Macbeth Act 2 Analysis

Study Notes

Banquo's Suspicion

Banquo expresses doubt about Macbeth's rise to power, suspecting foul play in fulfilling the witches' prophecy.
He contemplates the potential for the prophecy to be equally valid for his own lineage, highlighting his ambivalence between suspicion and ambition.

Macbeth's Manipulation

Macbeth invites Banquo to a feast, demonstrating a facade of camaraderie, while plotting his demise.
Banquo plans to ride for business, taking his son Fleance along, which increases Macbeth's motive for murder since both threaten his throne.

Macbeth's Inner Turmoil

Alone, Macbeth reflects on the consequences of his actions, revealing his anxieties about Banquo's descendants inheriting the throne.
His desire to kill Banquo stems from jealousy and the need to ensure his actions do not lead to a wasted murder of Duncan.

Guilt and Ambition

Macbeth's guilt over Duncan's murder drives him to contemplate another killing, as he seeks to validate his earlier decision through further violence.
This cycle of guilt and ambition shows Macbeth’s moral decay and desperate need to secure his power.

Recruitment of Murderers

Macbeth enlists two murderers by blaming Banquo for their poverty and questioning their masculinity, a manipulation tactic reminiscent of Lady Macbeth’s influence on him.
The murderers' agreement to kill both Banquo and Fleance signifies Macbeth's spiraling descent into moral corruption and treachery.

Description

This quiz explores Banquo's suspicions and ambitions in Act 2 of Macbeth. It delves into the themes of prophecy, ambition, and morality as depicted in the interactions between Banquo, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth. Test your understanding of these characters and their motivations!