland.

Character Analysis

(Click the character infographic to download.)

Like Macbeth, Banquo was a general in King Duncan's army. Unlike Macbeth, Banquo never committed regicide. But are these the only differences between them?

Macbeth thinks a lot of his friend. (Well, maybe frenemy. ) When he's contemplating whether or not to kill him, he says:

                                     'tis much he dares; And, to that dauntless temper of his mind, He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour To act in safety. There is none but he Whose being I do fear: and, under him, My Genius is rebuked; (3.1.55-61)

In other words, Macbeth admires Banquo's bravery—and fears his wisdom. He's not just the muscle of the operation. In fact, he's wise enough to know that something shady is going on. After Duncan's murder, he's the one to tell the nobles to "meet,/ And question this most bloody piece of work" (2.3.149-150); and he's the first one to suspect that Macbeth has played'st most foully" for the crown (3.1.3).

Ask No Questions

Banquo's natural suspicion protects him. Okay, it doesn't exactly protect him—he still dies—but he doesn't die damned, like Macbeth. His soul is safe. When he and Macbeth encounter the witches, Macbeth is just like, "durr hurr, talk to me," but Banquo wants to know more :

                               What are these So wither'd and so wild in their attire, That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth, And yet are on't? Live you? or are you aught That man may question? You seem to understand me, By each at once her chappy finger laying Upon her skinny lips: you should be women, And yet your beards forbid me to interpret That you are so. (1.3.40-49)

Sure, Macbeth asks, "What are you?," but Banquo is the one who says, "Um, dude, maybe they're tricking you." (Well, actually, he says, "oftentimes, to win us to our harm,/ The instruments of darkness tell us truths,/ Win us with honest trifles, to betray's" [1.3.135-137], but we thought you might appreciate the short version. )

These questions tell us that Banquo is cautious. Macbeth may dive right into evil without even stopping to pee first, but Banquo takes his time. Even when he wants to know his future, he does it cautiously, saying that he "neither beg[s] nor fear[s]/ Your favors nor your hate" (1.3.63-64).

If Banquo is so cautious and suspicious, then why does he end up dead? Like Macbeth, he may have just a touch of the old ambition. Right before he gets brutally murdered, he has a little imaginary conversation with Macbeth:

Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all, As the Weird Women promised, and, I fear, Thou played'st most foully for't: Yet it was said It should not stand in thy posterity, But that myself should be the root and father Of many kings. If there come truth from them  (As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine) Why, by the verities on thee made good, May they not be my oracles as well, And set me up in hope? But hush, no more. (3.1.1-10)

Banquo tells himself to hush, but it's too late: there's a part of him that wants to be the "root and father/ Of many kings." Is that hope what keeps him from snitching on Macbeth? Or did he just not get the chance?

Tired of ads?

Cite this source, logging out…, logging out....

You've been inactive for a while, logging you out in a few seconds...

W hy's T his F unny?

William Shakespeare

• Literature Notes
• Essay Questions
• Macbeth at a Glance
• Play Summary
• About Macbeth
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Act I: Scene 1
• Act I: Scene 2
• Act I: Scene 3
• Act I: Scene 4
• Act I: Scene 5
• Act I: Scene 6
• Act I: Scene 7
• Act II: Scene 1
• Act II: Scene 2
• Act II: Scene 3
• Act II: Scene 4
• Act III: Scene 1
• Act III: Scene 2
• Act III: Scene 3
• Act III: Scene 4
• Act III: Scene 5
• Act III: Scene 6
• Act IV: Scene 1
• Act IV: Scene 2
• Act IV: Scene 3
• Act V: Scene 1
• Act V: Scene 2
• Act V: Scene 3
• Act V: Scene 4
• Act V: Scene 5
• Act V: Scene 6
• Act V: Scene 7
• Act V: Scene 8
• Act V: Scene 9
• Character Analysis
• Lady Macbeth
• Character Map
• William Shakespeare Biography
• Critical Essays
• Major Themes
• Major Symbols and Motifs
• Macbeth on the Stage
• Famous Quotes
• Film Versions
• Full Glossary
• Practice Projects
• Cite this Literature Note

Study Help Essay Questions

1. Agree or disagree with the following statement: " Macbeth is a play about courage, which asserts the triumph of good over evil." In answering this question, you should remember that courageous acts are not always motivated by virtue.

