Banquo suspects Macbeth but gains comfort from the second part of the Witches' prediction — that his own children will be kings. Having announced his intention to go riding with Fleance, Banquo is persuaded by the Macbeths to return later that evening to their new palace at Forres for a special feast. However, Macbeth realizes that the Witches' prophecy regarding Banquo represents a threat to his own position. Unable to endure the thought of Banquo's descendants claiming his position, Macbeth summons two hired murderers and confirms with them prior arrangements for the killing of Banquo and Fleance. Show Analysis Banquo's short soliloquy has two purposes: It reminds the audience of the details of the Witches' prophecy in Act I, and it reveals his own suspicion that Macbeth is Duncan's murderer. Ironically, his tone also recalls the ambitious tone of Macbeth in earlier scenes. Macbeth and his wife make arrangements for the feast with all the confidence of their new rank. Note particularly Macbeth's adoption of the royal "we," The use of the plural in place of the singular pronoun is a traditional figure of speech by which the monarch expresses not only unity with his people but also his absolute authority over them. Banquo, once equal in status with Macbeth, acknowledges Macbeth's new position by addressing him throughout the scene as "my lord." Other aspects of language confirm Macbeth's new status: strong verse rhythms, for example, appear in lines such as "Here's our chief guest" and "Fail not our feast." Macbeth's apparent disregard for time — of which he now has plenty — is clear in expressions such as "but we'll take tomorrow" and "But of that tomorrow." The word "tomorrow," like "hereafter," is full of irony in Macbeth. Tomorrow should be full of hope for the future, but the word comes back to haunt him later in the play. His use of the word here foreshadows the famous "Tomorrow and tomorrow" speech in Act V. Even with his new title and robes of office, Macbeth does not feel entirely at ease: The security of his kingship rests partly on his own children's succession to the crown of Scotland. However, because he has no children of his own, his treacherous act of regicide — the murder of a king — appears pointless and has been committed on behalf of Banquo's promised successors. The soliloquy that Macbeth delivers is filled with the language of contrast. His split with Banquo is emphasized by opposing pronouns: "They hailed him father to a line of kings: / Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown, / And put a barren sceptre in my grip . . . " (60-62). The line "To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!" (70) is almost incredulous, as if Macbeth is trying to convince himself that the Witches could not possibly have spoken the truth. Whereas Banquo still trusts in the fateful prophecy, Macbeth is all too ready to dismiss it. In Act I, Scene 2, the wounded captain reported that Macbeth the warrior-hero was prepared to disdain Fortune. Now Macbeth the murderer goes one step further by literally challenging Fate itself to a tournament (or "list"): "Rather than so, come, fate, into the list / And champion me to the utterance" (71-72). Note that the verb "to champion" here has its original meaning: to fight against, not for. The entry of the hired murderers is a crucial element in the development of Macbeth's character. His use of others to do his dirty work presents him as politically powerful but morally weak. Long gone are the days when Macbeth would meet his enemy "front to front." Now he must commit murder with the seeming protection of distance — "something [distant] from the palace" (133). Shakespeare also contrasts ironically the murderers' pragmatic reaction to the idea of murder with Macbeth's conscience-stricken one. In this scene, we meet Macbeth for the first time. The witches gather on the moor and cast a spell as Macbeth and Banquo arrive. The witches hail Macbeth first by his title Thane of Glamis, then as Thane of Cawdor and finally as king. They then prophesy that Banquo’s children will become kings. Macbeth demands to know more but the witches vanish. Ross and Angus arrive to tell Macbeth that he has been given the title Thane of Cawdor by Duncan. You can take a look at the scene here. Using the following steps, remember to look at it line by line and if you’re looking at the scene for the first time, don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at once.
How far is’t called to Forres? Forres is a place near to King Duncan’s camp. The Weird Sisters, hand in hand, What are these Banquo is not sure whether the witches are human because of how they look. What do you imagine they look like? Speak, if you can: what are you? All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee Thane of Glamis. All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee Thane of Cawdor. All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter. Why do you think Macbeth doesn’t respond immediately to the witches’ prophecies? Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear Why are you scared by words that promise an amazing future? You have given my friend such great news about what his future holds that he is completely spellbound. If you can foretell what will happen in the future and say what will happen and what won't. Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none: Your children and descendants will be kings. Banquo, and Macbeth, all hail. The WITCHES turn to leave. Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more: The idea of being king is completely unbelievable. How many questions do Macbeth and Banquo ask of the witches and why do you think the witches don’t answer? What does Banquo say about the prophecies?Banquo notices that Macbeth was impressed by the Witches' prophecies and suspects that he will prove to be disloyal to the king. However, Banquo is also impressed by the Witches when it comes to the prophecy about his sons becoming kings, perhaps suggesting that he too is susceptible to the lure of power.
How does Banquo feel about the witches prophecy in Act 2?Banquo, who has accompanied Duncan to Inverness, is uneasy because he too is tempted by the witches' prophecies, although only in his dreams.
Why does Banquo distrust the witches prophecy?In Act III Scene I, what does Banquo say about the witches' prophecies? He suspects that Macbeth cheated his way to the throne and wonders if his own prophecy will come true. Why does Macbeth view Banquo as a rival? The witches prophesied Banquo would be father of a line of kings while Macbeth would have no sons.
What are the three predictions the witches predict about Banquo?The three prophecy that the witches predict are that 1) Macbeth will become King of Scotland, 2) that he will also be named Thane of Cawdor, and 3) That Banquo's heirs will be kings.
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What does Banquo think about the witches predictions
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