Shakespeare's Message in Macbeth

What does Banquo mean when he says he must 'keep my allegiance clear'?

Being loyal to any king, potentially making him an ally

How does Banquo's response to evil differ from Macbeth's?

Banquo questions the source of evil, while Macbeth succumbs to it

Why does Banquo question 'are you aught that man may question?' when confronted by the witches?

To highlight his suspicion towards their trustworthiness

What does Banquo's reaction 'what, can the devil speak true' suggest about him?

He views the witches as agents of the devil Signup and view all the answers

How does Banquo's suspicious nature towards the witches impact his actions?

He is able to resist the witches' temptations to sin Signup and view all the answers

In what way is Banquo's language described as 'non-committal'?

He uses vague and carefully chosen words Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is Shakespeare's message to the audience?

Everyone is capable of evil and must resist it. Signup and view all the answers

What is Banquo's flaw according to the passage?

Ambition Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Banquo reveal the evil prophecy?

He wants the prophecy to come true. Signup and view all the answers

How does Banquo view the Witches according to the passage?

As agents of the devil trying to tempt him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Banquo's resistance to the Witches' temptations represent?

His moral superiority over others. Signup and view all the answers

What does the use of terminology benefit in the exam, according to the passage?

It can greatly benefit AO2 for subject terminology. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Banquo suspect Macbeth?

Because Banquo can identify evil as a moral person. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Banquo differ from Macbeth according to the text?

Banquo is less ambitious but more morally upright. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text mention Banquo's loyalty throughout the play?

To show that Banquo is widely regarded as noble and honourable. Signup and view all the answers

How does Banquo's status compare to Macbeth's according to the Witches' prediction?

Banquo is predicted to be lesser in status but morally superior to Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What quality does Banquo possess that is highlighted by his obedience to God and the 'Great Chain of Being'?

Loyalty and moral integrity. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text compare Banquo to Iago from Shakespeare's 'Othello'?

To contrast Banquo's honesty with Iago's deceitfulness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Banquo's ghost appearing at the banquet held by Macbeth and his wife?

It represents Macbeth's growing paranoia and guilt over Banquo's murder. Signup and view all the answers

How does Banquo's relationship with Macbeth change over the course of the play?

Macbeth becomes increasingly suspicious and distrustful of Banquo. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Witches' prophecies in shaping the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo?

The prophecies create a division between Macbeth and Banquo, with Macbeth becoming obsessed and Banquo remaining skeptical. Signup and view all the answers

How does the appearance of Banquo's ghost at the banquet contribute to the overall theme of guilt and paranoia in the play?

It demonstrates how Macbeth's paranoia and guilt are causing him to hallucinate and lose his grip on reality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo in the context of the play's exploration of ambition and power?

Banquo's relationship with Macbeth serves as a foil, emphasizing Macbeth's own ruthless pursuit of power. Signup and view all the answers

How does the contrast between Macbeth and Banquo's responses to the Witches' prophecies contribute to the play's exploration of free will and determinism?

The contrast shows that some individuals are more susceptible to the influence of supernatural forces than others. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text reveal about Banquo's character?

Banquo is a moralistic and responsible character who is not easily influenced. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Banquo tell Fleance to 'fly' and 'thou mayst avenge'?

Banquo wants Fleance to escape and then take revenge on Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the relationship between Banquo and Fleance?

The text uses formal language like 'boy' and 'sir' to suggest a distant relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What does Banquo's statement 'I dream'd last night of the three weird sisters' suggest?

Banquo had been thinking about the Witches before they met. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about Shakespeare's potential oversight regarding the execution of the Thane of Cawdor?

The text dismisses the issue as an unimportant oversight on Shakespeare's part. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe Macbeth's response to the Witches' prophecies?

Macbeth commands the Witches to stay, revealing his desperation to believe their prophecies. Signup and view all the answers