2. Examine to what extent Lady Macbeth is to blame for her husband's downfall. Discuss the relationship between the couple as the play develops.

3. Discuss whether Macbeth is truly a tragic figure.

4. Some people suggest that the porter scene is included only so that the actor playing Macbeth has time to wash the blood off his hands. Do you agree? Or do you think the scene serves other purposes? Explain your answer.

5. From your reading, explain what Shakespeare imagined to be the qualities of a good king. How do Duncan and Macbeth fit this role? How might Malcolm do so?

6. Consider the use that Shakespeare makes of supernatural elements in this play. Be sure to include the Witches, the dagger, Banquo's ghost, the apparitions, and the Old Man's observations in your assessment.

Previous Full Glossary

Next Practice Projects

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Macbeth — Macbeth And Banquo Analysis

Macbeth and Banquo Analysis

• Categories: Macbeth

About this sample

Words: 711 |

Published: Mar 14, 2024

Words: 711 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof. Kifaru

Verified writer

• Expert in: Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 524 words

2 pages / 857 words

2 pages / 972 words

3.5 pages / 1480 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Macbeth

Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Early 1600s.Corrigan, Timothy. 'Ambition and Its Consequences in Shakespeare's Macbeth.' College Literature, vol. 30, no. 1, 2003, pp. 124-147.Smith, John. 'The Role of the Witches in Macbeth: An [...]

Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2009.Bradley, A. C. 'The Witch Scenes in Macbeth.' In Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. Macmillan, 1904.Knight, G. Wilson. 'The [...]

Macbeth, one of William Shakespeare's most renowned tragedies, delves into the intricate nuances of macbeth masculinity. Set against a backdrop of power, ambition, and betrayal, the play offers a profound exploration of how [...]

Aydın, Can. 'Fate and Freedom in Shakespeare.' Accessed from: https://www.academia.edu/29784209/Fate_and_Freedom_in_Shakespeare

The Macbeth (1971) film production by Roman Polanski blends this classic Shakespearean tragedy to the film noir cinema genre creating a rich, dynamic combination. Classic film noir encapsulates "pessimism, bleakness, despair and [...]

Macbeth is about contradiction and ambition, the play was written by the famous play wright William Shakespeare. The play is about a Macbeth who is driven to become king, Macbeth kills all and any that get in his way of [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• International
• Schools directory
• Resources Jobs Schools directory News Search

EXEMPLAR ESSAY on BANQUO in 'Macbeth' GCSE 9-1 English Literature

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

10 February 2021

• Share through email
• Share through twitter
• Share through linkedin
• Share through facebook
• Share through pinterest

This resource is a model essay answering the following question: How does Shakespeare present Banquo in ‘Macbeth’?

It is of GCSE standard and targeted at teachers who want to show their students a grade 7-9 answer that they can analyse and obtain ideas from.

Tes paid licence How can I reuse this?

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 38%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

MACBETH ALL ESSAY RESPONSES 9-1 NEW GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE

This bundle resource includes essays answering the following questions: * How does Shakespeare present ambition in Macbeth? * How does Shakespeare present Banquo in Macbeth? * How does Shakespeare present guilt in Macbeth? * How does Shakespeare present Lady Macbeth in Macbeth? * How does Shakespeare present the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in 'Macbeth'? * How does Shakespeare present the Witches in Macbeth? * How does Shakespeare present violence in Macbeth? * How does Shakespeare present Macduff in Macbeth? This resource is targeted at students sitting the 9-1 GCSE English Literature Exam. Teachers are encouraged to purchase this resource so that they can show their students exemplar essay responses to analyse and obtain ideas from. All essay responses in this resource cover all aspects needed for a grade 8/9 answer.

MACBETH ESSAYS ON CHARACTERS NEW GCSE 9-1 ENGLISH LITERATURE

This bundle resource includes essays answering the following questions: * How does Shakespeare present Banquo in Macbeth? * How does Shakespeare present Lady Macbeth in Macbeth? * How does Shakespeare present Macduff in Macbeth? * How does Shakespeare present the Witches in Macbeth? This resource is targeted at students sitting the 9-1 GCSE English Literature Exam. Teachers are encouraged to purchase this resource so that they can show their students exemplar essay responses to analyse and obtain ideas from. All essay responses in this resource cover all aspects needed for a grade 8/9 answer.

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource: